The role of beauty in business for women can get pretty sketchy – it’s like walking through a mine field of sexuality, social morays, and prejudice (or preference). Many times, a woman’s beauty gives her an advantage, opens doors, makes her someone even the most hardened “women should be raising children and managing the home” old schooler wants to be near in the workplace. For those of us who openly discuss the expansion of women’s contribution in our society, it can be both alarming and disheartening to see just how much nearly everyone appreciates a pretty face over any other factor.

Just look at the frequency that the pharmaceutical companies use gorgeous young women as their sales reps. Doctors are busy, they deal with lots of demands, and they see the ugliest of human situations in their office, day in and day out. Who can blame them for being persuaded by a vibrant, attractive woman? It sounds sexist, I realize, but it’s hard to deny that beauty works. Again, easy to debate whether or not it should, but there is some value in starting where we’re at and working from there.

The role of beauty in business also permeates our advertising culture. In magazine marketing, I am often confused and dismayed that teenagers are wearing expensive luxury items, items unlikely they could afford in real life. But the girls are young and beautiful and they appeal to the men who are likely to buy those yummy diamonds for the real life (probably some bit older than a teenager) women in their life. Lots of stereotypes to throw around here and I don’t want to get distracted by all that – like I said, it’s like a mine field sometimes.

I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the negative stereotypes of pretty women too (ditzy, shallow, manipulative) and fully recognize the role gender discrimination has played in the treatment of women. I am an advocate for the full engagement and respect of women worldwide. I see many of the atrocities and are often brought to my knees in sadness and shame when I research this topic. I don’t deny this is important and real. What I am asking is do we have to rid ourselves of beauty to rid ourselves of discrimination? I’m pretty sure the answer is no.

I confess that I am not ashamed of my sexuality. I love make up, I love my curves, I love fashion that flatters my figure, and I love looking as great as I can. To me, that is part of being a whole woman and I bring my entire self to the business environment. It’s part of my creativity, strength, and charm. Is that wrong? Some might think so, but it’s how I am choosing to live my life.

So, can beauty be empowerment in business?

Can we decide as women that we aren’t going to leave our genitals at the door (or our emotions or our desire to cooperate instead of compete, or our family values)?

Is there room for beauty in our vision of what business is and how it operates?

Do women have their own set of discriminatory attitudes against (or for) beauty in business?

I ask these questions sincerely, not rhetorically, and would love to hear about your experiences and thoughts on it.

What role does (should) beauty play in business for women?

I look forward to hearing what you have to say!

Vicki Flaugher, CEO
aka @Smartwoman

by Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

In this historical time, with the first African-American man running for US president, a women running for US vice-president, and the world shifting toward globalization, discrimination has been a hot topic. I felt it important to discuss how discrimination and privilege affect your business.

I have been affected by discrimination. As a young woman, I was told straight to my face that I would never be a manager at the retail store I worked at because I was a female (I’m happy to report those folks went out of business). I have also benefited from privilege, being treated with preference, for the same reason, being female. Neither situation was particularly positive for me. On one hand, you are not cut slack because of who you are and on the other hand, you are cut slack because you are deemed incapable. Not much self-esteem building in either of those positions.

I am guessing, at some point in all our lives, that we have been subject to both discrimination and privilege. But few of us know how to deal with it constructively. Few of us are very good at unraveling the complex nature of these beasts and harder still is the challenge of these topics in your business.

We’ve also all likely been in the situation that we engaged in these activities. Things that seem positive, like helping your bum brother get a good job, are based on privilege. Where you go and who you talk to are affected by how safe you feel in a neighborhood or how comfortable you feel mingling with others not exactly like you. Even when we logically know our deeper feelings need to be overcome or overlooked, it’s hard to deny, and sometimes even harder to admit, the truth of how we react and interact with each other.

I read a great article recently, considered controversial by many, that I feel really addresses the issue of privilege and the interplay of traditionally privileged and non-privileged groups.

“Check My what?” On Privilege and What We Can Do About It: Some Tips on Going From Pro-Equality in Spirit to Pro-Equality in Deed

I ask that you read it with an open mind with an eye toward your business. Discrimination issues can destroy your business. Being sued for discrimination can shut you down. Beyond the legal implications of discrimination, you are also closing yourself off from segments of the population who could do a great job for you. People unlike yourself who could bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to your work. Individuals who bring with them the promise of a new approach.

Let me know what you think. Keep it civil and keep it real. No one will be judged here, but rather encouraged to engage in an honest discussion about how discrimination and privilege help and hurt. Words are powerful and thought is life changing and how we treat each other determines our success.

Have you ever engaged in or been affected by discrimination and/or privilege? Tell your story below.

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

Yep, that’s right. I am seeking a fiery woman to speak her mind on my blog. A woman other less enlightened people would call uppity, or strong minded, or maybe even downright stubborn. If this is YOU, dear sister, then know that you are invited and truly welcome here.

You see,  I tend to be a modulator, a moderator, a peacemaker/keeper. Been one all my life, actually. I have sometimes behaved in slightly anti-social ways–being a self-employed entrepreneur is slightly anti-societal–but I can also be observed following rules, mediating…some would say leading a bit of a boring life. I like who I am, but it doesn’t always start a good discussion.

So,  I decided to embrace my true self, admit my “can’t we all just get along?” attitude and find someone else besides me that could do a better job at stirring things up. I know you are out there.

I’m not looking for vulgarity but rather passion of thought. You can write about just about anything women care about. Some suggestions might be sexism, discrimination, ageism, marriage, divorce, society’s beauty standard, the battle of the sexes….it’s wide open.  I need it to be radical and thought provoking so others will flock  to our great community here and engage. I’d even consider using a male author with the right approach. Controversy is encouraged.

So, is that fiery woman you? If it is, contact me.  I will set you up as a guest author on my site and you can have your way with the topic of your choice.

And, thanks, in advance. I am grateful for those who speak out and stand up. I admire you.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher,  the original SmartWoman