Looking back on my career, I recall a time when more women than usual were entering the work place and the profession of selling in particular. They had to prove they belonged constantly. It is to the tenacity and talent of those women that the women of today owe a debt of gratitude. I remember vividly how most, not all, but most women were treated. They had to prove themselves many more times than their male counterparts. Some men were confused as to how they should treat women in the work place. Chivalry was present but it was hiding behind a curtain.

Surveys today indicate that over fifty percent of women in the work force dream of owning their own business, and being their own boss is the main reason. Surveys also show that half of the new businesses in The United States are started by women, and they have a success rate higher than those of men. One in six businesses are owned by women. Women own over ten million firms and start companies at twice the rate of of men employing vast amounts of people.

I sold with and competed against women for years. I found them to be both capable allies and note able adversaries. It was great to see their transition from getting someone a cup of coffee to owning the coffee company. Not all men were chauvinistic. A vast amount of established salesman nurtured and helped women salespeople to evolve and succeed. It was not only a nice thing to do but the proper thing to do. Like everything else in life my reality was colored by my perception at the time. I am not a champion per Se of womens' rights or anyone else's rights. It is just something I wanted to voice my opinion on since I have this platform.