The networking in quotations because it seems like whenever a woman is out and about attempting to establish connections with men, in that networking sense, it never quite works out that way.  I know there are many women reading this that can attest to what I’m talking about.

I’ll use myself as an example. I met this young businessman at a gallery opening.  The music wasn’t too loud, there was wine and everyone there was pretty much networking.  It wasn’t a singles event, it was a gallery opening and everyone there was just trying to get to know everyone, though most people already knew eachother.  Me being me, I’m making my rounds making sure that I know everyone and everyone knows me.  (Being in PR I just figure that I should be very familiar with the public, like on a personal basis.)  Anyway, I introduce myself to this man and start talking to him, picking his brain attempting to establish a good connection.  The guy happens to work stock and trades and such, which is a jackpot for me since I’m about to invest.  Of course, I mention my interest in investing and how I could possibly take my investment business to him, personally.  But I also explain that “this is something that can be explained at a later date and time.”  In his mind, the later date and time is dinner and a movie.

Huh? First, not to write dinner off as him immediately trying to “court” me it’s just that most people who share a meal to discuss business usually do it over lunch or brunch.  Secondly, the movie is completely irrelevant and this is no longer a business deal.

I just don’t understand why it’s so hard for women to be seen as a respectable business associates in this game. (By game I mean any profession in which networking is an essential tool.) Why not meet me at Starbucks?  Why not a game of tennis or golf? Why must every meeting feel like a very strange and awkward date?

Women talk, we like to share information amongst ourselves. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to be known as “that dude”.  The one women go all out of their way to avoid doing business with. Or “that dude” that some women feel like they have to sleep with in order to get ahead. That is very non-businesslike and highly unattractive.  Not to mention just down right tacky.

With that said, when you see me in these streets networking and establishing those connections that lead me to that come up, work with me. Build that relationship with me, let’s be decent associates. No, I’m not dating you and you’re definitely not getting beneath my garments. Just FYI.

Thanks,

L$D

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Posted at : December 17th, 2007 - 3:18 pm
Filed under : FYI
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