Is There Really Gender Discrimination In Business? Guest Post by Lynette Chandler

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In a private Facebook group, I noticed a lot of people were looking for a tech person to work with. So, I introduced myself. Upon returning to check on the status, I saw a post at the very top of the wall from a guy who also introduced himself as a coder.

Now, I’m not that naive to think I am the only geek in a group. There are probably many people better at tech than me in any group. What gave me pause was, why this guy’s introduction got so many responses when mine hardly went noticed.

A horrifying thought flashed through my mind. It couldn’t be true. Did he get more attention because he’s� a man? Maybe you have experienced something similar. Something that made you stop to wonder if you didn’t win the bid, secure that client or get that exposure because you are a woman. Then, you look around and it looks like all the top dogs are men.

Of course it depends on the industry you are in but I’m here to tell you, even in seemingly male-centric arenas, there are plenty of women quietly making serious coin. Sometimes, we aren’t seeing the ladies because women simply aren’t vocal about their successes. And, when we toot our own horn, we often express it in an entirely different manner.

For us, being able to support our families and being there when the kids get off the bus mean a whole lot more than ‘crushing it’ or making a million dollars in 24 hours. I’m not saying women don’t strive for that. I’d love to make that kind of money any day. It’s just, our goals are often more immediate and realistic.

That is why it’s always refreshing to hear stories about real women and how they broke through the barriers. If you need a little inspiration from authentic women just like you, head on over to SoloMasterminds. They are bragging on three ladies who turned their wildest dreams into reality while juggling homework, laundry, whiny children, soccer practices and meal plans.

As for that little incident I told you about earlier, after giving it more thought, I decided it had nothing to do with gender nor discrimination of any kind. There were plenty of logical and probably more accurate explanations like the timing of our posts and how quickly my post got buried under a flurry of activity.

What I learned that week – focus on being awesome instead of speculating about something that may not be true because when working for yourself, there is no glass ceiling. Especially with an Internet business. Don’t take my word for it. Check out the three case studies and let those women tell you their story.

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Lynette Chandler helps small businesses leverage technology in their marketing. She is also the resident tech expert at SoloMasterminds and credits it for helping to turn her business around. Lynette would love to connect with you in this special community and invites you to come check it out.

Do the Hard Things First

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I recently was contacted by a person I don’t remember, but with whom I served in the Air Force when I was on a special deployment to Belgium in 1987. The squadron I was assigned to has formed an alumni association, and the webmaster is tracking down former members to encourage them to become alumni.

My first question was, “How did you find me?”. “Well,” he said, “I have my ways, and you weren’t hard to find.” I guess that’s good to know, but with making yourself visible on the Internet, comes the risk of the past reaching out to grab you. My tour in Belgium was a part of my life I don’t want to relive, but I did reflect on my struggles, and one thing hasn’t changed: the stress of learning new and difficult tasks.

You see, before going to that assignment, I had to complete 5 months of very intense tactical training on a new weapon system. I had a hard time, and when I got to the new base, I was terrified. I was paralyzed with fear that I’d mess something up. Someone must have sensed this, as I was assigned to a desk job instead of the technician I was trained for. I was basically allowed to do “busy work” for a year. When I left I was ashamed at how I had shrunken from the challenge of the position in which I would have been a team leader and technician.

After speaking with the guy on the phone, I started thinking that I really haven’t changed my habits much. I still do alot of “busy work” online. I take alot of online courses, attend alot of webinars and teleseminars, but what do I have to show for it? I’m still tinkering with this website, trying to decide what I want it to look like. Getting ready to get ready to do something to make money online.

Knowledge is Power, but Action is the key. Don’t make my mistake. Take action. Take risks. Learn the new technology and apply your knowledge, don’t waste it.

Forget the busy work. Do the Hard things first.

The Power of Passion in Network Marketing

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Do you have a passion in life? Is it your family, home, a sport, hobby or special activity that you’re really good at? You’re very fortunate if you do. Here’s why:
Since the early 80′s, when I was first introduced to network marketing via Amway, my library was filled with books and tapes from the best- Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dennis Waitley and more. I was eager to find success and self-confidence in an industry I really believed in, but getting nowhere-what was the problem? I had no passion because I didn’t believe I could do it.
I watched admiringly as my uplines drew circles, squares, financial plans, and I know they were wondering “WHAT is WRONG with you?” I was paralyzed. I knew nothing about the Law of Attraction, but I wasn’t attracting any downline, that’s for sure.
Fast forward to 2010: You know what they say about hindsight? It’s 20-20. I finally realized what was missing: Belief. Every time I would start something, I would short-circuit my thinking with negative thoughts. It happens so fast you don’t even realize it unless you stop and really listen to your self-talk. My passion for network marketing success was limited by my belief system.
So now my Passion is to help others who are drawn to the network marketing industry but somehow can’t get focused. The tools and knowledge are literally right here at your fingertips. Let your passion for success drive you past the lack of belief and self-confidence! It’s never too soon or too late- what matters is that you know you can do it, but you have to Believe you can and see yourself as you want to be- a respected, successful and happy entrepreneur. Then, clearly identify your Why, and block out any thoughts or feelings that stop you. Then celebrate every small accomplishment on the way to success.
So, the number one lesson is to identify your passion- what do you think about most? What are you good at? It may take some soul searching; it may be deeply buried. Uncover it and start thinking about how you can turn your passion into a business.
Then, spend some quiet time visualizing yourself in the place you want to be. See it clearly, practice your vision every day. As your vision becomes stronger, ideas and “promptings” from your subconscious will start to appear.
Third, keep a journal or notepad handy so you can write down these thoughts. Your subconscious will direct you to find and fulfill your true passion. Then you can begin to plan and develop your own online business.