I've had many salesmen compliment my appearance — they remark that I am both beautiful and intelligent, that I look young for my age, or that it looks like I've lost weight. While these comments were likely made in an effort to connect, they make me uncomfortable, and they don't belong in a professional situation.
Unless you're a hair stylist and you tell a woman what style might suit her face shape, avoid any comments about how she looks. You may consider it a compliment, but it can seem as though you're focused on her appearance rather than her intellect, business savvy, and purchasing power. If you wouldn't tell a man that he looked young for his age, or that his wife is a lucky lady, don't make those comments to a woman, either.
Many of these salesmen, I'm sure, were well-intentioned and just trying to connect. And perhaps these strategies have worked for them with other women in the past.
If that's the case, I'd say this: The dynamic between men and women in professional situations is changing, and now, more than ever before, it's crucial to be aware that what you're communicating with your words and actions might not be sending the message you're intending. Treating people with respect, showing them they can trust you, and going into conversations with an open mind are techniques you've likely heard before, but if you want to be effective selling to women now and in the future, they'll need a new level of awareness. Take it from me: Something's got to change.
Natalie draws on 15 years of comprehensive financial planning experience, six years with fintech startups, and a decade of professional speaking to share advice that works in real life, not just on paper. Now, she speaks to audiences all over the country about aligning their finances (and their lives) with their core values, and finding the balance between enjoying life today and planning for someday. She also consults with fintech companies on everything from advice methodology to brand voice development in order to move their missions forward. Say hello on LinkedIn or Instagram.