I don’t want to get into a major discussion about the differences between men and women when it comes marketing and business, or differences in general, but I can see that it is a topic many of you have deliberated over and given some thought to.

While I accept that there are some differences that are probably universal, I also think there is so much that influences who we are as individuals – both nature and nurture – that we can’t categorize people simply by sex. Women who thrive in business do not necessarily take on traditionally male traits. I know women who are girly girls and I know women who are what we might have called tomboys when we were younger. I always considered myself a tomboy but one of my friends says I’m quite girly next to her. Similarly I have many male friends (and relate better to men in general) who run the gamut from having very soft feminine sides to being full-on butch guys showing off their pecks and talking cars and stuff!

For myself, I don’t understand when some of my female friends talk about their biological clocks ticking away and the overwhelming urge to have children. It just hasn’t happened to me. I love children but don’t have this hormone rush that tells me I must have my own. Too much testosterone in the womb? (this is the latest theory as to why some women prefer techie subjects more than others) Conversely, my sister always wanted to be a stay at home mum and didn’t understand my drive for career satisfaction. Same mum, same upbringing, two very different people

We’re all different. And that’s what I love about people – their individualism. So, while many women share similar characteristics, it is their differences that make them unique.

As watzzupsport said “it takes all types to make up this world.” Wouldn’t it be dull if we were all the same? Don’t feel you have to compromise yourself in order to fit in to a stereotype.

So, relating this to your search for a mentor or masterminding group, it is important to find others you can communicate well with, respect, feel comfortable around, and find common ground with. For most women that will be other women and for most men that will be other men, but it doesn’t have to be.

I wish you all well in your search and remember to celebrate your differences!

Lisa