(Disclaimer: This post is NOT meant to ignite or offend any particular political party or opinion. It is simply meant to shed light on and analogize the correlation between politics, business and women)

Pimp -noun
1. a person, esp. a man, who solicits customers for a prostitute or a brothel, usually in return for a share of the earnings; pander; procurer.

[Image Source: sxc.hu]

Whenever a woman allows herself to be exploited in any manner or for any reason, she is selling out, or rather “pimped out” and her pimp gets a huge chunk of the revenue, giving her a small token. The pimp sees multiple benefits in having this woman do his bidding, finding the highest bidder for his wares (her). He convinces her that she is valuable, but the only way she will excel is if she lets him control guide her towards success.

But is it ok if she likes it?

Pimps have nothing to lose in the pimp-nating(?), but everything to gain. The pimp always fares well, coming out on top, while the pimp-ed does not, come out on, well, not on top. (clearing throat).

I can remember a time during my aspiring professional career when I worked as a manager for a staffing firm. Well, before I became a manager, or rather when I was offered the manager’s position, I was told that they wanted to “shake things up a bit.” They felt like I could do some shaking. They felt like a change was necessary, with a fresh perspective and a fresh focus. You see since I was a woman and a person of color, the national staffing firm felt that the double-dagger-duo-description would look great for the corporation and wonderful in the local community. The change would (potentially) skyrocket sales and attract new clients. I was even asked specifically to go to with the sales manager to visit a client that they had been wooing for a while but couldn’t crack. I was asked to accompany her because I was “Black and could help them get a foot in the door.” What !! Well, I did take the job. I got a “promise” in getting a salary pay raise once the numbers were up (2-4 months), an expense account, my own office, an administrative assistant, flexible hours and a voice in decision-making. I loved it! Although the promise of ‘later money’ made me pause, I shrugged it off, knowing that I could increase sales with my marketing savvy – - or would it be because of my Blackness? Or my womanness?

In the political environment sparked in the last couple of weeks over McCain’s choice for Sarah Palin as his Vice-Presidential running mate, are we seeing a pimp in process? Are there multiple benefits to others besides Palin for her name and presence being on the Republican ticket? Has she been made promises that will materialize later if she just gives it up and says what her pimp party wants to hear? What happens if she doesn’t cooperate? Does she get replaced with another willing vessel? Or, will she stay on, baited with promises and a chance to win the (client) over with her physical description?

Going back for a moment to me being a manager: I took the job with all of the perks and promises, but was disappointed much later and saddened to make several discoveries, although not surprised:

1. Clients did not want to do business with me soley on the “because I’m Black” qualification. They wanted to know about my experience, my sales background, my marketing strategies, my conversion rates. You know, important business factors. Well, I had none significantly to speak of. The only experience that I had prior to taking the job was managing a small client base with about 15 employees.

2. Never wait for a later promise of compensation. If you can do the job without the money, then they can do the job themselves. This screams of pimp-dom because the pimp gets to enjoy benefits of your added-value (increased sales, more voters, etc.) without having to pay for it.

3. You get what you pay for and you pay for what you get. Bottom line. If you invest quality, you reap quality. As a staffing manager, I was only able to offer my charm and charisma. Apparently that was not enough as I failed to deliver everything that I had promised in my executive management plan. I reaaaallly wanted to show them what I could do, but it just wasn’t there. I simply was not ready.

4. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, why would you think it’s a cat? If it seems shady, it most likely is shady and there’s nothing you can say to justify it. It just is what it is. I felt like I was being used by my staffing firm. Had lots of suspicions, but chose to ignore them in lieu of their phenomenal promises. We shouldn’t be so naive.

So, if a woman knows she’s being expolited for what she has or who she is or what she represents, is it wrong if she likes it? I mean, if she doesn’t protest to it and actually helps herself along, is it wrong? If it’s not wrong, it’s not pimping then is it? Perhaps a business transaction maybe?

Without delving too deeply (or deeper) into my obvious political undertone ranting, I will say this: Often in politics, candidates try different “things” in an effort to sway voters their way. Sometimes controversial, sometimes palatable, often obvious, political parties try whatever they think will work in their favor. It’s not necessarily “wrong” but it does call into question motives, sincerity and genuine intentions. So if a political candidate or a woman in business knows or suspects she’s being used, she has a couple of options:

1. Work it girl! Get into the game, play hard and find your rhythm. If you don’t do it, they’ll just find another female who will, right?

2. Pointedly, unequivocally and decidely object to the very idea of being used. And become (possibly) unemployable and unemployed.

What’s a girl to do?

____________________________
Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

Pimped Out Politics: Is It OK If She Likes It?

In this YouTube video from an interview with Sarah Palin when she was being considered as a candidate for the position of Vice-President, she sprinkles her interview with a few “ya know’s” and “kewl”, much to the amusement of the interviewer. I’m sooo disappointed, needless to say, in Mrs. Palin’s presentation. I’ve been somewhat brewing since the announcement on Thursday and have had to re-work my post on it several times, which is why it STILL hasn’t been posted. You know the old adage, “if you don’t have something nice to say…”

Kewl.

________________________________________________
Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

Oh Boy – We’re Really In Trouble If Palin Doesn’t Know What She’s Doing

[Photo Source: Getty Images]

Tonight’s speech by Michelle Obama will be a defining moment for Obama’s campaign. It will be a time when presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s campaign will be further defined – - by Michelle, the woman who has been often herself been branded as being “deflating” and “humiliating” to Barack by referring to him as a “regular man.”

Tonight will be Michelle’s chance to convince voters why we should or need to vote for this “regular man”.

What to watch for tonight: Things could start off with a bang. Tonight’s primetime speaker is Michelle Obama, who will be tasked to sell her husband to the public. She was one of Obama’s best surrogates during the Dem primaries, but Republicans and even some Democrats believe she won’t sell with swing voters. So definitely pay attention to her remarks. Also on tap for tonight is a video tribute to Ted Kennedy, but NBC’s Ann Curry reported on TODAY that Kennedy is in Denver and might make an appearance at the convention. That could be a nice moment for the Democrats that has nothing to do with Obama or Clinton.

Full Article

________________________________________
Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

Watch Michelle Obama Tonight!

Since blogging here at Biz Chicks Rule every week, I have met a ton of awesome business women! Some of you are savvy, fierce business gals, while others are methodical, careful and placid. And then there are the hil-a-rious ones who keep us on our toes while others of you have been quick to let us know what you think. Love it!

Just curious to see what kind of business women you all are and what you think about the Biz Chicks Rule blog. Let us know what you’ve liked, disliked, want to see more of, less of or even more of something that’s perhaps off-topic. Take the survey/poll to the right and let me know where you fall in the scheme of things. Thanks for your help!

____________________________________________
Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

What Kind Of Business Woman Are You?

What’s YOUR sacrifice?

The reason I ask is to see how focused we all are with our businesses or in our executive positions. You see, women in business is no new thing, but the sacrifices women make are changing each day. For instance, a lot of women who are work-from-home moms gave up the comfort of a steady paycheck and engaging adult conversation for the isolated life – often teeming with folks under two years old and pajama-clad at 2:00 in the afternoons.

Then, there’s the single gal who perhaps is in business for herself or who’s climbing the corporate ladder, but longs for the family life, or maybe even a little “she-time” every now and then.

What about the woman who put off starting her own business until she raised her family and got them out of the house so she could concentrate on what she “wanted to do with her life.” Yes, just about every business woman has made SOME sacrifice. What’s yours?

I for one am still in the process of raising my family. Although there are no regrets, I often get impatient with trying to grow my business and wondering if I will EVER find the necessary time to do the things that need to be done to get there. A long process no doubt, but I can’t help but wonder.

What’s yours?
____________________________________________

Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

Business Women: What Is YOUR Sacrifice?

I work from home as a freelancer, and have been trying to get to the four-day work week for about a year now. No dice.

In order for me to get to that coveted four-day work week, I’d have to go up on my rates and work more hours of course during the other four days. With kids in school, activities and other outside family interests, it may not be possible to slide in extended days for the enjoyment of one extra day. But for the trade-off, I’m willing to give it a shot.

I figured I could work four nine hour days and still get the bulk of the work that I need done in that time to get that extra day. If I could get family and situations to be compliant with my idea, it should work. In theory, of course.

As a business person, do you think the four-hour work week is something viable for the type of business you’re in? Is there someone to take up the slack for you in case you can’t meet all of your deadlines or commitments? What would you do with the extra day off?
_____________________________________________________
Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

The Four-Day Work Week – - It Might Actually Work

I, for one, do not, did not and have not ever had a mentor. And believe me, there were times when I did want one, or at least thought I did. Those were the tims when I wanted someone to tell me what to do! Mentors are generally supposed to help you along, offering advice and gentle nudging where necessary and sometimes even being a sounding board for inexperienced souls. But what I have found remarkable is something that I’m sure will be controversial. Although there are numerous women in business who have or need business mentors, but in my humble opinion:
Mentors are useless.

Before you come-apart, let me tell you why I say this. Unless your mentor has experienced the same or similar business challenges that you have, how much sage, applicable advice can they offer to you as a business woman? I mean, really, can they truly feel your pain or know which direction you should take your business if it’s failing? Now so as not to confuse mentors with consultants, let me explain the difference in the two:

Mentors act as models, advisors if you will, to give the apprentice an idea of how they can and should conduct themselves and their business. They’re supposed to help YOU develop your skills, face your challenges and work through situations by offering you real-life, applicable solutions that they have used for themselves. They’re attuned to you and (should) know exactly what you need. No, they don’t do the work for you, but they should feel about 60-80% passionate about your business and have an interest in seeing you accomplish your goals.

Consultants offer their expert opinion and advice for a fee. Period. Consultants can and possibly are concerned about the outcome of a situation, but generally are focused on the bottom line and a clear-cut business arrangement. They offer a professional, expert service. They get paid. End of story.

What I am afraid of, as it pertains to business women and mentors, is the idea that mentors will offer you as a business woman a “one-up” with your competitors or even a significant boost in your business. Just not so. Mentors are just unpaid consultants. They listen to you and offer advice, but are not compensated. They just get the chance to feel good. And to further complicate it, if you don’t follow the mentor’s advice, you may have possibly wasted your time and hers. Why bother?

If it seems that I have a “thing” against mentoring, I may possibly. But first, I want to hear what you all have to say as it pertains to this business of mentoring and mentorship. Have you ever been mentored? Have you ever had a business mentor? Do you want one? Do you think it would make a significant difference in the way you do business?

Post from: EveryJoe

Business Mentors Are Useless

What would you tell your 10-year old daughter to do with her life, if she asked you?

Loaded question, isn’t it? I’ve offered my (now) 11 year old advice on numerous occasions about her life and career. I always, always, always encourage her to go to college and then all kinds of opportunities open up for her.

What would you tell your little girl to do with her life as a business-woman-to-be?
_________________________________________________________
Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

Advice For A 10-Year Old In Starting Her Own Business

[Image Source: sxc.hu]

It’s Monday morning everywhere (just about) and women small business owners, online marketers and female power executives are gearing up to have a phenomenal Monday. They’ve lined up their call resources, targeted which area of town they’re going to cover and have decided that they’re going to finally approach that business they’ve been wanting to cold call for a month.

But, is today a good idea to do it?

Why not market on Mondays?

A couple of reasons come to mind initially as to why it wouldn’t be a good idea to market your business on Monday mornings. Here they are, listed in no particular order:

• Decision makers are playing catch-up on Monday morning. They are returning telephone calls, putting out (proverbial) business fires and making other important decisions. They may not have the time or careful attention to give to you or your product or service and clearly decide whether or not to do business with you. Nothing personal, they’re just very busy.
• You haven’t “wooed” them yet. It’s Monday morning and you’re asking for something like the other half-a-gajillion people in their life. And, you haven’t even established a connection with them. Instead of starting off on a Monday asking for something, send them something. Have some pastries delivered to their office, or better yet, take them by yourself. Briefly introduce yourself, leave a card, the pastries and tell them you’ll call them at a later date. The donuts – $2.00/dozen. The lasting impression – priceless.
• Budget Reports/Financials aren’t in yet. Meaning, they perhaps don’t know if they have enough money to spend. Think it’s far-fetched? Not so. Years ago when I used to manage a small staffing branch with Olsten Staffing Services, we used to produce financials every Monday morning showing us our financial health for the week. That information would provide us with what we needed to a.) market to more companies b.) give out more bonus and incentive checks to the staff or c.) wait until the next Monday to do anything financially-related.

Assess what type of conditions may apply to the companies that you approach before embarking on any Monday marketing calls. Make sure your timing is right, the environment is optimal and that people want to see you coming. You want to create lasting and healthy business relationships.

What other reasons can you think of that would warrant you NOT marketing on Mondays? Can your reasons apply to any type of business?
_______________________________________________
Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

Business Marketing Monday: Why You SHOULDN’T Market on a Monday Morning

[Image Source: Flickr]
“Whooo. Look at that!”

“I don’t know, but you can look but don’t touch!”

Now, perhaps I flatter myself and maybe, just maybe they were talking about the coffee cake at the nearby table, but in the case that they weren’t, I thought that their dialogue was innappropriate and distasteful for a business setting. At the same time, I was kind of flattered that I even garnered whispered or whistling attention. Wow me!

Anyway, I simply ignored the conversation as if I didn’t hear it and commenced back to mingling with the crowd and exchanging business cards. Should I have ignored them or should I have responded? While I don’t necessarily count this as harassment, what do you call it? Was it innocent enough? Do you think that they know that I heard them? Were they really talking about the coffee cake?

_________________________________________________________

Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright

Post from: EveryJoe

Sexy Coffee Cake