Why Doing Business Like a Guy Isn’t So Bad, Either
This is the second part of a two part series written previously on why doing business like a girl isn’t bad
Whether you’re a man or woman, I think both sexes can learn a little from the characteristics of each gender. Even though these can be interchangeable, those known to be “male” in nature can be a huge plus for any freelancer.
For example, women are great at giving clients a personalized approach and focusing on details, while men are adept at staying competitive and less emotionally involved. Which is better for your business? Neither. You can take away something from both sides.
Instead of being defensive and arguing the age-old sexism battle, try to take something positive away from what this article has to offer and apply it to your career. Chances are you’ll find plenty of characteristics you’ll want to emulate as you rise to freelance success.
Get competitive
It’s true: Anyone can be competitive. But this is a predominantly male trait—and a good one to have in order to get ahead as a freelancer. You don’t have to be aggressive to be competitive, either. Maintaining your edge includes having the right marketing materials that tie into your overall branding that represent what you have to offer as a freelancer. It means putting yourself out there how others in your industry are. It could be via networking or by keeping your prices competitive. Survey others in your geographical area and keep up on industry trends.
Don’t get emotionally involved
Not all women wear their hearts on their sleeves, but this predominantly female characteristic should be avoided in most cases. While it’s great to give a personal touch to business relationships, you should avoid yelling, being rude or crying with clients at all costs. Stay professional—even if you get angry or upset. Men can sometimes be better at hiding explosive emotions, and that’s one thing that can be a plus for any freelancer. If a rude client really ruffles your feathers, take a break and vent your frustrations outside of the workplace.
Tell it like it is
Sure, women can be direct. But when it comes to business, I find that men are more likely to be upfront about things and state them bluntly. Sometimes it’s good to have this trait. For example, if a client tries to get you to negotiate your rate and you don’t want to, you can stand strong by stating that your pricing is non-negotiable. Not so great at this? That’s okay—practice makes perfect and you can always rehearse on your own so you’ll be more likely to stand your ground on things.
Check things off
Clearly, both sexes can complete tasks, but men are traditionally very task-oriented. This is a great way to keep moving with your daily work. Instead of pondering things and getting sidetracked, focus on the task at hand and worry about the rest later. Procrastinating is definitely not going to benefit your business—even if you do work best under pressure.
Learn something new
Hey, maybe you can’t change a man—but men are driven by exploring new things. So if you’re a whiz in HTML, move on to learning CSS. This goes along with staying competitive, because the more skills you can acquire, the better. Even though women are adventurous, too, I think men have more of knack for learning something new that doesn’t naturally come easy. They’re great at persisting until they figure really complex things out, which is trait any business owner can benefit from.
These are just a few personality characteristics generally assigned to men that can be positives for your business. So whether you like football or sappy movies, you’ll want to put them into your business toolbox.
Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer living in New Jersey. Check out her blog Creatively Self-Employed.
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Thanks so much for recognizing the differences between men and women. I think we’re equal, but definitely not the same, and that’s a good thing. You’re dead on about men and the strengths there. My wife would agree!
Great articles, well explained.
I would agree that both sexes have different qualities and we can learn from each other alot but its very less likely because we men are too competitive. We don’t feel comfortable with the idea that a lady can handle things equally good or better then us. Not sure you all feel same but sometimes I do. lol, I know its not healthy but its natural.
Females are good with PR, personalized touch to a project but male feelings are logic/math based and very calculative. We will do whatever is written under agreement, nothing more, nothing less. This is what I have seen.
BTW its very nice read. Thank you Kristen.
Roshan
http://www.instantshift.com
You got me on the task orientation…I can’t seem to break free from it. The competitive thing is true, but in this business I find it doesn’t seem to apply as much. It is hard to be competitive with a network of friends and allies. Now maybe if I’d make some more enemies I would be able to channel that competitive spirit
I have read that women tend to be better at multitasking than men. Could I say it was backed up by real true research? No, but that is curious.
I have never seen a man have a hissy fit at work so far. Women tend to be a bit dramatic.
lol Nathan, what out for enemies.
lol Nathan, watch out for enemies.
Sorry typo mistake for “watch out”.
While your article is well-written, I wouldn’t attribute learning something new to a male trait. One of the main reasons why I like being a technical writer is that I am constantly learning something new.
I agree with Roshan, this is a very well written article.
Many thanks!
It’s a very interesting breakdown when paired with the “womens” article as well. I think I have a lot of both qualities but I agree with most of your categorizations.
Another good thing (about men I guess), which in a way relates to not getting emotionally involved with clients, is also not being emotionally attached to the money coming in. Freelancing can definitely be a rollercoaster ride, and knowing that you are OK, even during dry spells and cash flow problems is huge. Also knowing not to spend andspend when you are having a great month, because you never know about the next. It’s all about being smart with your money. I hope both sexes have that.
jennifer, it says that men are GENERALLY better at persisting to figure out complex things. this implies that, as we know, women can learn new things too.
glad everyone liked the article. it was a rather controversial series and i took a lot of criticism for it, mainly from people who took things too literally and forgot the tons of “in general” statements. but at least i’m brave enough to put things out there! i’m going to take a nap from all of this and return with the regular stuff soon!
The gender factor in these articles is both unnecessary and very obnoxious. If these are just IN GENERAL traits then why the gender divide? There’s evidently no need for it — unless you just can’t come up with anything clever to create controversy with, so you revert to what you call the “age-old sexism battle.”
I would summarize the two articles like this: Men are wired to solve problems that women bring up.
Kristen, you did a great job balancing the article while still providing good, clear insight on some actionable ways to do business. In today’s age of ultra-ambiguity, we try so hard NOT to make distinctions that sometimes we miss out on the benefit of being different, of how men and women don’t HAVE to be the same (in business or in life) because maybe that means we compliment each other better.
Nicely done! Thank you.
I submitted it on our “Fetch” site for small business people to benefit from and vote on.
http://www.smallbusinessbrief.com/story.php?title=why-doing-business-like-a-guy-isnrsquot-so-bad-either
Thanks, Rachel!!! I’m glad you got it!
I really don feel much agree with this one ” I think men have more of knack for learning something new that doesn’t naturally come easy” Some ppl i used to know in my country doesn’t have that skill even though they could learn but they just wouldnt. Because you know what?! because they are lazy, lazy kills ppl abilities
we have different personalities.. if your a real man its hard to be soft like women does..
and i always believe that men does the job done with pride..
Many thanks!