As suggested are men entrepreneurs better networkers than women entrepreneurs?
A recent study published in the Harvard University Gazette conducted by professor, Bat Batjargal, suggests entrepreneur men are better networkers than women entrepreneurs. What if anything does this mean for women in business?
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2007/02.08/13-entrepreneurs.html
Good Answers (5)
Amanda C
Mechanical Design Engineer at Inergi
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At first blush, that sounded surprising so I read through the link you provided. Given the way it was framed there I would agree.
In the US at least, women are socialized not to "be pushy" or "demanding"--it's not feminine. Thus imagine an entrepreneur who has just started a buisness. A male is more likely to (a) tell everyone he knows that he has done so and (b) try to push them to invest/buy/spread the word. Women are far more likely to try to play down their accomplishment, describe it as "no big deal", or not even bring it up! And they certainly wouldn't want to sell to families and friends--that's rude.
Http://etsy.com is an online site for handmade goods sold by individual vendors. The vast majority of users on that site are females. The forums are full of sellers lamenting how difficult it is to get the word out about their products. About the pressure from family and friends to give them goods/services for free. About the number of people who demean their work by saying that they "ONLY make jewelry". Etc. I think this is due in part to the women's presentation of their business, and in part to lack of value handicrafts are assigned by society.
As for what it means for women in buisness, it means they need to make a point of speaking up. Telling others what they do, why they do it, and who needs their services. The link you provided indicated that women have larger networks than men, they simply aren't (a) receiving as much encouragement from them and (b) using the effectively.
To counter this, I would suggest that women find a core group of "cheerleaders"--people who believe in their buisness and will encourage rather than discourage them. Then, take advantage of their larger network by being willing to talk about their new business!
Marietta C
Executive Director, Friedman & Wexler, LLC - Collection Law Firm - Consumer & Commercial
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And the answer to the question is, No .. but some of them have an extra leg ..
As for the Professor, there's Bat loose somewhere .. what it means for women? .. propaganda won't make it so .. (Smile) and we STILL look better in pants! .. Marietta
Bill N
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I don't know how much it matters. Women are better networkers in the social sense, and this is a more subtle source of opportunities, as the networking in that case is not ostensibly for the point of just promotion.
Also there are probably many articles and such written about the issue which enjoin women to work a little harder in the 'pushy' dimension.
Also, some women are just as pushy and egotistical as men, maybe always were so, but were never given social sanction to act the way they wanted.
Lance C
President of SalesManage Solutions ... Recruiting the Best and Coaching People from Good to Great™
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There may be a culture tendency in this poll or as Tim has said too many dogs in the poll ... According to what I've seen in thousands of personality profiles, women are just as able as men to network - perhaps more so due to some naturally provided oxytocin levels and other terrific features. I really believe Bat is bats - at least from my experience.
Gail S
Chief Obstacle Buster. Teach executives, team leaders, women solopreneurs to turn business obstacles into opportunities
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Speaking from my experience from coaching and delivering workshops to help women overcome any obstacles with networking, I believe that Amanda's comments and others like it are real factors. (I have not read the article).
My opinion is that women are uniquely talented at initiating conversations (even in the bathroom at an event), we are great at creating and sustaining relationships, we are good at listening and at nurturing people. Where we need empowerment and practice is in the asking... asking for help, for support, for introductions, for the order. These are generalizations, of course.
Part of that is the result of the socialization process that teaches women to be "nice" and inclusive. Societal reactions to a strong, assertive woman is to call her bitchy. I think all this is changing and women are stepping into their power in the business world. Let's let go of the old "stories" we perpetuate and, as Eckhart Tolle says in "A New Earth", let go of the collective mindset restated by me and others here.
Businesswomen of LinkedIn.... Let us make new choices and choose new beliefs. Let us CHOOSE to use our instincts and feminine energy to be enthusiastic about our passions and proactively engage the world in our solutions using our natural talents for building meaningful relationships. Will you join me in this choice?
