We always hear how hard it can be to function as a woman in business. But, most men discount this idea because they just don't experience what a woman goes through. At Sync, we service and help optimize a lot of LinkedIn accounts and here's what I've noticed.
By and large, men suck as disconnecting personal and professional. I can't tell you how often men InMail or message the female LinkedIn profiles we assist with, starting the conversation by saying, "Hey gorgeous" or "Hello hunny".
Meanwhile, not one woman has ever messaged a man on the profiles we assist on with similar greetings. They are professional and courteous. This is already an indication of how men choose to treat the females they do business with. But, there's more ...
You have guys asking the women in business out on dates, and frivolous questions like, "What's your favorite flower?" There's also guys who try to covertly get lunch meetings, however can't help themselves but to drop small indicators that they are treating this more like a date. Guys, you may think you're cunning but women are far more seasoned in the game of flirtation than we are.
Here's the thing; regardless of whether you agree that the wage gap is real, or if women have to work that much harder to get to the same position as a man, I am offering first hand perspective how just one aspect is so much harder for a woman in business. Of the women whom we help on LinkedIn, they are are all deeply frustrated by the messages they get.
You know it is possible to see a beautiful woman and not react like a horny comic book fan, right? Physical characteristics should never play into the decision to do business with someone. Now, if you do business together and an obvious connection is there, then perhaps it's worth exploring, BUT ...
"I hope when I go on my LinkedIn or into the office today, that a bunch guys hit on me," is something that's been said by no woman ever.
Think before you message, and treat your female colleges with the same respect you treat the males.
Written by Jay Hall, Chief Strategist