As entrepreneurs, we often have to network to get our names out there, and that means we may have to cope with sexist or entitled men.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re dealing with people like this. The first thing to remember is that their behavior is in no way a reflection on you. It’s simply a projection of their own insecurities.
Unfortunately, many people think they can’t get ahead unless they tear other people down and discredit them for no good reason. But once you understand that, things will get easier.
Here are a few other things that can help.
1. Be prepared
When you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t treat you as an equal, it’s essential to be ten times more prepared than you need to be.
For example, if you’re in a business meeting, someone might try to challenge you on irrefutable facts to bolster their own point.
If they do that, you’ll have absolutely nothing to worry about if you’re prepared. Stay calm and reference your long list of credible sources. If the truth is on your side, it will probably annoy them, but you’ll receive the satisfaction of winning and delivering the appropriate information in a meaningful way.
2. Exude confidence
A lot of men seem to be effortlessly confident—even when we wonder why they would be due to their sometimes bizarre, often unsupported claims.
The good news is that confidence is a skill that anyone can get better at.
For example, dressing well, speaking in a strong tone, and maintaining an intentionally confident posture are all great ways to appear more confident.
And, if someone makes a sexist remark, not laughing is an excellent way to send the message that their behavior is unacceptable. Staying professional at all times and not allowing provocations to make you lose your calm is the best way to handle sexist men.
This leads to our third point.
3. Control your emotions
When you’re dealing with someone who wants to discredit you without a valid reason, their goal is usually to get you to lose control of the situation. If you remain cool, calm, and collected, he won’t get the payoff he’s looking for.
At the very least, you’ll leave with your dignity intact. But, in the best-case scenario, the guy may actually gain more respect for you – and women in general.
It’s important to keep your expectations low, though: Change is challenging, and some people never make progress because they don’t think there’s anything in it for them if they do.
Of course, we wish every man valued and respected women. But we live in an imperfect world, and a lot of guys are intimidated by ambitious ladies.
Thankfully, there are also plenty of men out there who support female empowerment.
That being said, adopting the above strategies can allow you to thrive in an environment that’s challenging in every sense of the word.
Keep calm and carry on, as they say. Don’t ever allow anyone to diminish how brightly you shine. You’ve got this!
