Sheena’s Weekly Rant: Male Reps Vs Female Reps
by Matisse Sheena
Sheena at FNPlatform – Working hard!
Oh snap! I knew I was asking for it when I gave Sheena this topic and she did not disappoint! That’s all I am going to say on this one! Happy Friday! The disclaimer reads: “Sheena’s Weekly Rant is meant for entertainment purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of all Shoebizness contributors. Here on Shoebizness we like to highlight all different perspectives…. -Julia
Male Reps vs. Female Reps
When Julia gave me this topic I instantly thought, uh-oh. I constantly rant about this topic hidden amongst my other topics. It really bothers me that in the contemporary world, there are still middle-aged men telling buyers what their customers will like buy and wear.
I was having this exact conversation with another female rep friend of mine during the Platform show last week. She was bitching to me how during a product meeting her old man bosses were telling her what the female population would want to wear from their Fall 10 line. Uh… yeah right! She was appalled that these guys would tell her what she would wear. Obviously, from a merchandising standpoint, men can function within women’s product. But as far as understanding how trends will translate to women, no way in hell.
I am constantly seeing success within accounts that I shop in. I understand the mix and the customer, as I am one in many cases. This is always appreciated by my buyers and even verbalized on many occasions. I read Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, and W every month. Amongst the shopping mags Lucky and InStyle. You think the shoe dogs are looking at any of these publications for research purposes? No! I only know this because I ask them if they ever have picked one up and their reaction alone gives me my answer. They look at me like I am speaking another language.
I had a few arguments with one of our reps recently and I have come to notice that he has a major issue with assertive Women. I constantly have to listen to these guys let loose at shows, since they don’t have their ball and chains around they tend to act a little more brazen. I am fine with this since I have grown up with boys and became immune at a young age. I myself can totally act like a boy anyway, so what do I care? Anyway, this rep made a point to tell me “Dames shouldn’t talk like that!” (I guess I had abused my potty mouth or something.) First, I asked him “What effing decade are you living in?” I mean, calling me dame, really? I then proceeded to let him know his options. 1. I can say whatever I want to when boys are talking about tits and ass and topics of that nature. Or 2. I can sue the shit out of him for sexual harassment. He shut the hell up.
I am so ready for the good old days to end. Maybe I am just sick and tired of shoe dogs cause I’ve been traveling so much in the last month, or maybe not. The times have changed and us DAMES are officially the better “Man” for the job. Either way if you pitted me or another one of lady counterparts against any “shoe dog” in the contemporary market, we will sell circles around his old ass. This is a bet I know I would never lose. The day of the dog is DEAD.
Woof Woof.
-Sheena
More about: Panoptical Perspectives • Matisse Sheena
William :
First things first — you’re right. He should have used the word “broad” instead of “dame”. 
DON’T FREAK OUT I’M MAKING A JOKE.
Secondly, you are illustrating the shortcomings of a bad businessperson…and those characteristics are NOT gender specific. I am quite confident that you can find an equal number of female salespeople who are just as out of touch with their business as the men you describe.
I know for a fact that any salesperson worth his or her salt is spending a lot of time schooling him or herself on the ins and outs of all aspects of the business — those who do, win…and those who don’t, lose.
There are plenty of men who can “sell circles” around you or any of your “lady counterparts”…and plenty of women who can outsell men. Gender bias – from either direction – is extremely shortsighted, IMHO. And I know plenty of guys who would make you lose your bet.
That said, no one can outsell me.
Sheena :
Will – I think you are letting you ego get the best of you. If you notice, I am referring specifically to the CONTEMPORARY Market. Are you even in said market? I stand by my theories, as they have been repeatedly proven. No need to get so emotional. Send me your account list and we can compare and contrast.
Peace.
