How to Talk to a Man When Doing Business

There are very clear differences between men and women in the business world. For one thing, although times have changed, women still face a labyrinth of challenges. The playing field between men and women is still not level in terms of pay equity, equality of opportunity and other issues related to gender equity. Despite these legal, social and political challenges, women still have to find effective ways to work with men in business. The most effective way is to understand how a man communicates when doing business. Now some of you reading this might say to yourself, “Why should I try and understand how a man communicates when it should be the other way around?” You are right! It "should" be the other way around. Unfortunaltely, many times, it is not. If you want to go up the food chain in a company that has mostly male executives, land a contract from client that is male dominated or are thinking about partnering with a man for a business venture, this article outline several key points that can help you while doing business with a man.

Instructions

How to Talk to a Man When Doing Business

1. Don't try to engage a man in a conversation about his personal life while at work. A man might percieve such behavior as wishy washy, or as an example of poor business skills. Resist conversations that go beyong general questions about the family. It is okay to follow up on a particular event that may have been mentioned during a previous conversation.

2. Be descriptive and to the point. If you describe an event, use clear and vivid description that gets to the point. If you are asked for the thirty second version. Do just that. Provide

3. Don’t sound whiny when discussing an issue or problem. And avoid giving the impression you are talking about someone in a way that could be percieved as gossipy. You do not want to be labeled a gossip and whiner.

4. Talk to a man off to a slight angle. Particularly if you are facing a man in a situation that involves a conflict or an uncomfortable situation. Being off to a slight angle sends a message that you are not attempting to challenge or attack him.

5. Be short and to the point. Men tend to listen long enough to hear the solution or result. If you go on for too long to get to the punch line, you may lose him. Practice what you intend to say so you can edit the conversation to the exact problem or conflict.

6. Use active illustrations when you talk to a man. Help him see the point by creating a visualization of what you mean.

7. Don’t bombard a man with more than 3-4 agenda items at a time. Keep your top tier agenda items succinct but do not make a laundry list of agenda items. Give a man at least three options to choose from. Even if you know there is really only one option, you can stear the conversation in a way that works for you.

8. Answer questions with confidence. The more firm and prompt you are the better. If you stumble or mumble, you may lessen his faith in your potential to succeed.