Ghosted on Linkedin?

The Raw Nature of Business Connections

LinkedIn business connections have become so raw these days, mirroring the tone of the wider social media landscape.

Navigating Gender Dynamics

Every meeting I've had lately with male counterparts via Zoom, though initially seeming promising and potentially beneficial – be it for advice or a contact – invariably devolves into a male-female dynamic.

This could be a result of my profile, or perhaps the mere fact that I'm a woman navigating a man's world ... And when I say "lately," I'm specifically referring to the phase associated with what I'm building now. WHAT AM I BUILDING NOW?!

Reflecting on my 18-year tenure working with Third World nations in the telecom infrastructure sector, even amidst the harshest conditions and negotiations, I never experienced such dynamics. In places where one might assume it's particularly challenging for a woman, like Saudi Arabia or various parts of Africa, I was treated with nothing but professionalism.

Thank you to the hundreds of clients, thousands of contacts in worldwide telecom operators who have made my company great, and who trusted us for so -many years!!

Today: The Instagram Influence

Yet, in today's world, influenced heavily by the superficial antics reminiscent of "Instagram culture", it's baffling how some deem it acceptable to request meetings devoid of genuine interest in a company's mission. What I mean is those in the investment world....

Ghosting: The New Business Hurdle

The number of times I've been ghosted is both surprising and deeply disheartening.

I see myself as an interesting individual: courageous, resilient beyond the "standard".

My vision is my sword, guiding me through the challenges, slicing through doubt, and illuminating my path in the darkest of times. Just as a true Viking-warrior relies on their blade in battle, I draw strength from my clarity of purpose, using it to navigate the ever-shifting landscapes of this quickly shifting world.

As I wade through the learning curve of raising funds for my OTC publicly-traded company, I'm struck by the irony that it feels like I'm trying to sell ice cream to Eskimos. It shouldn't be this hard, especially when the mission itself is packed with vision and prospects.

This paradox forces me to reflect on the broader dynamics at play in the corporate landscape, without making it a gendered lament.

Women in a [man's] Business World!!!

Kudos to the select few ladies who have carved their niche. However, while I'm gunning for tangible accomplishments, I've discerned a trend: many women seem more inclined towards roles as socialites or digital warriors, potentially missing out on transformative roles that await them as visionary leaders.

Call to Action:

apply

A point I must emphasize is the scarcity of truly entrepreneurial female achievers who actively support other women. More often than not, their support is reserved for those perceived as "disadvantaged".

It's rare to encounter women who offer genuine support, driven not by shared gender or potential gains, but by a commitment to championing what's right, visionary, inspirational, and transformative in a world that often settles for mediocrity.

These thoughts began as a WhatsApp message, expressing my gratitude to a dear colleague, for her unwavering support.