Your Boobs Have No Place In Your Brand Or Bio!
I’ve published articles touching on this topic before. More than once. Three times even! But, it appears it’s time for a fourth foray. Perhaps this will be the time I push it that one step too far. One can only hope!
So, here’s the deal. When I’m intent upon seeking out new connections there are many things I look for in a social media or website bio.
- Valuable and consistent content publishing
- Careful management and monitoring of mentions
- Willingness to converse
- Appreciation and attribution
- Consistent and targeted brand and message
- and much, much more …
Let me tell you what I’m not looking for. Copious cleavage.
I’m Not Tempted By Your Ta-Tas!
If you’re intent upon marketing to other female entrepreneurs, as is my main intent and purpose, I dare say that your mammaries aren’t adding to your marketing mojo.
Shockingly, your boobs don’t bolster you, your brand, or your digital marketing expertise, in any way that impresses me.
Skip the skimpy, strappy sundresses while you’re standing against a brick (or other urban building material) wall with your shoulders thrust back in what can only be described as porno posture.
Age Before Boobies!
I want to make something very clear. This is not a rant rearing its ugly head in the direction of younger, newer, more nubile marketers. Oh no. I’ve seen far too many well-established and well known marketers flashing a little too much titillating flesh in selfies posted to Instagram, Facebook and even Google+.
And, sadly, it’s not just selfies. Professional head shots snapped for “professional” use also fall prey to a little too much cleavage clearance. They’re called head shots for a reason, party peeps. They’re supposed to focus on your face and head, not the girls!
I don’t care if they’re pert and perky or stretched-out and saggy – I don’t want to see ’em.
Level The Playing Field With Your Smarts & Savvy
I don’t believe the esteemed ladies (girls, gals, whatever term you prefer) that launched the women’s movement would be impressed with the need to equate sexy with social media smarts, savvy or success.
Bras weren’t burned so that you could go without in order to wear a plunging neckline or barely there halter.
I’ve got a five-year-old niece, and I’m horrified by some of the costumes she’s made to wear in dance recitals, as well as some of the modern “dance moves” she’s expected pull off during a given number.
Must we be sexy in order to be seen as smart, successful, savvy? Does your brand depend on baring your boobs? I don’t think so! Do you?
Separate Sexy & Success!
There’s a time and a place for sexy, sultry and boob baring. That place is not on your professional bio. Boobs shouldn’t be part of your brand unless you’re a plastic or reconstructive surgeon, a lactation specialist, or you’re trying to wipe out breast cancer.
You CAN be attractive and look your best when you’re doing business. But your boobs aren’t a necessary part of that professional package.
I must say I have not noticed this, but it’s pretty funny that it is happening. For me, being professional, at least to some degree, is super important. Showing skin, not so much :>
I’m thinking, possibly, that men don’t tend to notice it too much, Ashley. Which makes me laugh. Are these gals giving a glimpse of the girls in order to appeal to other gals? Makes no sense to me!
I have been thinking about the same thing recently. I was browsing through linkedin the other day and saw SO many amazing, successful, powerful women – with almost plunging necklines in their head shots. Why??
I’m ok with sexy – but there’s a time and a place for everything.
Agreed. Time and place. And it amazes me that so many people mistake the right time and place!
You know, it has to do with a simple behavior in the animal kingdom. I don’t know if there is a name for it, but females often behave that way to scare “competition” and attract the best males.
My former boss from a lifetime ago once joked in a meeting that female employees should dress with plunging necklines “to lure more men to sign up for our classes”. Provided that we were instructors to adults and the boss was a woman, I simply responded that the school was not a brothel, and that students kept coming back because they were happy about what they learnt.
Of course, male teachers loved her joke. She played their game. But to me and other women present that day, it felt so insulting.
This world is highly sexualized and many women have been raised to believe that you can only be taken seriously if you show some skin.
Heck, a long-time friend of mine told me the other day that I would get more clients if I started wearing makeup and stopped hiding my shoulders under clothing. lol
I have no problem showing off a bit of plumage, Cendrine. I like lipstick and can get away with bold shades, so I’m known to play that off. Look at how many women in our field dye their hair bright pink in a bid to stand out and make others take notice. When I’m in front of an audience, I will primp a bit above and beyond my current “respond to comment” attire, a huge wooly orange sweatshirt and yoga pants.
But, we aren’t animals, as you so astutely pointed out. Supposedly we’ve evolved beyond the age when our main objective was to mate and perpetuate our species. With that in mind, I still believe we should keep the girls well within the confines of our clothing! LOL.
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