by Caroline | Jul 1, 2014 | confidence, confidence gap, progress of women, Sheryl Sandberg Lean In, women and business development, women and business development, women and confidence, women confidence, women selling themselves, women tooting own horn |
While there are many successful women in sales, proportionally fewer are good at selling themselves (e.g., as a provider of professional services). Both older and younger women have a hard time “tooting their own horn.” Women find it easier, in general, to sell others and may do a “soft sell.” Reluctance to sell oneself is deeply rooted in nature (brain structure and hormones) and nurture. The “confidence gap” may affect some women’s ability to sell themselves.
by Caroline | Jun 10, 2014 | comfort principal, confidence, double bind, double bind, feminine leadership strengths, Gender diversity, invisible mind-sets, obstacles for women in business, women and business development, women and confidence, women in sales |
Are there different or more difficult challenges in the area of business development for women vs. men? Women in general express less confidence and have a harder time “tooting their own horn” or selling themselves. In building relationships with male prospects, women have to choose a social setting that is comfortable for both – and does not look like a “date” or “come on.” Women need to stretch their boundaries and learn to enjoy “male” sports – like golf; that is where business is developed! There may be leftovers of old ways of thinking about women. Male prospects may have different or lower cultural expectations about women.
