Women in business

[carolblake1973]

Originally Posted by becki

Sisters are doing it for themselves!

You bet we are!

[Brian Turner]

Okay, seems like I'm going to have to break out the Eurythmics Greatest Hits again.

Oh - and welcome to the business-forums, Carol.

[paulp]

Originally Posted by Brian Turner

I'm still cringing.

I'm literally off the phone and still kicking myself.

Basically, I'm in the process of signing up a particular client for full link-building SEO. It's quite a significant contract and they will be paying me a lot of money to deliver on a set of very competitive search terms (otherwise, because of my refund policy, I'll end up owing them a lot of money!).

Trouble is, I've been dealing with a male company director so far for all negotiations.

So when the mobile just rang and a female voice asked about finalising the payment details, I carelessly stated: "Oh, I didn't realise XX had a secretary."

Of course, it wasn't a secretary, but one of the company directors.

This is a warning to myself - and others - to be extremely careful with careless assumptions! Although I would certainly be cautious in writing, I'm not very quick-witted when live and speaking.

This is something I guess I can only learn with experience - to measure my words a little more carefully.

I have already resolved to myself to be much more careful in future. Next time I will ask if the person speaking to myself is a director. Otherwise not only can such mistakes make myself and my company look bad, there is always the very real possibility of jeopordising pending business contracts. And I'm not fool enough to desire that.

[paulp]

I can only speak for initiatives within Wales, but there is a big push here to drive women into business as they are seen as one means of reducing the employment and in particular skills shortage with Wales. There is so much support provided to this sector to help them start up new businesses, so I think in future your presumption that males only are the business community will have to be revised, especially when dealing with Welsh based businesses.

[paulp]

Brian - don't know how my name got assigned to your original post - if it is my mistake, sorry.

[Brian Turner]

Hi paulp, and welcome to the business-talk forums.

As for the above - it's simply a quote - nothing more. It sometimes happens and there's nothing badly amiss with it happening.

[johnnynemonic]

I think we should take every opportunity to encourage women in business - especially the ones who are able to sit on your knee and make a cup of tea at the same time.

[becki]

Well men always need mothering.......cant look after themselves you know!

[johnnynemonic]

men are for business, women are for lovin.

[Brian Turner]

PM sent for you, Johnny.