Dinosaur Discovered in Boston
Dinosaurs are not extinct. They still roam the Earth – here in Boston. I know. I met one.
Last week, looking for some business advice, I sought counsel from a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs. The advisor with whom I met tried his best to look like a distinguished businessman but I could tell he was really a tyrannosaurus rex. The giveaway was the eyesight. T Rex is known for his keen vision. And even though this guy stared at my chest throughout our entire meeting, he still somehow managed to notice I wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. “You don’t wear a ring. Are you married?” he asked. Bracing myself for him to ask about my husband’s career I told him, “Yes I am.” “Too bad. I was going to hit on you.” Then he laughed. “I hope you don’t mind my humor. I like to joke around.”
I scheduled the meeting because I wanted to discuss my financial projections. T Rex wanted to tell me how to write a marketing plan. I have worked in marketing for 20 years. T Rex didn’t care. Attempting to take control of my meeting, I asked a specific question about my revenue model. T Rex answered by explaining how marketing works. This was what he had to say,” It’s like the stripper outside the tent at the circus. She flashes some skin outside but doesn’t take everything off until you buy the ticket and enter the tent.”
Statistics show that 90 percent of investor money goes to men. Industry watchers often blame women for this dismal fact because women apparently don’t ask for funding as frequently as men do. I suggest we revisit the statistics. Let’s look at how much money is flowing to women’s chests. After all when I sought business advice my breasts got a lift from the meeting, but for me, it was a bust.
