Ladies, Play Nice!

The last couple of years I have done a ton of networking and have had the opportunity to meet hundreds (or probably thousands) of people. I must say that I really enjoy this part of my job. I love talking to new people and getting to know them. Some of them I have ended up doing business with and some have become really good friends. It’s definitely a perk of the business!

I have also had the good fortune of meeting many successful women who have inspired and encouraged me. It’s great to see other women who reach out and support other women in business. It warms my heart. I can only hope that I’ve been able to reciprocate equally. Women should make extra effort to support each other in all they do but especially in the business world, even if it’s a business that competes with theirs. Yes, I need to build my own business and make a living but I know I can help promote, inspire and encourage others along the way. It’s a matter of having mutual respect. Only good things will come from being kind and there is NEVER a reason to be jealous or envious of others’ success. We should all be willing to help each other grow.

Unfortunately, I occasionally come across a woman who makes me feel like I’m back in Junior High School. Remember the movie Mean Girls? We’ve all known them at some time in our lives. It’s the back stabbing, two-faced woman who is threatened by you. Because of her own insecurities, she can’t stand to see another woman be successful. It may be your business, boyfriend, kids, curly hair, metabolism…… or all of the above that she’s jealous of and she’ll do anything she can to bring you down. You know, the one that has very few female friends. She will practically knock you out of the way to give your boyfriend a hug and then not even acknowledge your presence as you stand right beside him while they have a conversation. Or she’s so wrapped up in trying to “dis” you that she doesn’t even notice you standing right behind her, listening while she’s trying to convince someone that her product or service is WAY better than yours. Yeah, you know exactly what I’m talking about! It saddens me to see women act this way. It doesn’t have to be an “it’s gonna be me or you” kind of environment.

I think that women can actually learn from men in this instance. Most men seem to understand that competition is healthy. Perhaps being involved in sports while growing up has given them more experience with learning to respect their competitors. A great deal can be learned from observing others who are successful. It can motivate and compel you to try harder and do more. Competition is a GOOD thing! We don’t have to try and take each other out of the game. We should realize that it only makes us better.

It’s a small world sometimes. Word gets around when you are hateful towards others and it really doesn’t make you look good. There is room for each of us to achieve our goals. So let’s all get there by being respectful. Be genuine and kind to one another. Give encouragement when you see someone struggling. Success is not limited!