Women are taking over the world (at least my sister and I are. In the future I trust my two adult daughters will prove equal to the task).
Did you know more 20 and 30 year-old women are graduating from professional schools, starting their own businesses and earning higher incomes than their male cohorts. The rise of “girl power” is not a new Super Hit Teen Movie, it is becoming a reality. Fact is; young professional women largely fuelled the recent condo boom and heightened the demand for better quality appliances, finishes and security systems.
Given this socio-economic shift, it is not surprising that economists, marketers and business gurus warn corporations that failing to understand what women want will negatively impact the bottom line. This same warning extends to anyone with a professional or service related career.
Yet, 91 per cent of women still feel that traditionally male dominated industries just don’t get them. This means that most service providers are failing to understand what women want.
One example of the disconnect between most industries and women is its use of aggressive sales tactics developed by and for men. Women are turned off by pushy agents urging them to buy or sell or get on the investment train before it leaves the station. They also feel alienated by hype-filled ads; yet, such “deal-closing” approaches still persist.
Could the reason for this disconnect be that women are just too complex?
Professional women initially cringed at Harvard’s 2001 claim that women are complicated. After all, it is unfair to make sweeping generalizations about either gender; I know many women who couldn’t care less about design and yet I work for many men who are very in touch with their feelings.
But several reports built on a decade of scientific research, concede there is some truth to the stereotype. Knowing this may enhance your customer service and customer base.
To sum up Harvard’s research: a woman’s brain is more complex than a man’s (now I know why my husband and I communicate on an entirely different level).
A “complicated” brain (i.e. a woman’s), however, is no more or less intelligent than an “uncomplicated” brain (i.e. a man’s). This difference simply means that how a woman’s brain processes information affects what she considers to be valuable when she makes a decision. And this, ultimately, affects what she wants.
Generally, a woman’s brain is more complicated than a man’s because it contains more white matter than a man’s. This difference in composition is important because grey matter processes information while white matter integrates information and makes connections between information. Accordingly, as a woman makes a decision, she will make connections between seemingly disparate pieces of information, such as emotions and price, while a man, in most cases, will not.
A woman’s brain also draws stronger connections between pieces of information because, unlike a man’s brain, to process information she not only uses different sections of her brain, but also both the left and right side of her brain. By virtue of this thought process, a woman is more likely than a man to consider long-term and future goals, rather than her immediate needs.
Before making a purchasing decision, a woman requires a lot more detail about a variety of tangible and intangible factors. For example, if your female client is debating over whether or not to buy a condo, she will likely consider whether or not the Agent and the developer share her values; if she can identify with the condo’s “brand”; what her friends think about the purchase; the “feel” of the condo; the price point; the length of time she’ll live in the condo; the features (upgrades, finishes, security system, parking); and if the condo fits with her current and, more importantly, future lifestyle.
Since women are taking over the world, I suggest you take the time to truly understand what she wants. And this can be done simply by:
• Not making the mistake of thinking that all women like pink and a want a big shoe closet. Ask her about her values, belief and life philosophy;
• Considering whether or not you and your client share the same values, beliefs and life philosophy. Women site personality and brand image as important factors in their decision-making process;
• Learning about the “story”, values and brand behind the product and identifying if your client’s values align with theirs. For example, find out if environmental sustainability is important to her or if she struggles with work-life balance;
• Determining with whom your client is or will be consulting and discuss with her their thoughts or opinions;
• Identifying your client’s short-term and long-term goals and making sure that all the products or services you offer align with these goals;
• Listening to what your client wants. For example, ask her to identify what was specifically wrong or right with the product or service you provide;
• Speaking with your client and not at your client when explaining the features of your product or service. For example, ask her whether or not she liked the results, functionality or outcome of the service or product;
• Exclude from all advertising and promotional material hype and “catchy” slogans.
• Treating your clients with honesty, respect and as individuals and promptly responding to any queries. Women buy the entire experience as well as the final product.
While going the extra mile to understand your female client may not guarantee a sale, it will, at the very least, increase your appeal to the public at large. This is because, by providing women with more details about a home or your services, you’re also providing men with more incentives to buy from or work with you.
Do you deserve a break today? 