I attended an inspiring breakfast yesterday for a nonprofit called Girl Ventures that empowers adolescent girls and positions them for leadership through a variety of outdoor adventures. Several of the young women spoke and I was bowled over by their poise and presence.
At the conclusion of the event, an envelope was being passed around for donations. When the envelope reached me, the woman holding it hesitated and said “Oh, but you’ve got BOYS.”
Yes, I have boys.
No, I don’t have daughters.
Yet I am completely invested in a future where all children reach their potential and where girls’ voices and influence extends beyond the current woeful representation.
I happily stuffed my check into the envelope.
We make assumptions daily about people.
What they want, don’t want.
Think, don’t think.
Care about, don’t care about.
This is mere speculation.
Writing people off is dangerous business. How might your company be making assumptions about “all moms”? It might be a perceived price sensitivity, overprotective bent, — hell, even color preference.
And guess what? You might be right. But you might be wrong.
Let people surprise you.
Ask women what they want. Try something new. A/B test an entirely new direction.
You never know.
