7 Critical Things Male Business Gurus Don’t Tell You, but Every Woman Wants to Know
Much of the business advice from male business gurus doesn’t quite cut
it for women entrepreneurs. These gurus haven’t figured out how their
advice is different for women. Plus, they’ve left out some parts all
together!
I’ve come to this conclusion after being a Corporate America drop out
and starting my own business. I realized there was much to learn about
building a business so started to seek out the knowledge and
understanding I needed through books, seminars, teleseminars, and
networking.
Over time what I observed is that the conversations I was having with
women entrepreneurs were often different from conversations I had with
men. For example, I could be at a seminar and during the break chat
with another woman while getting coffee. We often shared what the
speaker said what it meant to us, which usually included something that
the presenter didn’t even bring up.
What I started to realize is that though much of the information was
good and I used it, I had to usually put it through my female filter, I
had to do some translating so I could apply it. I also found myself
with some questions that I had to answer myself. I started to realize
why. Most of these resources were presented by men. Well-intended men,
but men none the less.
It’s not! A big reason why I started the Bodacious Women’s Club is because I wanted to address women entrepreneurs’ needs that weren’t being met. I wanted to shortcut the “translation” and fill in the gaps that were missing.
It all starts with awareness. So, I’ve created a list of seven critical things male business gurus don’t tell you, but every woman wants to know. Keep these in mind whenever you’re seeking out knowledge or advice for your business that comes from any man. You may be surprised what you discover!
1. Most business gurus miss how women experience life so differently than men. Because of our brain wiring, women experience life in a much more intuitive, emotional, and integrated way. Men, on the other hand, pretty much think about one thing at a time and usually do little to relate one thing to another.
2. Most women define success differently than men. Success for most women is heavily tied to emotional and intrinsic fulfillment that comes from multiple areas of life. Women aren’t satisfied with sacrificing family or loved ones to have business success. We want it all and they want experts to help us get it all. Most men define success in terms of money, status, and power.
3. Most business gurus don’t address the stress most women experience. Because of all the roles most women play, being able to manage stress effectively is key to having a successful business and life. Men typically juggle fewer roles and don’t stress over someone’s needs not being met.
4. Most business gurus don’t address the impact of significant relationships in a woman’s life that directly affect her business success and how to keep them in good health. Because women experience life in a more integrated way, when a significant relationship like with a spouse or parent, is out of kilter, everything else is affected, including her business.
5. Most business gurus don’t say that taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of a client. Most women struggle with doing good things for themselves and their business suffers as a result.
6. Most business gurus don’t delve into how women can use their natural strengths – like relationship skills – as a huge competitive advantage for growing their business.
7. Most business gurus don’t address the “good girl” tendencies most women have from their upbringing that holds them back from making their business wildly successful. A great example of this is how women hold themselves back from proactively selling themselves or their product or service.
About the Author: During a successful, demanding, rising through the ranks 10 year career with America Online Mary Foley learned that the only way to thrive in today’s world is to be bold, positive, and courageous – bodacious! Today, as the founder of the Bodacious Women’s Club, Mary inspires women entrepreneurs to use their natural abilities to build their businesses, reduce stress, and feel fulfilled. You can be inspired, too! Get a free copy of Mary’s popular e-book “5 Empowering Words for Women” at www.bodaciouswomensclub.com.