Boobs-N-Business

[Annie Sever-Dimitri]

So....I have noticed more business women sporting miles of cleavage at networking events this summer. One chick's was so just out there that I bet her temperature controls were visible when she bent over. From an image consulting perspective, this is a killer for building business. I feel men don't take us seriously when we are showing almost as much mammary as a pole dancer at P.T.'s.

What do you think? Guys, how does a massive boob display affect your opinion of business women? Ladies, what are your thoughts?

[Michael R.]

"a beautiful smile could put one candiate over the top in interviews"

And I guess you'd be o.k. with that, right? *slaps forehead* And, I don't have a problem with you, I just don't agree with some of the things you've stated on this thread.

[Ted Myers]

I believe many (ok, SOME) of the women coming into the work force are modeling themselves after the "professionals" they see on TV. No matter what the profession on TV -- doctor, lawyer, police officer, etc., the women are showing more skin that is generally considered acceptable in the conservative midwest (We ARE in Indiana, after all). Maybe that's the way people actually fress in the big metro areas and on the coasts. (?)

I find that sort of attire "distracting," to say the least. I would not want a person showing lots of skin trying to sell software (that's computer software); I'm afraid it would do us a great disservice.

The short answer is, "They shouldn't aughta do it!"

[Steven B.Adams]

If the "Pole Dancer" with the cleavage is also brilliant in her business.........she will rule, and without mercy

If she is ...not so bright....but very pleasant for guys to look at......she will... have a job... and be a small joke that everyone knows....

If the lady is a bun-be-decked frump, but brilliant she will do very well...and.... no one will ever be fresh with her..

Most intelligent males will certainly know the difference between them all ..........if they want to remain successful.

This is a man's perspective, apologies for the brutality of this .....but that... is the way it is....and the cleavage thing works and that's why they do it....

Some men are terrible like this.....and some women are no better for playing that hand...

[Mike Magan]

The original question about boobs got me thinking . . . about something other than boobs. My gut reaction to the post is yes they are an advantage, but as I tried to write an honest response, I really came to realize that for me -- ONE GUY -- boobs or a curvaceous rear or a beautiful face are part of the equation in a professional setting, but don't attract me to the sale independent of everything else. This post about one physical attribute is a great conversation starter about appearance but its practical application just breaks down doesn't it?

Sure there's a college fraternity party guy inside me that might come out at a Colts game or bachelor party, but he's not there in professional settings or most settings. Plus I have a 12 y/old daughter and that has TOTALLY changed the way I "size up" a woman.

It is easy to prove a point with extremes - big boobs (attractive) vs hairy armpits (ugly) to drive home a point. But in reality I think most people find the opposite sex in general attractive, fewer are beautiful and a fraction are just heart-stopping gorgeous. But I can do business with all of them and I presume while I might be more excited initially at the DDG woman, sincerity wins in the end.

Ultimately what we find attractive in someone is a reflection of what we value in ourselves.

[Annie Sever-Dimitri]

Good point, Mike! What we find attractive or unattractive in others is a reflection of what we value in ourselves.

[Katy Gunderson]

Women who dress in an unprofessional manor are often perceived as just that, unprofessional. They may gain the attention they seek by showing off their "assets" but they will never gain respect. However in my experience that is never what they are after. In situations I have been in where a girl has been given more responsibilities based solely on the fact that she stood out from the rest of the crowd because of her dress, she usually fell flat (no pun intended) when it came time to do her job.

Thanks for posting this by the way. It is a problem for many young women just starting out in the business world.