To Flirt or Not To Flirt…

Rhondalynn Korolak
The definition of “flirt”, according to the dictionary is:
- to court triflingly or act amorously without serious intentions or
- to trifle or toy, as with an idea.
While many may jump to a pre-mature conclusion (no double entendre intended ), flirting is not synonymous with short skirts, sex, massages and unwarranted promotions etc. I would never advocate using overt sexuality to get business or a promotion. It simply isn’t appropriate, professional or effective. What I am speaking about is very simple – it is about two objectives (1) being memorable and (2) developing rapport with another person for the purposes of enhancing your work relationship.
In my career, I have had the privilege to work in some of the top corporations both in Australia and North America – largely in male dominated industries. Having been in senior management positions in law, chartered accounting and retail management (FMCG), I have learned a few critical things about what it takes to be successful as a woman in business. In my experience a woman must be careful to remove sexuality from the equation yet maintain the strength of her feminity – her connection to emotions, intuition and communication – ALL of which are influential and valuable attributes in business.
People don’t buy products or services- they buy the feeling they get from the purchase – they buy the experience.
Flirting (as long as it doesn’t cross the line and become something that is not professional) is one powerful way to develop rapport. If you can make someone smile, feel relaxed and truly heard/listened to….then you have essentially sold them! This isn’t a male/female issue. It isn’t about sexuality, it is about body language, listening skills and being unforgettable….for ALL the RIGHT reasons.

6 Comments:
By Doc Haynes 25 Aug 2009
Hi , Great concept , yet sometimes a smile and just being friendly is or can be misinterpreted as flirting … friendship and just great appeal are often good companions .. Love is a totally different level …
I do agree to certain levels Guys and Gals are different including the work place I sure would love to see an equal playing field as we all have considerable talents
By Chip Etier 07 Sep 2009
When I was in my twenties and thirties, it seemed like the only women who would flirt with me were in their 80’s! LOL Now that I’m in my late 50’s, seems like everyone does! Even gays!
In my experience, a friendly smile, warm demeanor, and an occasional wink go a long way towards establishing an effective and favorable rapport with customers. As a retail pharmacy manager my customers love it when I step out of my professional role and act like just a regular guy.
Thanks for bringing up this topic, I’ve thought about it for a week now.
Keep up the good work, Rhondalynn.
By Car Hire Alicante Airport 05 Nov 2010
I am doing research for my university paper, thanks for your brilliant points, now I am acting on a sudden impulse.
– Lora
By rachat de credit 25 Nov 2010
I have the same opinion with most of your points, but a few need to be discussed further, I will hold a small conversation with my partners and perhaps we will look to you for some feedback shortly.
– Henry
By Gale 28 Dec 2010
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By game video game shop 31 Dec 2010
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