We have assets and we know it. I am talking about our sexuality and playing that card. Please don’t click away you. With a company named “Sell it Like a Woman” I can’t resist this topic and I know it can be a polarizing powder keg. I believe we are different from men—Duh.  Haven’t you experienced using the very same words only to find they have a different meaning to them? It can be both frustrating and kind of funny for all of us. And it validates that we are different, not better or worse— just different. We have some advantages that I want to illuminate so you might acknowledge them consciously and decide how or if you will use them.

It’s always interesting to get messages from unlikely places when I am thinking about what to blog about.  This one came a couple of weeks ago when I was driving on the freeway and listening to the radio. I heard Catherine Hakim interviewed. She is the author of “Erotic Capital,” a sociologist and a professor at the London School of Economics. I was intrigued and titillated when she stressed the importance of tapping into your erotic side. Simultaneously I felt just a little annoyed when I thought “not this topic AGAIN.” To be transparent, I liked her explanation so I will share it with you because it’s real and we can be conscious about it.

Let’s be honest here, most of us know we can call upon our powers of attraction in the boardroom and the bedroom even if we don’t always play that card. The way Hakim frames it makes you reconsider cultivating your erotic appeal. She calls it the 4^th dimension to social, cultural, and financial prowess because it capitalizes on personal career advancement.

Hakim’s controversial point of view is that erotic appeal combines sex appeal, fitness and social skills. I want to add brains in here but I didn’t write the book .She went on to state that erotic appeal could be used very well in politics, art and sports. I say, in business too. Do you dare?

I usually call it the “IT factor.” Which is an amalgamation of all your strengths, mystery and charisma. When we don’t repress our looks, social savvy and all our education and wisdom we increase our “It” factor. When we feel good it is sexy. People move towards you like moths to a flame and respond to your vibe. I invite you not to downplay your charms—see them as value added gifts and enjoy all the chances you can to use them. If you feel resistant just notice it. Does it serve you? If not, I was helped and healed when I read Marion Woodman’s book, “Conscious Femininity.” It  will open up your world and today we need to access our womanliness too. Not only can you dazzle others but you will also advance causes and light other people up too.  Your whole package makes it easier to put your ideas across and engage and enroll others.

Many women are budget minded and love a good deal! We want good value. Even when we splurge, we don’t want to be “had.” When we feel “had,” we fume and are likely to blab about it to others.

Remember these common traits when your prospect seems to be stalling because of cost, and MONETIZE the value of your offering.

Monetizing doesn’t necessarily mean saying your product is cheaper than your competitor’s. Monetizing means breaking things down so that cost and value are put into perspective. The buyer may not recognize the value of that “great bundle” unless you explain what it includes.

Closing is easier when you break things down so that prospects grasp what they are getting for their money.

Example: Leslie is selling gym memberships for $49 per month and gets a wide-eyed stare when she mentions the cost. She needs to monetize, break down what the price includes. After learning what her prospect wants from membership, she can detail those items included for the cost—noting the advantages that her gym offers compared to competitors.

Fortunately, Leslie has a great story. That $49 fee includes use of a day spa and two facials and massages a month, on top of the regular workouts. These special extras must be illuminated.

Viva la difference! Point out how your gym doesn’t cost $110 like the Equinox Club nor is it like the bare bones $19 no-name gym down the street. A sentence like: “We aren’t the cheapest or the most expensive,” is a good start, but be sure to explain the great extras the $49 fee includes.

Your prospect is listening for the trick. Stick to facts. “Bait and switch” does long-run damage and creates awful ripple effects. So, if it’s not a limited time offer, be sure to let your prospect know the terms. Say: “That package is good for a year from the day you sign.”

Naturally, you need to ask your customer questions about her workouts and how much she indulges on self-care, but that’s another blog post.

For now, Ms. Seller—be sure to remind yourself what a terrific value you offer and that you are going to help your customer see the wisdom of the purchase. Then you will be in the zone.