Any networking tips for women when clients are 90% male?

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Talk to them like you would anyone else you barely know in a networking situation (weather, vacation plans, family, interesting projects) and be dynamic if they are awkward.

DO get offended if they make inappropriate comments or touch you. Make it clear and stick up for yourself!

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Wear black turtlenecks and fake deep voice.

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Most of my clients are men. My best advice is to be genuine. I’ll try to avoid making too many wild generalizations that certainly aren’t applicable in every circumstance and instead say that in my experience interactions have been more positive when I’ve just been myself. Some clients tend to appreciate feeling like you have a lot in common but when you’re operating across the gender divide there can be a lot of heavy lifting to convince someone you do in fact “belong.” In my humble opinion I think I’ve been able to develop good relationships based on my willingness to be honest and genuinely engage. If I don’t have anything to add to the conversation’s topic I don’t try to fake it I just listen and ask intelligent questions. If I do have something to add to the topic at hand I speak up and I think it helps with my credibility and their continued interest in working with me. They know what they’re getting and that I’m not the attorney who will pretend or lie to them to get what I want. Hopefully this is helpful. Good luck! It’s hard out here for a professional woman lol

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Lol what a dichotomy in these tips

likefunny

Just remember they can be your dad, brother, etc so nothing different than what you know just because it’s the business context. Be yourself and try to stay in the moment without overthinking it.

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Smile a lot. Compliment something they are wearing. If you don’t know sports, don’t pretend to know sports. Ask if you can get them a second (or third or fourth) drink. Work on hiding your RBF and don’t act offended when they say offensive things or touch you.

Sorry, my (bad) joke did not translate. :) just be yourself and strive for authentic conversation!

likefunny

I am a lady in-house and network with outside counsel all the time, mostly male. Even as a potential client, it's sometimes difficult to wiggle your way into conversing with guys. Walk in, act confident, introduce yourself and ask them about themselves. That's always a fail safe topic.

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