A small group of friends, all businesswomen, were asked to share their Elevator Pitch. An Elevator Pitch is a quick speech that describes the brand of a company. It takes no longer than it takes an elevator to go from the top to the ground floor; less than a minute. It describes the brand with the intent of convincing others to try it.

After each woman gave their pitch one of the girls suggested we have some fun. ” Let’s write an Elevator Pitch as if we were a brand.” She ‘sold us’ on her idea!

The pitches were quite telling about each one of us. Mine was :

“I am a large pot of vegetable soup with an assortment of bright and colorful vegetables. You will enjoy my ‘taste.’ I have earned my Ph.D. in lifestyle wisdom.”

What does this have to do with the word vulnerability?

EVERY WOMAN HAS HER BRAND

I like alone time because it gives me a chance to just be. As I laid in bed that night–next to my ultimate concierge and pooch, America– the stillness of the night and their rhythmic breathing created the perfect setting. I thought about what top quality attracts me to other women.

I decided I am attracted to a woman who shows her vulnerable side. Are you surprised by my answer? I assume so because most people think the definition of vulnerable is weak. Think again, darling. Ask yourself if you show a vulnerable side?

Without question, I have zero problem showing my vulnerable side. I consider myself ‘blessed’ that I have no fear of acknowledging my vulnerabilities in the presence of others. It does not bother me to be unknowing and, at times, powerless because I want to be authentic. I am capable of expressing to others that I am not a lot of fluff.

You express your inner power and self-confidence when you express to others what you don’t understand. What your fears are and where you know you should have done far better. Your actions are a ticket to self-growth and authenticity.

Your vulnerability allows you the freedom to ask for advice while at the same time letting others know you are not perfect.

This is powerful. I find this very attractive in other women (though few and far between) because others will trust her.

Surprised that I said I’m blessed that I can acknowledge my vulnerable self? Don’t be. A woman who allows herself to show her vulnerable side is an empowered woman. She is resilient and clear-eyed. Not afraid to be herself. Her honesty is so attractive and is a ticket to friendship.

REVEL IN YOUR VULNERABILITY

Remember this darling, everyone is scared of something. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone, at one time or another, feels the intimidation of another. I realize the definition of the word vulnerable sounds negative. Because it means to feel powerless, susceptible, defenseless, and weak. And, as humans, we are susceptible to these feelings.

A powerful woman is not afraid to expose her fears, her susceptibilities, and her feeling of powerlessness. This makes her real. In my humble opinion, she is strong and courageous, true to herself and therefore true to others.

So think of the grandeur you will feel by exposing your vulnerable side to others. When you expose your doubts, your lack of knowledge, and an open and kind heart, you will attract the right type of woman to be your company.

BRAVADO IS NOT ATTRACTIVE

Personally, I am not attracted to women with bravado, a bold manner intending to impress or intimidate. These women are insecure and afraid to ‘let their hair down’ for fear others will see them as weak. They are not true to themselves. Believe me when I tell you this stifles their growth, creativity, and kind manner

A woman who is afraid to ask for advice, who is afraid to show a lack of knowledge in a discussion, whose fears and wounds are locked inside? This woman is doing herself a disservice.

You see, darlings, vulnerability gives you the gift of owning yourself. You are authentic. You are a visible woman and the captain of your ship. If you are afraid to show your vulnerable side, start practicing with friends you respect and watch their reactions.

BLOOM INTO YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

Do remember, dear reader, not all women will appreciate how marvelous you are. They may view you as powerless when you reveal ‘the real you.’ This is about them. This is about you.

At your age, you know who you are. If you are a closed woman, try to be open. Exposing your vulnerable side allows you the freedom to bloom into your authentic self.

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