Announcement: This one is solely for the women readers. I know men read this blog too. I promise next time the topic will be more balanced but I felt a weight on my heart to share with the ladies this time around.
“He knows you’re a girl.”
God knew when you were created a girl and laid out the plans for you that it included you being a girl. He didn’t choose this lightly but intentionally and purposefully. He was fully aware that you would have business dealings and entrepreneurial dreams that may lead you into thinking that a firm masculine approach was needed BUT He was insightful enough to know this girl could handle it with grace.
I wince when a marketing email in my inbox comes off as argumentative and disrespectful; aka bullying. I cringe when I see leading women entrepreneurs folding to perceived pressures to use profanity in their marketing. I cringe when at in-person networking events the cocktails are in-hand right (and lined up empties) all beside the business cards that are being passed out.
One of the wisest sentiments to remember is that you can conduct business, be empowered, be filled with grace, and still be a lady about it. If you care to drink, have one and drink half. You’re at a business mixer not a girls night out. You’re still on the business clock – making impressions and representing your brand. Remember Esther was placed in a position of influence among men yet her approach contained gentleness, grace, and respect always. She maintained self control and will power.
There’s rarely a reason to be argumentative or include profanity in business writings. Your business correspondence, marketing materials, and blog posts should contain solid information. Thought provoking facts. A story that is memorable. Be expressed in clear language. Profanity is fluff and filler. In fact, substitute any swear word you read in the text with the word “catfish;” an editor will remove it, and the writing will be stronger for it.
I get it…the shock factor. But ask yourself, do you really need to shock to get the attention of those you do business with or those you hope to do business with? You shouldn’t. Stop using attention grabbers and focus on the strengths of your services and products and what your business can accomplish. In the end, it’s all business and that’s all that really matters.