I work in a computer shop and last night i came up with a theory. I reckon that out of 10 guys who walk in to the shop, 3 of them will not ask me for help or if i try to help them they'd say i'm just looking. and 2 mins later one of the guys walks up to them and they happily buy from them.
so i put my theory to the test today and yup, guess what?!! i made a tally sheet and it was exact. i've worked my butt off to be where i am. i was in admin & now i'm in sales and this issue is pissing me off and affecting my sales.
Does any one else have the same problem?
Guys be honest. how many of you would rather talk to a guy about technical stuff than a girl? by the way some women do it too.
the other thing is that i've been there longer than any of the guys and i know more about any of the procedures than anyone else. the managers always ask me to train the new people. and don't say be more assertive, it's not my fault that people still live in the past century.
2007-12-28 00:28:33 · 4 answers · asked by nuggeteli 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
that's the thing. when i start talking to them about something, they realize and they do come back, but i still find it sad that everyday, i have to prove myself when the guys don't. i had a female customer who refused my help and went to one of the guys. then a few days later she came back and the guy wasn't in, and she finally talked to me, then when she paid, she said " you know... i didn't really want to talk to you the first time i came in, coz you're a girl, but you're a clever lady!!!!!""
2007-12-28 02:52:27 · update #1
I used to have a job similar to yours and I was the only girl technician (later ousted by a boy) and sales woman. It was a bit easier because at first our staff consisted of 3 people. What I did was rely on my winning people skills. If someone looked like they were interested in a system I'd go over and say something like you know that would make a great gift for son/daughter/home office/blah/blah...and engage them in a non-sales conversation. (People appreciate feeling as if their sales person cares) After a few minutes of casual banter we get down to the technical stuff. Most people were so impressed that they bought a system. You just have to find your niche. Do not be hindered by your gender and do not alllow others to hinder you because of your gender.
Good luck!
2007-12-28 00:52:45 · answer #1 · answered by Gloria H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes - you're right! Women don't have the same respect from the public as men when advice is being sought. We still live in the Dark Ages from that point of view and all I can suggest is that you wear some kind of badge which signals that you are a knowledgeable lady!
In any case, it's the sex thing with some women needing advice in a shop! They need to find a guy whom they can flutter their eyelashes at whilst playing the "poor liitle me needs help" bit! I don't think any of us can change that! It's a fact of nature! As for the blokes who ask another bloke (and not a woman) it's because he IS a bloke and they all have this primeval feeling that they are superior to women. Admitting otherwise is just not in their nature!
Valerie P
2007-12-28 13:17:28 · answer #2 · answered by VALERIE P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a stereotype that is sad.
I take my car for an oil change at a local shop and there is one woman who works there. At first I thought that she would possibly be less knowledgeable than the men, but she did a wonderful job. Now I request her for all work I have done.
People just need to realize that times are changing and women can often be just as competent as men in a field traditionally ruled by men.
Keep your head up and prove you can do it all. They will come back for more.
2007-12-28 10:41:20 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah K 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just want to talk to someone who is knowledgable and can offer solutions that are appropriate for my budget. I find that some guys are too aggressive and/or impatient for my liking.
2007-12-28 08:37:32 · answer #4 · answered by TK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋