One In Three Are Thinking About Making A Change
Jen Ferguson
Enabling Sales Excellence: Empowering Sellers for Success | Ex-Salesforce | Co-Author, Heels to Deals ?? | DEIA Champion
Tomorrow kicks off Women in Sales Month.
Each year the events come and go, but the number of women leaving the workforce grows.?
Some of it is by choice, needing to step away to care for their families. With a childcare crisis upon us and the pandemic that seems never-ending.?
The McKinsey Report shares that in 2021 women are even more burned out than last year, more so than men. As women are doing the work to support well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Yet, not recognized for that work.?
What is going to make a difference between this year and next for Women in Sales? For everyone? The LGBTQ+ community doesn’t have a sales month but their voices are as important.?
We use this month to get the stories out. To educate and share the struggles. It makes me pause and wonder if the people who need to hear and understand the lessons are listening. What would it take to be heard?
Last year, I showcased 20 women on LinkedIn Live in October. Fantastic, inspiring women who were sharing their journeys and struggles. Many Moms shared how being a Mom in sales is both wonderful and nerve-wracking.
Check out this one inspiring moment from Michelle Hecht:
What is going to make the difference??
That’s my single question for the men joining me in October for an AMA for Women in Sales.?
These stand-out leaders are joining me to answer the hard questions and to lead by example.
They'll be taking anonymous questions and you'll be able to join us live in our virtual studio.
Still - That one question keeps me up at night.
I’ve shared vulnerable stories, mentored others, and promoted many women. I’ve joined the communities, the groups, the webinars, and more. The countless hours on how to deal with microaggressions. How to find sponsors and mentorship.
I’ve posed the question of training for men on how to improve inclusion. Training on how to recognize the unique talents women bring to the table. How to look at women to see the potential.
Yet, the problems persist. The stories shared with me are a reflection of the challenges that remain. The bias is the hiring practices are very much still present. ?
I’m blessed and grateful to work for a company that believes in and embraces equality. That has microaggression training and is leading in regards to benefits for women. Not everyone in my tribe works there… Yet. ??
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My mission is to make an impact for my daughter.
She’s 10. If she experiences the same things I have, it will break my heart. ??
In November, I’m going to go back to showcasing as many women as I can on this platform. I’m going to see how many women I can share with the business community to listen to their stories. Because it is a sea of men out there. Even as I add new women and diverse groups of people every day, my feed is not very diverse.
Quote about Jen Ferguson on LinkedIn Live:
"A breath of fresh air in a sea of tired sales bros." - Lynn Stepanenko
The men can post one-liners and the whole business community sits up and takes notice. For women it’s slow and steady progress to build something on this platform, to gain exposure. Just like in the workplace, we see it.?
I know why. Women are busy. They are taking on the extra weight of these efforts; while working, and supporting their families. Even as I type this it’s 5 AM.?
Why in the world am I doing this at 5 AM?
My daughter already knows what it feels like to be dismissed. For the boys in her class to stand out. That makes me sad. My daughter already codes and loves science. A girl scout cookie seller. Who dreams up ideas like the Robot Tooth Fairy. ?For that one time the Tooth Fairy forgot to visit, and she was asked to create a concept for a robot. One that would make life easier for someone.
50% of women leave tech by the age of 35.
Even as the #greatreshuffle continues. The McKinsey report says that one in three women are considering downshifting their career or leaving the workforce (2020 it was one in four). As companies look for talent they need to acknowledge the data. This is the greatest opportunity to fill open roles by giving women what they want. Fair, equitable work environments that empower them. Places where they can be seen, heard and equipped to succeed. By bridging the gap in the first rung into leadership and watching what it does for meeting your revenue goals.
All you need to do is check your bias, improve your hiring practices, and create a better environment for all. Lower the expectations for those entry-level jobs. Develop your training programs and you’ll also reduce your ramp time. Consider the transferable skills people bring to the table.
Do you know the difference between liquor inventory and scalable revenue? Nothing.
I don’t know if you heard, but Women have…
Check out this article: Why You Need More Women On Your Sales Team
The investment in the benefits, environment and flexibility women need is a valuable investment. Why? Women represent your greatest opportunity for success.
Be the change you want to see in the world. -Ghandi?
Join us on October, 27th as we explore what will make a difference with male leaders.
Speaker & Workshop Provider | Fractional CMO | Sales & Marketing Strategist | I make cold outreach fun | Working with SaaS, B2B Consultants and Service Providers | I will double your success on LinkedIn
3 年Very timely Jen Ferguson! Of what i can say is a successful businesswoman must have three?key and clear goals for her business. Also, if family is important to her, she must be mindful of family when she sets the goals for her business. She must know who she is and what is most important in her life. If family is very important to her, she must develop back-up plans in which she will meet the needs of her family and, still, fulfill the needs of her customers. ??
Global Head of People & Culture | Business Partner | CPO: Enabling Growth Through People | Culture & Talent Builder | Empathetic Change Agent | Innovator | M & A | Recruiting | Exec Comp | Ops | Forbes Award | IPO
3 年Kari Alger Alina Kuljanin, CHRP Natalie Skinner
Customer Success | YouMap? Career Coach | I Help Students Find Career Clarity | Client Experience | Teambuilding | Training | Professionals In Transition | Vocation Whisperer | **Click MORE to Connect**
3 年Improvements have been made, but they are still lagging and too few. Women shouldn't have to choose between their career and their family. We don't expect men to do this. Let's bring more support and fairness to the workplace for women in sales.
Marketing Strategist. Client Services Evangelist. Dog Walker, Yoga Teacher. Generous with Compliments.
3 年So simple but met with so much resistance: "All you need to do is check your bias, improve your hiring practices, and create a better environment for all." Thank you Jen Ferguson for all that you do.
Connecting people & ideas to create community, impact, & traction for early-stage founders | Chief of Staff ° Startup Mentor ° Intrapreneur ° Community Builder ° Strategy ° Operations ° LinkedIn Top 100 Sales ??
3 年POWERFUL Jen! #amphervoice!!