At first I said nothing. I just looked forward with a puzzled look. I see myself to be paid by a man to support my entrepreneurial fervor or to build relationships with investors. I saw no reason to be separated from the male or for anyone to suggest bring a man to support my professional effort.
When I thought of what I had said to do, I looked at the person who made the recommendation and said: "I've never felt less because I am a woman. And have a man next to me has never felt more powerful, either. "
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I know that the person advising me to take a man to the meeting the do it for the wrong reasons - it was just relaying what was to be done in order to compete in today's business environment, which unfortunately still uneven gender balance
for the minority of women in business, venture capital and technology, there is a question that has been brewing for years. Certainly not a secret many women's groups have been created to bring equality in the business landscape and erase the feeling of being the minority of women.
With recent study Lean in the organization and the McKinsey group, we find women are less likely to advance in their roles - men are 15 percent more likely to progress to a new role in relation to a woman at the same level.
Even with major industry improvements made, as a woman entrepreneur, I can say that we are going about it the wrong way.
Take a look at prosecution against Chic CEO Stephanie Burns male discrimination. Militants rights of men pursuing the company for discrimination against men, for they are not permitted entry to an event that was for women only.
Chic, providing practical business advice to women via free online materials, does not intend to create a company that excludes men. The company aims to bring women's empowerment and to show how both genders can work together.
See trials as these show the need for an industrywide balance. Instead of pursuing each other, we need to work together. Court cases set a precedent, and that's great, but the industry will not benefit from trial -. only beneficiaries will be paid colonies
We need a true gender balance and support in the community . At present, we are unequally distributed. So how can women even playing field when it comes to getting promoted, being told to attend a meeting with a man?
Women should start by taking a proactive role in worrying about such a suggestion. When women are facing this problem, they must:
Understand their value
Women in business, technology and capital risk must understand their value. Women create powerful networks across different regions of the United States work together seamlessly with both men and women. The networks that I see around me would not be what they are if it were not for the men and women working together to understand.
Investors like Dave McClure, Parker Thompson Marvin Liao and Leslie Alexander have always respected my professional activities because I did it first. Believe in yourself and your mission will benefit you in the long run. Your sense of self is the most powerful.
Rely resources
Participate in the education industry and mentoring opportunities through organizations like women VC or women in technology . Reaching out to women entrepreneurs and business owners near you - connect with them and ask them questions about how they have overcome gender discrimination in the industry. Having a mentor and sounding board will help balance perceptions across the industry and among the genres.
Attend industry events and become part of the balance
Interact with their male counterparts and perpetuation not stigmas industrywide. Work through difficult situations and maintain a positive mindset. Do not waltz around with a chip on your shoulder - show that you are your own lawyer and you are smart, enthusiastic and able to do just as good a job as anyone. If men choose on women and women choose men, we just prolong the problem.
A Harvard Business Review study found that women recognize subtle and profound effects of second bias generation. They feel empowered, no victim because they can take steps to counter these effects. Often missing the number of women in leadership are widespread because they are afraid to ask for something or they are not good enough. And when it comes down to it, it's not a question of traditional gender roles.
Women are skilled leaders, but have a history of being overlooked. Women can negotiate a salary that matches their level of life and performance. Women need to stand, both as a single woman and a member of the industry.
The best way to stand out is to be confident in your abilities, leveling the game with your knowledge and be your own advocate. You have the power to say no if someone offers to put a man to a meeting. I did it.