I am back?

Hanya · 07-20-2007, 09:04 AM

So there are a lot of new ladies on this forum and I think that is awesome! Sorry to have missed all of your introductions. Also seems like a few of our more experienced ladies have had some bad luck this month - best luck healing to you both.

For those of you who know nothing about me, I am from good old NC and I pretty much live and breathe motorcycles these days. I work at the Raleigh Cycle Gear and I have been riding myself over 2 years now.

I've recently had problems with people disregarding my input simply because of my gender. Now, I'm not an all out feminist or anything aggressive, but it does hurt my feelings when customers basically tell me they want to speak to a guy (who will tell them the same thing!). On the other hand, when a customer gets upset and I am the person in charge of the store at the time, it seems like they get MORE upset than they would if either of the two guys were handling the situation. I can't expect any of you to know my personality, but I guess I am just saying it sucks b/c I try to be as professional as possible and it seems that being professional makes people think I am just being a bitch (and they have called me that too...at work... just doing my job). /rant

Anywho, I am busy with work but I have been reading on and off what people have to say around here... would be nice to feel appreciated and not out of place once again, cause I don't like hearing motorcycling is a man's world!

CBRJenny · 07-20-2007, 10:13 AM

Hey JoHannah,
I am new to the sportbike scene but it is nice to see there are alot of women with the same interests.
As far as being a women in a male dominated sport...well I can offer some advice!
My true love is drag racing ( have been doing it for years) and I am currently trying to get a major sponsorship so I can step up into the professional ranks of the IHRA and the NHRA and also finish my 1953 Promodified Corvette which will run well over 200mph in the 1/4. Oh, and I can wrench on my own car too!
Anyways what I am trying to say is get used to the gender gap...It is everywhere.....I face it daily ...all I can say really is use the fact that you are a woman to your advantage...and it has it's adavantages!!!!!! Do not let the small minds make a difference in how you live your life and how you feel about you.......Just a little advice form someone who knows what it feels like!!!

blndebmbr · 07-20-2007, 11:17 AM

It is a challenge.....but hang in there. I now set things off with "but I am just a girl, so what the hell do I know?" It works pretty good to knock some of them off balance enough to listen.

Shorts · 07-20-2007, 09:00 PM

Hmm, I've gotten those kinds of attitudes too. Thing I do is just confront them outright and ask exactly what it is they need or what question they need answered. Then I blow the shit out of the water and answer not only with the correct information but the mechanics of how or why it works the way it does. Then give other options along with typical results/expectations, install tips when necessary, not to mention drown their ears in technical info too....then politely ask "Is there anything else I can help you with???"

I find that's the best way to put folks like that in their place. Then they either backpedal and learn their lesson, or they go away pissed off because they're just angry people

Of course, the other redeeming answer is when your male coworkers go out there and back you up when tell the customer you can do the job just fine, then walk off again.

At any rate, hang in there, don't let them push you around when you know what you're doing

segue00 · 07-20-2007, 09:09 PM

Hey, I'm a male and I sometimes get the same treatment especially around here, only worse because I don't have boobies!!!

[edit] Oh, welcome back!!!

Rebelde · 07-20-2007, 09:17 PM

hey, Hanya, good to see you back! Boys are stupid; ignore them.

I know that wasn't very helpful advice, but it is hard to give good advice, as you are in a tough position. Anyway, glad to see you back... Are you still riding the sv? I've been riding Dan's quite a bit lately; it's been fun...

Shamrock627 · 07-20-2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shorts

Hmm, I've gotten those kinds of attitudes too. Thing I do is just confront them outright and ask exactly what it is they need or what question they need answered. Then I blow the shit out of the water and answer not only with the correct information but the mechanics of how or why it works the way it does. Then give other options along with typical results/expectations, install tips when necessary, not to mention drown their ears in technical info too....then politely ask "Is there anything else I can help you with???"

I find that's the best way to put folks like that in their place. Then they either backpedal and learn their lesson, or they go away pissed off because they're just angry people

Of course, the other redeeming answer is when your male coworkers go out there and back you up when tell the customer you can do the job just fine, then walk off again.

At any rate, hang in there, don't let them push you around when you know what you're doing

I think this is a good approach. Cause after you're done, the guy will either drop his jaw, or ask you to marry him.

Go into details, even quote stuff like horsepower specs, etc. You have to really convince them, because they are reluctant to speak with you.

blueyes34 · 07-20-2007, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamrock627

I think this is a good approach. Cause after you're done, the guy will either drop his jaw, or ask you to marry him.

Go into details, even quote stuff like horsepower specs, etc. You have to really convince them, because they are reluctant to speak with you.

if that doesn't work just kick his ass and make him listen

welcome back

Hanya · 07-21-2007, 01:35 PM

Thanks everyone it was really like a bad 2 days and I am over it now. I tried talking to my Dad about it because he leads with authority and he just had some nice things to say about my type of personality, so that made me feel better. I am just a strong woman and some people will never be ready for that. I can't help it I was raised to have good organization and efficiency skills!

acalliste · 07-21-2007, 04:56 PM

I find that speaking with confidence (firm tone, direct eye contact) for the first few minutes a conversation with a guy you haven't talked to before lets them know that you know what you are talking about.

Of course, you have to back it up by actually knowing what you are talking about. But you can be right all day long, and they will never believe you if you don't say it like you really know you are right, and there is no room for debate.

After you convince them, then you can relax and joke around when appropriate. But you have to teach them that you know what you are talking about first.

Hound · 07-27-2007, 04:12 AM

No worries.

I work in emergency services and its the same. I'm hoping next year to make it into the academy with my department and that means more female to man clashes. I also will get a fun dosage of issues because of my ethnicity.

Its not 'fun' but I've learned to factor it in, deal with it, and ignore it to a point. Do your job and be good at your job. You have to go home to yourself and be pleased or disappointed in you. Thats what matters.

soxxerms · 07-27-2007, 11:23 AM

welcome back