Did you know that 80% of business
networkers are male? Despite the emergence of a number of successful women only
networking groups and the increased presence of females in traditional male
environments, it is still predominantly a man's world out there.
While I believe women are actually better natural networkers than men, it's the
men that largely dictate the rules of the game. Here are three key differences
which will give you more insight into the respective minds, and also make your
networking more productive:
1. Women do 'small talk' better than
men. It permeates their business talk throughout. With men, it tends to be
an early part of the process before moving onto business issues.
2. Female conversations are more fluid.
Women can bounce in and out of business and small talk and from one topic to
another with greater ease than men. They can entertain multiple conversations
and themes. Men hit a theme or track, and tend to stick with it before moving
onto something else.
3. Women talk outside the talking.
They read body language, gestures and facial expressions better than men. They
are excellent 'silent networkers'. Men are more focused and in many ways more
productive, because they ask the questions they want answers to and are more
direct.
Look at the ways in which men and women network. Generally speaking, you are
looking at two different animals. And there are great things to learn from both
sides.
If men networked more like women
they would listen better, build stronger relationships more quickly, get to
know people more personally, keep in touch better and build more trust.
If women networked more like men,
they would find networking more productive, more lucrative, more effective and
more accessible. They would be taken more seriously, develop more credibility
and generate more business opportunities.
It pays to know these differences, as they help you play the game and
appreciate the opposition. I can see you people watching at your next
networking event!
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