Have you ever wondered exactly how to get an invitation to business meetings with powerful men? The ‘bro culture’ can be pretty tight in some industries. It’s a network of ‘old boys’ that can make it hard to get your foot in the door if you’re a newbie—and almost impossible if you’re a woman.
Back in the day…
When I was just starting out, I tried and tried to get meetings with the top guys in my sector. But it was no use.
Well, you don’t become successful by acting like a shrinking violet. You have to be a little bit bold if you want to get ahead in your career.
Then I had a brain wave (I’ve shared it with you in this video)! If you follow this rule, I guarantee you’ll be able to get your foot in the door to secure business meetings.
Why it’s a best tip for businesswomen
What makes the Cinderella Rule one of the finest tips for businesswomen is that it teaches you how to earn the respect of a man by being savvy and proving yourself to be trustworthy.
Here’s what I realized… Many of the business conversations at conferences I attended were done at the bar. The men would have a few drinks (and sometimes a few more) and let their guards down. They’d be willing to talk to people they normally wouldn’t have time for. I soon realized that they didn’t just talk about their jobs. They opened up about all kinds of personal stuff.
I would chat with the leaders in my industry and let them tell me all about their lives. My bar-mates would confide personal details of their lives to me. And then, I’d excuse myself and sneak up to my room (alone) and go to bed.
Three things to remember with the Cinderella Rule
This bit is important: I always protected myself. These are the three very strict Cinderella Rules: 1) three drinks maximum; 2) in bed before midnight, and 3) walk to your room alone.
The next morning, at least one of the men would ask where I’d disappeared to (with a guilty look on his face as he remembered our conversation from the night before). I’d just smile and say something like, “Your secret is safe with me.”
After that, I didn’t have to worry about securing meetings. By earning trust, I was guaranteed a slot in their calendars any time I needed. That’s how to get your foot in the door. Build rapport and earn trust at the bar!
our Youtube channel. Any great tips to share? I’d love to hear from you!
At her lowest point, Beate Chelette was $135,000 in debt, a single mother, and forced to leave her home. Only 18 months later, she sold her image licensing business to Bill Gates in a multimillion dollar deal. Chelette is a nationally known ‘gender decoder’ who has appeared in over 60 radio shows, respected speaker, career coach, consummate creative entrepreneur, and author of Happy Woman Happy World. Beate is also the founder of The Women’s Code, a unique guide to women leadership and personal and career success that offers a new code of conduct for today’s business, private, and digital worlds. Determined to build a community of women supporting each other, she took her life-changing formula documented it all in a book Brian Tracy calls “an amazing handbook for every woman who wants health, happiness, love and success!”
Through her corporate initiative “Why Acting Like a Girl Is Good For Business” she helps companies with gender diversification training, and to develop and retain women.
If you’d like to book Beate as a speaker on New Leadership Balance or Creative Entrepreneurship for your next event please connect with me.