Once we found a Flash video, VideoQ worked reliably with an expected decrease in video quality.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET)

Skyfire VideoQ ($1.99 for a limited time), a new video app launched this morning from the makers of the Skyfire browser, offers a fairly simple process to play Flash videos on your iOS device. While any added steps are a pain, if you need to watch a Flash video on the iPhone, VideoQ is one of the only options.

Skyfire says it doesn’t matter which iOS browser you use. Once you’ve registered your iPhone’s e-mail adress in the VideoQ app, when you find a Flash video that refuses to play in your preferred Web browser, just use the browser’s option to Mail Link to this Page and enter video@Skyfire.com. Now, when you open the VideoQ app, the Flash video will be waiting for you to watch in your video queue.

Surprisingly, in our tests, many of the formerly Flash-only sites we tried had already converted videos to work on iPhone (even at Adobe!). We were eventually able to find a site that required Flash (store.steampowered.com), and–using the steps above–were able to get a game preview to play on VideoQ that would not play on Safari for iPhone. The frame rate was somewhat lower than the original, but that is to be expected with a service that converts the video on its servers and sends it back to you.

Use the What’s Hot section to find the latest user uploaded videos.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET)

VideoQ isn’t just for converting Flash video links; it also acts as a media hub where you can watch user-discovered videos. You can touch the Hot button at the bottom of the interface to see the most popular user videos, or you can select Channels to browse video by categories including Technology, News, Sports, and Humor. You also have the option to add categories like Anime, Kids, and others. So even if you don’t have much luck converting videos (or finding videos to convert), VideoQ offers plenty of content that will only grow once more people sign up.

VideoQ is a universal app available today at the iTunes App Store in the U.S. and Canada for an introductory price of $1.99. Skyfire says it plans to expand to more countries in the coming weeks.

While the number of sites that display Flash-only videos seems to be shrinking everyday, it’s great to have the option when Safari or another iOS browser refuses to play a video.

A simple reminder that LinkedIn is a strong networking tool!

So many questions come to mind….Is this company helping property owners “steal” more time in their homes? Is it better for the neighborhood to have an occupied home in default or a vacant property not yet in foreclosure? Does this encourage other business models teaching people how to become “squatters”?

You are here: Home » Editorials » Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee?

Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee?

Lani Rosales | 2 days ago | 87 Comments

A young woman in an executive meeting

I was wearing a black pant suit from Ann Taylor petites and a teal button up shirt starched within an inch of its life. I was the second to be seated and organized my contracts in my leather bound holder as seven grey haired men filed in, one by one. One made a comment about the Texas heat and about how far outside of town our corporate offices were but how beautiful it was. I sipped water from a short tumbler glass and was the only one using a coaster.

The board room was in the front of the main building and was completely glass walled, making skirts nearly impossible for me, thus pant suits. I was 21 and because of my young career accolades and achievements in education, I was head hunted sight unseen as the marketing director for a medium sized commercial real estate developer. I was the only woman in the entire company with a private office, the only in executive meetings, made more than double any other lady in the organization and had a female assistant.

In this meeting in my teal shirt, as we waited for the client, the President of the company said, “sweetheart, can you grab me some coffee?” Coffee? I quickly weighed my options- politely get coffee and deal with it later as most Southern gals would, stand up and walk out to pack my office, or hold my ground.

“Coffee? Really? I’m sitting at the same table with you, you’re barking up the wrong tree, princess.” I attempted a smile and held it.

My heart raced and in a quarter of a second, my career flashed before my eyes. Well, at least I would be leaving on a high note that would make for a great story for my future children. He smiled, hesitated, said, “okay then,” walking out of the room for his own coffee.

I stood my ground but I knew the risk would be that I would have a “bitch” reputation. It is confusing for women in the corporate world because you’re supposedly hired based on the merits of your qualifications, you sit at the same table with hundreds of men, yet are asked for coffee or thought of as a bitch- neither of which indicates respect.

My tolerance for jokes is high

I’m a native Texan, I love southern culture. I am laid back, silly, sometimes crude, and always southern- we don’t insult you behind your back down here, we smile and say it to your face.

I was born in the 80s and from a generation of rap enthusiasts and epithet abusers, I’ve even given a very popular Ignite presentation on curse words. My generation calls our friends “bitch” and “skank” and it doesn’t mean much. I’m not easily offended by much of anything and my threshold for cuss words and crude jokes is very high.

My tolerance for direct insults that strike at the core of my abilities as a professional, however, is extremely low.

It isn’t a thing of the past

Since AgentGenius was founded, we’ve been asked to be part of many projects and companies, and we are very protective with our brand and rarely lend our name to anything outside of our own company, so when we do, it is a major endorsement.

One fall, we flew out to California for a board room meeting for a new company we were joining as leadership. The room was small and there were only six of us (including me and Benn). We were all tired for our own reasons, but there was an air of excitement in the air because this idea Benn started had come to fruition, had a little bit of funding, and now all we had to do was finish the product.

The air felt electric and enthusiasm was high, but it was deflated in an instant when a beloved male figure in this real estate web space that a lot of people including me looked up to said, “it’s about time you got on your knees” as I plugged in my laptop at his feet underneath the table.

Screeching halt.

Remember, I’m not easily offended, I love cussing and dirty jokes are awesome, but this was crushing. Shattering. How could someone everyone loves so much be so cruel? He revealed he had no respect for me (nor my husband). This time, I didn’t stand up, I sat down because it hurt more than some sexist Texan idiot. This was someone who is supposedly progressive, someone we had talked to for almost every day over the previous year.

It all became clear when later on that day while discussing the company’s Advisory Board, I was asked, “hey do you know any black women in real estate? We probably also need an Asian guy, who do you know?” Oh. Silently, I realized that I was invited to sit at the table because I fit some checklist of demographics. How shallow and ignorant. I thought my expertise and merit brought me to the table, but it was my tits. Needless to say, our relationship ended that day with all individuals of the startup. We left that night and never looked back.

Politics reveals sexism is alive and well

Mysogyny is common in politics, women don’t exactly have it easy in the world of public scrutiny. When Hillary Clinton ran for office, people talked about her pant suits. Her PANT SUITS! Who the hell cares about her fashion? But she was chastised for her outfits while fat old white guys wore paisley ties, shiny black belts, brown pants and blue shoes without a second thought- they were there for business, don’t look at their clothes, right?

Women on women mysogyny is common as well. Remember when Democratic Representative Janis Baird Sontany of Nashville said regarding her female Republican colleagues, “You have to lift their skirts to find out if they are women. You sure can’t find out by how they vote.”

Bill Maher is under fire currently not for constant berating of former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin and calling her stupid (which honestly is kind of funny sometimes), but for calling her a “c***,” possibly the most offensive word in the American lexicon. Using the word at a bar when you’re shoved by a drunk chick is far different than using it on national television (if that’s what you’d call HBO). How disgusting.

Maher gets a pass because he’s liberal, so that must mean he’s sensitive to women’s lib, right? False. Gross. Sick. That word is culturally unaccaptable, even if you’re a comedian. UPDATE: I have been told the word he chose started with a T and rhymes with clot, yet other reports say it starts with a C and rhymes with blunt, both of which are equally offensive in modern culture.

It isn’t just women politicians, it’s women in real estate

I recently called out an old school trainer for his fundamental misunderstanding about social media which resulted in a lengthy offline discussion with the trainer. He left an anonymous comment on our site referring to me as a “professional tweeter,” and used a tone as if I was a pig-tail wearing toddler who needed my lollipop taken away, not a seasoned marketer and Editor-in-chief at one of the largest digital publications in the industry.

In this situation, he looked a lot like the ridiculous Texan who demanded coffee.

The sexist nature of the industry is nothing new. It’s older than the inception of selling a house. NAR and NAHB were founded by older white guys, are run by older white guys and both act like an old white guy. “Go get me coffee, inferior person.” News organizations behave the same way- I was offered $35k to join up while my male counterpart would be making more… sorry, guys, my current income has the comma in a different place.

Women are defiminized in this space, even by other women- you go to a women’s organization or club within the industry and see if attendees aren’t catty about what other women are wearing. Really? You’re going to act like that too? You can’t get upset that you’re not the CEO if you GIVE permission to men to continue their current thought pattern, you’re proving them right.

Women have to be outrageous to lead in this industry. One growing brokerage comes to mind, led by an extremely intelligent woman, but she has to wear the hottest pink jacket on the market and Prada shoes to get attention. She has to get on stage and poo poo tradition to be seen. It shouldn’t be that way.

Where are all the women?

Of the 12 largest real estate brokerages in America, only one has a female CEO and even then, the Chairman of the Board is male. Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, Prudential, Weichart, Realty World, ERA, Exit, Realty Executives, Sotheby’s and Windermere all have older white male CEOs. It doesn’t stop there, look to Trulia, Zillow, Move, Inc., HotPads and others. That’s not their fault and they certainly shouldn’t invite a woman simply because they need a girl (or black woman or Asian guy). I wonder how many times RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly has been called a bitch for being a leader or asked to get coffee and declined?

Even awards lists are missing women, but where are the women leaders? I was recently named as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders and I got a flood of emails that praised me for being a female leader. I was disappointed that that was what people chose to focus on- my being a default feminist because I was on a list, rather than congratulations for being accomplished. Only 11 other women were on that list, and the award was chastised for being sexist, but I have to ask again, where are all the women in leadership roles? Are too many women scared of being called a bitch and just stick to gender-appropriate roles? What a waste.

Becoming a default feminist

The truth is, I get along best with men. I’m scrappy and kind of a smart alec, and that works for me. I grew up as one of the boys, I like sports, and I drink beer, but I love skirts, jewelry and home magazines too.

Because of the stand I’m taking today against sexism in the real estate industry, I’ll be labeled a feminist, a Code Pinker. I’ll be a default feminist and called upon to speak at conferences about the disparity in the industry between men and women.

That’s too bad, I don’t actually support most feminist groups, they’re more hippie than my Texan flavor cares for (I think the term is often abused and used as an excuse to complain). I believe in every American worker forging their own way DESPITE any obstacle. Despite the guy asking for coffee, despite the HR director calling you “babe” or “sweetheart,” or a real estate industry leader calls you “nothing more than a hot wife.” Life is a challenge, and we teach our daughter how to deal with all challenges rather than cry foul when they’re asked to fetch coffee.

I make my stand by calling my highest superior “princess” and smiling rather than complaining, but what can the women in real estate do to take their stand? The two best ways are to stand firm and dish it out, even if you’re called a bitch, and to get revenge by succeeding and rising above.

Ladies, let men think they’re the head, but as My Big Fat Greek Wedding teaches us, you can be the neck that controls where the head turns.

Rest in peace, Geraldine Ferraro. Thank you for inspiring us all.

Did you like this?

2Share

This article published on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at 6:54 pm | Contact the editor

Tags: Brokerage, featured, real estate professionalism, sexism

Category: Editorials

About this Columnist (Full Profile)

Lani is the New Media Director here at AgentGenius.com and President of New Media Lab, both of which are headquartered in Austin, TX. She has an English degree from the University of Texas (and of course used that to become a blogger) and has lived in Texas her whole life minus the semester in Spain and the summer in Mexico. She spends a great deal of energy on the AG brand as well as improving the real estate industry and is an avid Twitter user.

Email Lani Rosales

Related posts:

1. Bad Coffee Blues
2. Sensuality in Real Estate
3. Falling off the wagon – scraped knees and ice cream
4. The Crew – Why They Will Dominate Commercial Real Estate
5. Drop The Motive! Step Away From The Consumer!

Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.

Comments (87)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

1. Felicia Adams says:

   March 26, 2011 at 7:43 pm

   Lani, I have had some of the same experiences as you in the RE industry. I worked for a builder and was not only asked to make/bring the coffee, but also expected to bring in the paper! I was their marketing dept! About the coffee: I told them, “thanks, but I don’t need any right now, so I am not going to make it.” About the paper: “I don’t take the paper so I have no way to bring it in.” Everyone was uncomfortable and then it passed. Another female employee ended up taking over where I refused on both things. I was sad for her. Those were the two most blatant things that happened to me in that job, but there were many, many more less obvious sexist “rules” at the company. I was their one weird liberal employee and so they sort of expected that I was going to be trouble. The job was optional to me at the time so I didn’t mind causing waves. I feel for all the women there and at other places like that who can’t lose their jobs and so they stay silent. It seems crazy to me that this still goes on, but I’ve seen it in other industries as well. (I’m talking to you, venture capitalist companies)

   One of the many reasons I adore you, Lani, is your scrappy fun personality that also can reflect deep personal values, extreme professionalism/knowledge, and a big heart (I won’t tell anyone). I hate that we as women are compartmentalized into categories of feminists, liberal, conservative, SAHM, working mom, etc. We are all so many of these things all at once and we are all so much more. Others need to quit putting us in a box and quit asking us to get the freakin coffee!!!

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:14 pm

     Felicia, that’s one of the cornerstones of being able to stand up- the willingness to risk your career and for many, that is just too much to ask. Thus the situation our nation remains in. Sad.

     Reply
2. Melissa Zavala says:

   March 26, 2011 at 7:52 pm

   Lani: When you made the hundred most influential list, I didn’t realize that there were only 11 women. I was more awestruck because of how much you have achieved thus far. Even the most influential women are likely struggling to balance it all, yet somehow they are still expected to serve the coffee, wash the boxers, and prepare Sunday dinner (unless, of course, they have money to pay someone to do it for them). Like so many other women (including you), Geraldine Ferraro was and still is an amazing role model.

   As far as real estate goes, I guess we just need to continue to demonstrate how amazing we are. I know that I always fly under the radar, but then blow most of the locals out of the water when they aren’t even looking. It’s not about tooting your own horn; it’s just about doing, and about doing so with passion.

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:17 pm

     Melissa, your last line sums it up perfectly. Thank you so much for your compliments, I’m a little overwhelmed as we reached out to YOU because of YOUR accomplishments and how well respected you are in the industry.

     Keep flying under that radar, friend.

     Reply
3. Harold Cook says:

   March 26, 2011 at 8:04 pm

   This is absolutely brilliant.

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:19 pm

     Thank you, Harold- coming from you, that means a lot!

     Reply
4. Amanda Quraishi says:

   March 26, 2011 at 8:08 pm

   I hear a lot about women in other parts of the world being treated like second-class citizens, but the fact is–IN EVERY SOCIETY, INCLUDING THIS ONE–the subjugation of women is so deeply ingrained that people don’t even THINK about it. Our society really thinks that we are somehow advanced–when women have barely been able to vote here for the last hundred years. Even freed male slaves got the vote before we did. On top of that, the dynamics between men and women remain such that it is the woman that does most of the domestic work, regardless of whether she is gainfully employed. And of course, the wage disparity between the sexes is well documented. Add to that the objectification of women in advertising, media, and “art” (also well documented) and it adds up to this: Women have come a long way in gaining equal rights–and equal respect. But we still have a long way to go.

   I’m sorry, Lani. You’re one of the hardest-working, most ambitious, most driven women I know–and that’s what makes it even more pathetic that someone would choose to judge you on your gender rather than on your abilities.

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:22 pm

     Q, the irony is that I have a high tolerance for what some call objectification– I don’t have a problem with bikini models in videos or music video dancers and I don’t care about my girlfriends saying “bitch,” so when it goes beyond that to a disgusting point, it has nothing to do with sexuality, it has more to do with a blatant unwillingness to return respect.

     Thank you for your compliments!!

     PS: I’m so sorry I missed the Taco Party, I thought today was Friday…

     Reply
5. Paula Henry says:

   March 26, 2011 at 8:49 pm

   Lani – I’m certain you have hit a nerve with many professional women, not only those of us in real estate. Having personally gone up against the stiff coats who sit in board rooms, unable to look outside their neatly designed ideas – I firmly believe, there are more of them than they would even like to admit to.

   One thing I loathe is sitting at a table with men and a nice looking woman walks by and they comment about how well she’s built or they would like to take that home with them. Yes, I have actually heard this. It’s the lowest form of insult.

   I don’t consider myself a feminist; not even close. I love my family, I cooked, cleaned and took care of our home and family. Not because it was what was expected; it was what I wanted to do, but I get to choose if I want to bring you coffee. If I do, it’s because you’ve earned my respect or it is simply a nice gesture or I love you. Get on my knees – you can forget that one! I can’t believe you didn’t let him have it right there and then, but of course, you are Lani and you have more class than that. You let him know there would be no deal.

   In my opinion, men who behave like this have a huge inferiority complex, fed by a fragile ego and they have to demean others to make themselves feel superior.

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:24 pm

     Paula, you’re right on. Ego has everything to do with it and many women think it’s a self assured ego, but it’s typically the least secure that are the most misogynistic. What many don’t understand is that feminism is simply a movement to point out that women should CHOOSE just as you choose to take care of your family as do I.

     Thank you for taking the time to comment, I know that your career is so wildly successful that you’re super busy, strong gal!

     Reply
6. Frances Flynn Thorsen says:

   March 26, 2011 at 8:51 pm

   More than 40 years have elapsed since I met Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem in New York and feminist activists offered the promise of change.

   I am dismayed to read the lament of an accomplished young woman that sounds so similar to the stories of women in so many generations who preceded her.

   Have women made significant advances in industry? Assuredly so!

   Still, sexism is rampant in the real estate industry and women executives still receive less compensation than their male counterparts despite the fact that women outnumber men in the sales ranks.

   I cannot fathom that a woman emcee must dance on a stage at technology conferences before engaging her audience with serious, salient discussion of Internet trends and best practices. There is no corresponding offer of beefcake on the same stage.

   I am inclined to think the testosterone/estrogen imbalance is a major factor of the national housing crisis.

   Sexism in real estate and in the real estate social space is a matter of serious private discussion in the last month. I’m impressed with this article and I admire the honesty and the courage attached to publication here.

   In the last month I’ve been called a bitch, a bully, and a bulldog. Methinks the RE.net is choking on an overdose of testosterone.

   I think this article marks a seminal moment at AgentGenius.

   Bravo!

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:31 pm

     Frances, few people have insight into the inner workings of this sector and even fewer understand all of the moving parts, and I think that recent events point a more obvious divide.

     Seminal moment? Wow, that’s a huge compliment, thank you Frances.

     Reply
7. Claire says:

   March 26, 2011 at 9:14 pm

   Lani,

   I am on my knees! But in thanks to you for being brave enough to write this. I quit worrying about being a bitch a long time ago. I had to. I knew, as you all know that my behavior/comments/attitude was not bitchy – it was the same as all the (usually better paid) pasty white guys sitting around the same table with me – the difference was my behavior/comments/attitude came with a uterus.

   I have had to joke recently about my need to create a new Twitter account called My Hysterical Uterus to give my uterus a voice. My uterus is fed up with the all too frequent characterization that my Hysterical Uterus somehow brings unecessary drama to the dialogue. ‘Cuz you know what? You need my “drama”. And I’d rather be a Hysterical Uterus than just a plain old dick any day. So there.

   And you are absolutely right. The only way without your Hystericla Uterus taking over and telling them just what you think is to stand firm and dish it out, albeit politely and respectfully, even if you’re called a bitch. And it goes without saying I fully intend to get my revenge by succeeding and rising above. I do it everyday.

   Finally Fabulous Ladies of Real Estate, I give you one of my favorite songs. An old tune – Belafonte, Baez and enumerable jazz bands in New Orleans all play it. Of course being a Texan AND a hippie, I love the Grateful Dead verison. But here I found the most vanilla version ever – peformed by the Carpenters of all people – Man Smart, Woman Smarter:

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:35 pm

     That video is FANTASTIC! I hate that tits play such a huge role in respect levels. I could have sworn this is 2011 and what is most ridiculous is that a super hippie and a Republican Texan can agree on the topic.

     Looking forward to your psycho twitter handle….

     Reply
8. Kristal Kraft says:

   March 26, 2011 at 9:20 pm

   Lani,
   As a females I think we all have our stories of frustration for being treated as a 2nd class citizen. I can remember more than once I had to defer to a male as I was “a broker’s wife” when I first started in the real estate business.

   Like you it made me very angry. I managed to channel that anger into positive energy. I look back at my success and realize it was my attitude of “watch this, I’ll show you!” that helped my drive. I far surpassed the male turkeys and enjoyed every minute of it!

   Sexism still exists today, but it’s nothing like it once was. I do believe we have come a long way. Proof is found be comparing my sons who cook and take care of their kids to my father who wouldn’t have been caught dead “doing woman’s work!” LOL. I pity the poor confused men in the middle (like my dearly departed ex) who wanted to be like Dad, but was forced to change with the times.

   My parents had very defined roles, Dad brought home the bacon Mom cooked it. Today’s roles have changed in so many ways, sometimes before we can get used to it.

   Next time some dude asks you to get him coffee just smile and ask if he was planning on wearing it…

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:38 pm

     Kristal, you’re right, we are NOT in the same place as even 20 years ago, so I suppose it is why it stands out so starkly now. I don’t have any problem with the Dad-bacon model, I actually prefer that in my personal life, but in my professional life, there is no use for that division, like you noted.

     My internal monologue about getting coffee involved the word enema… I’ll leave it at that.

     Reply
9. BawldGuy says:

   March 26, 2011 at 9:20 pm

   Lani is a truly strong woman. Most women in real estate who are actually strong, produce results, do their thing, and don’t complain about gender inequality. They’re too busy depositing checks anyway. There are those who do, and those who blame gender when they can’t do. Real estate is an equal opportunity club, ladies. I’ve been watchin’ since the mid-1960s, and the women who succeeded then are not much different than those who do now — with one exception.

   They did a lot less whining. Oh, and they got the coffee — when it was their turn.

   Reply
   • Lani Rosales says:

     March 26, 2011 at 9:40 pm

     Jeff, you’re exactly right. The women here that have commented, I believe, are in the class of “do something about it, don’t complain” strong women. I love hearing about your upbringing, especially the Chiefs you came up with!

     Thank you for taking the time today to chat with me about this and forming a comment here. You and Benn and I make jokes, even bad jokes, but you have never and would never insult my professionalism or capabilities and I thank you for that. (For those that don’t know, we’ve worked with Jeff in a professional capacity before, it was seamless.)

     Reply
10. Ilene Haddad says:

    March 26, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    Very interesting article, Lani, and so sad you had to write it. I’m more of the Ms. Magazine, hippie feminist type, but fortunately I haven’t run into the kind of sexism you described in your industry. I’d like to think I would be as strong as you are if faced with similar ignorance. I admire your choices and hope more young women are brave enough to take action when necessary.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 26, 2011 at 9:47 pm

      Ilene, I’m so glad you haven’t been through it- insanely enough, these are just three of my many anecdotes. It was prevalent in marketing as it is in real estate and women often are scared to speak up. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

      Reply
11. Alan Harris via Facebook says:

    March 26, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    Here are just a few Women on the executive team at the 2nd largest Real Estate company in the US.. Keller Williams
    Mo Anderson, Vice Chair
    Mary Tennant, President & COO
    Ann Yett, CFO
    Diana Kokoska, President MAPS
    Ginger Gibson, VP
    Julie Lane, General Council
    Shannon Gibbons,VP
    Cary Sylvester, Executive Director

    And locally our broker Leona Kline and our CEO Keller Williams Sd Ashley Lunn

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 26, 2011 at 10:15 pm

      Alan, you’re right, KW is female heavy as are several others, yet the driver’s seat is still occupied by a male. I will say that if I were to predict which company would produce the next female CEO, I would point to KW.

      Reply
      • Benjamin Bach says:

        March 27, 2011 at 5:59 pm

        Mo Anderson was CEO of KW for about a decade, I believe, and she was one of the main forces driving our growth (and still is)

        Reply
12. Juan Carlos says:

    March 26, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    Finally had a chance to read this. It’s appalling the things women let themselves be pit through. I’ve worked on places where the women are hired based solely on their looks…. most play the stupid game and are still there, fetching coffee so that the management can check out their asses as they walk away.

    I think some of them don’t even realize that that’s not their role!!!

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 26, 2011 at 10:16 pm

      Carlos, I think you’re right and in other industries (like entertainment), women almost feel as if it is their PLACE to take those roles. Good points.

      Reply
13. Joe Manausa says:

    March 26, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    Wow Lani, what a great read. My Mom would have beat me silly if I treated another woman (person actually) the way you were treated. You handled yourself admirably.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 26, 2011 at 10:17 pm

      Joe, thank you. It will be interesting to see how *my* mom reacts when she reads this…

      Reply
14. Michael Bull says:

    March 26, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    Women are among the most successful commercial real estate brokers in Atlanta and in my office. Great article!

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 26, 2011 at 11:17 pm

      That is GREAT to hear, Michael, and even greater that you’re enthusiastic about it!

      Reply
15. Nanette Labastida says:

    March 26, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    yeah lani! really great post. and boy am i glad i work with a bunch of gay men, i’m just one of the girls
    But get this, when i asked my plastic surgeon what size implants i should get after my mastectomy, he said “well how many houses do you wanna sell” – we have a funny raport so i really wasn’t offended, but it does show you how people see women & real estate. I’ve also had “jokey” comments about the little black dress & pumps to sell sell sell.
    and i have definitely felt the condescending tone from a few male realtors during negotiation, especially if it has to do with construction/remodel stuff.

    i have to say though, i am not offended by Bill & the c word.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 26, 2011 at 10:55 pm

      Nan, in the context, I am offended, and you know me personally (as I you), so gals like us aren’t usually offended, even by that word, but he didn’t mean it in a playful way like I would be okay with.

      Regardless, your surgeon playfully pointed to a common mentality that sex sells, but people like you and those who have commented here prove that sharp negotiation, hard work and not caring if you’re called a bitch for succeeding- those are the things that put women in the driver’s seat.

      Reply
      • Nanette Labastida says:

        March 26, 2011 at 11:14 pm

        i understand about the bill maher comment, i did not hear it or about it. unecessary for sure.

        thanks for including me in that category

        Reply
16. Kaelin Muse says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    Preach it sister!!! How to stay off your knees http://ow.ly/4n3TQ via @laniar

    Reply
17. Dori Lacamu says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:09 pm

    Love this post! To my knowledge I have never read a post of yours before but I will definitely be making a change. It is so refreshing to see a post like this from someone born at least a decade after me. Thank you from a fellow Texan!

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 26, 2011 at 11:18 pm

      Dori, thank you for your compliments and for stopping by- you know what it’s like to be in Texas, it’s an extra challenge for sure! I look forward to learning about your journey!

      Reply
18. BigMikeInAustin says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Awesome blog by @laniar about mysogyny http://t.co/ENyAOnv. Read and RT it!

    Reply
19. Ken Brand says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Thanks for sharing this important piece.

    Reply
20. Real Estate Ninja says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? http://bit.ly/goXqIi

    Reply
21. nelbee.com says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? http://nelbee.it/hjnme6 @AgentGenius

    Reply
22. Karl Tiedt says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    RT @BigMikeInAustin: Awesome blog by @laniar about mysogyny http://t.co/ENyAOnv. Read and RT it!

    Reply
23. Ashlea 805-709-0711 says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:44 pm

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee?… http://bit.ly/fsCmEI

    Reply
24. Rachel Farris says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    Strong words from a strong lady. RT @laniar: Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? http://t.co/ENyAOnv

    Reply
25. Corey Thrash says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:48 pm

    Perfect example why u are a leader in #Austin *standing ovation*
    RT @laniar http://t.co/ENyAOnv My story and theories about misogyny.

    Reply
26. PopREblogs.com says:

    March 26, 2011 at 11:58 pm

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee?: A young woman in an executive meeting I w… http://bit.ly/eShkDw

    Reply
27. kristin terry says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee?: A young woman in an executive meeting I w… http://bit.ly/goXqIi

    Reply
28. KW Hampton Roads says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? http://bit.ly/goXqIi –[AgentGenius.com]

    Reply
29. Mark Brian says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee?: A young woman in an … http://bit.ly/goXqIi #realtor #realestate

    Reply
30. Harold Cook says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:06 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? | AgentGenius http://t.co/CtIA07L Brilliant.

    Reply
31. Sheila Rasak says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:09 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? God help the next one AgentGenius http://t.co/c5wAfzq via @AgentGenius

    Reply
32. Anna M. Gonzalez says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:13 am

    RT @meanrachel Strong words from a strong lady MT @laniar Ladies, it’s about time u got on ur knees. Where’s my coffee? http://t.co/ENyAOnv

    Reply
33. Rosie Button Cupcake says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:34 am

    RT @jenztweets: RT @laniar: http://bit.ly/g00Duh My story and theories about misogyny. PLZ READ

    Reply
34. SportSlant Sports says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:51 am

    Strong post; sadly found in many areas. RT @laniar: Ladies, it’s abt time you got on your knees,now where’s my coffee? http://t.co/ENyAOnv

    Reply
35. Ilene Haddad says:

    March 27, 2011 at 1:37 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? | AgentGenius http://t.co/H67IVUi via @AgentGenius

    Reply
36. AgentGenius says:

    March 27, 2011 at 1:42 am

    RT @IleenieWeenie: Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? | AgentGenius http://t.co/H67IVUi via @AgentGenius

    Reply
37. Ken Brand says:

    March 27, 2011 at 2:49 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? http://bit.ly/h5sPby /Attention old and young white guys.

    Reply
38. Jeff Gingerich says:

    March 27, 2011 at 3:03 am

    RT @kenbrand: Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? http://bit.ly/h5sPby /Attention old and young white …

    Reply
39. Ken Brand says:

    March 27, 2011 at 3:16 am

    There’s some amazing heartfelt sharing this evening. I insist you read them. I insist. http://su.pr/1LU6bK http://su.pr/2QuVK8

    Reply
40. Katie Minkus, R(B) says:

    March 27, 2011 at 3:33 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? | AgentGenius http://t.co/AIIHbuT via @AgentGenius

    Reply
41. Laura Scheer says:

    March 27, 2011 at 3:37 am

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? | AgentGenius http://t.co/ReabqSb (Powerful read Lani!!)

    Reply
42. Joe Sheehan says:

    March 27, 2011 at 8:10 am

    Extraordinary editorial, Lani. Thanks for writing it. Misogyny is as offensive to me as to most but certainly not nearly as hurtful as to the victims. I actually cringed as I read some of your descriptions.

    This is a very important piece that should be read by all men. Hopefully some of the troglodytes among us will become just a little more sensitive to the pain they cause.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 10:33 am

      Joe, I can’t fault how someone was raised and what is inherent in their behavior, but CAN ask the generations that accept it as par for the course to at least FAKE not thinking that women are stupid and inferior. Thank you for being one of the men who won’t tolerate sexism, Joe!

      Reply
43. Melanie says:

    March 27, 2011 at 8:49 am

    Bravo Lani and I think Gerry would have liked this too-a fitting tribute.

    It saddens me that we have not made more progress on this front. As a young lawyer I had similar experiences to yours. I was one of three women in a mid-sized law firm in California who’s practice included prosecuting sex discrimination and sexual harassment suits. Despite this, I was subject to all kinds of ridiculous conduct from partners and clients alike. When I reported the conduct-I was labeled a trouble maker and dismissed. Even more regretful is that the senior woman in the firm–viewed me as a threat because I was getting more “attention.”

    Now that I’m older and wiser (I hope) I really don’t care about being labeled a bitch or a trouble maker and when given the chance to mentor young women…I try to teach them to trust their judgments and hold their ground. I’d like to think I’ve helped one or two young women navigate the workplace gender waters with less turbulence than I experienced. I think that sadly it is up to us women and possibly a few sensitive men with daughters to make the changes that still need to happen.

    Thanks for starting this important discussion Lani. RIP Geraldine Ferraro.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 10:36 am

      Mel, I would assume that in law it is still rampant given that part of the practice revolves around pee contests. That must have been tough. I was one of the lucky ones who if I stood my ground had a husband to come home to that had I wanted to quit or mouth off, he would have supported me emotionally and of course financially while I looked elsewhere. Most women don’t have the option to call a boss “princess” at the beginning of a career.

      Thank you for being a mentor to women around you!!

      Reply
44. Mark says:

    March 27, 2011 at 11:44 am

    Now, I do have the deepest respect for you and your writing style. I struggle with the ability to create meaningful prose. To educate while entertain. But, I personally take umbrage to you wailing on the “old white guy”.

    I am an old white guy. It seems as though we are labeled the ‘bad guys’ nowadays. Let’s blame all of our woes on the old white guy. Believe me when I say I also respect your marketing skills in attracting an audience of your choosing with emotional trigger story selling.

    But still, ‘old white guy’….really? Now youve gone and hurt my feelings. I guess I’m gonna have to go and get my own coffee while I read this month’s issue of Playboy.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 12:03 pm

      Hey Mark, I totally understand. I struggled with using the term because as I mentioned above, I think the “old white guys” complaint is crap (and I don’t think my old white guy dad would appreciate it). I think you missed that I wrote that it is up to women to push their way into a seat at the table (like all employees fighting for a job) rather than point to “old white guys” and that we are teaching our daughter not to pout and blame “old white guys,” rather stand up or make a choice and deal with life challenges.

      Additionally, I come from a long line of old white guys who I dearly love and respect, I get along best with old white guys, and as I said, I think it is up to women to call their old white guy boss “princess” and refuse coffee and up to “old white guys” not to sit around the board room table and ask if I know an Asian guy. But enjoy your Playboy, I hear they have great articles.

      Reply
45. Jay Papasan says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    Lani,

    Thanks for the heartfelt reminder of how far we still have to go. Before joining KWRI I worked at HarperCollins Publishers, one of the few major publishers run by a female CEO Jane Friedman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Friedman ) a true pioneer who resigned in 2008 to be replaced by, you guessed it, a dude. No knock on Brian Murray’s considerable merits but the trend continues.

    Like real estate, publishing was dominated by women in important decision making positions but largely run by men. I was pretty naive frankly before working with Mia Hamm on her biography and following her and her pioneering teammates — Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly, Brandi Chastain, et al — for two years through their amazing 1999 World Cup victory. As these women tried to claim a space in the dominant world sport they faced appalling sexism at every turn. Sports announcers would talk at length about Mia’s shampoo commercial hair instead of her ownership of the international scoring record for men and women. Hundreds of thousands of adolescent girls packed stadiums and filled them with ear-crushing screams of support. Mia and her teammates would literally require IV drips after a game and would then emerge to sign autographs for hours. Their mission was clear — to blaze a trail for these young girls dreams, to make the path a little easier for the rest. And to do it based on merit alone.

    Every arena, from books, to soccer, to real estate, needs leaders to point to the destination and underscore how far we have yet to go. I want far more for my wife and my daughter. Thanks for writing this. I’m hopeful that it instill a sense of purpose in people and maybe inspires everyone to do better on a day to day basis instead of just paying lip service to equal opportunity.

    Warmly,
    Jay P.

    PS — Thanks for the kind words about KW in the comments. After 1999, I wouldn’t still be there if I didn’t think we were part of the solution.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 1:11 pm

      Jay, I do believe you’re part of the solution rather than the problem. I think all brokerages have made huge strides at the executive level, and it is beyond that which we have to look at now as we consider the next leaders in the CEO roles.

      Female sports figures (besides tennis) really have it the worst- they are demeaned simply for choosing a “masculine” station in life, whether they are talented or not.

      The issue I take is that real estate is filled with far more women than men, yet so few are in the driver’s CEO seat unless they branch out on their own. That is where there is the most room for change at all brokerages. Thank you for thinking of your own daughter, Jay!

      Reply
46. Genevieve says:

    March 27, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    Lani,
    You always seem to hit the nail on the head; whether your telling your own personal story or the one that rings true for so many of us. This is powerful stuff, and I am right there with you trying to help pave the way.
    I honestly feel like I saw this a lot more in the good ole’ boys network of Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Development when I first got started in my career as well. I say this because when I have my residential real estate hat on, everything is peachy-keen… but when I’m out on new construction job sites in my cowboy boots and a hard-hat right along side the gentlemen and one of them calls me “sugar, darlin’ honey or sweetie”… I notice the gender-role “discomfort zone”- they all really want me to be in an office fetching them coffee, donuts and xeroxing til the cows come home; however, I will generally dish it right back out by scaring them half to death – meaning: knowing more than they do about their own craft- which is fun for me… I think that many of the men that I work with up in the DC Metro area are starting to realize that women of our generation aren’t afraid to get out there and create change that “Rosie Riveter’s” set forth for us… We just need to keep on keepin’ on and create the change and do not allow for others men or women who try to stifle us to stand in our way.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 1:20 pm

      G, I think you were in Ms. Maxey’s 6th grade English class with me, right? We sat on the floor in a circle to read our final papers and I remember my throat closing up as it came time to read mine. It was called “True Lies” and it was about a woman who lost her true love to war (long before Avi’s “True Lies” novel or the dumb movie). Several people, including Ms. Maxey were choked up and Marcus giggled and when she asked why Marcus was laughing, he said “she writes like a girl” which the guys laughed at. I remember her slowly standing up, her crinkled skirt becoming the loudest thing in the room, their smirks faded, and she said, “her writing is beautiful. You are closed minded and are destined to a life of demeaning women. I feel sorry for you.” She sadly went back to her desk knowing that a misogynist was in her midst.

      Little did she, Marcus, or the class know that because our final story had a lag of several weeks between turning them in and reading them, I had submitted mine to a literary magazine and been published. I never shared that with them, I just relished in her defending me and I understand it so much more deeply today.

      G, our paths have been so similar. When we sipped tea from red and blue pots recently, I was struck by that. The Steeping Room was so loud and there were people everywhere, but I felt our paths had paralleled so closely for decades without our knowing. Because of that, I know that you have experienced the construction mentality that I have and the sad part is that it exists in residential sales just as much, but is hidden and only seeps out in quiet ways because men’s social graces are better in residential.

      We have a long way to go…

      Reply
      • Genevieve says:

        March 27, 2011 at 2:31 pm

        High five sista-friend! I totally remember that day in Ms. Maxey’s Class… I randomly see Marcus/Brody’s FB posts: take note that it is the same old-same old. You know the Deep-Texas drill. We’ll see each other more, and our paths will surely intersect again. SOON!

        Reply
47. Benn Rosales says:

    March 27, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    I checked my man card at the door, and am waving the white boxers.

    Having known these stories in advance of this article, I’m really surprised at how much I’ve learned from reading them here along with the comments.

    I’m guilty of the same things, things I think are funny or innocent can be so demeaning and for that ignorance I’m truly sorry. Having said that, it’s pretty obvious we have a long way to go, personally and as a society but I think there is a will as it’s virtually impossible to ignore raw talent in this space and others regardless of gender or race. We can be better, and so can I.

    Lani, would you like anything from the kitchen?

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 1:25 pm

      We can all do better. Most definitely. But what most people don’t know about you is that for years, your employ has been almost all women, so for that we thank you. And I know that when you decide to name the next generation leader it will most likely be a woman, given your track record. I’ve always considered you progressive which is why it is comfortable for me to write this article in the first place. Like I’ve said in comments, I am one of the few lucky ones with a husband that would never in a million years tolerate someone demeaning me.

      Thank you for being willing to be the one pregnant and in the kitchen

      Reply
48. John Perkins says:

    March 27, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Brilliant writing! I will be sharing this with my 14 & 17 y/o daughters and anyone on Facebook. “My tolerance for direct insults that strike at the core of my abilities as a professional, however, is extremely low.” Great way to finish that first section and then continue on to say some extremely important facts. This needs to be shared.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 1:37 pm

      Thank you so much, John- I hope your daughters can learn from it as ours has!

      Reply
49. Terri Piunno says:

    March 27, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? | http://goo.gl/Cvc3s Great Read!

    Reply
50. AgentGenius says:

    March 27, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    RT @katieminkus: Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? | AgentGenius http://t.co/AIIHbuT via @AgentGenius

    Reply
51. jennifer cunningham says:

    March 27, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    “Some leaders are born women.” -Geraldine Ferraro (Which reminds me of @laniar’s post… http://bit.ly/f5H1K9)

    Reply
52. Michelle Greer says:

    March 27, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    What’s sad is that men often want women in the workplace too. We know what we know and what we don’t and tend to be guided by our conscious rather than our personal ambition.

    I experienced exactly what you experienced in California. An angel I pitched literally asked me if i wanted to have a one night stand. Who even says that term anymore?

    I don’t know what the answer is. I just find the whole debate exhausting.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 7:27 pm

      Michelle, I agree. The only answer I can come up with is standing firm- most women don’t. The debate has been raging in the tech world for some time, but is the secret in our real estate industry that is quietly swept under the rug. The average Realtor is a 54 year old woman, yet almost all brokerages are run by men.

      Who asks for a one night stand? Ugh. That’s just ridiculous, Michelle, “thanks for all of your hard work, superior intelligence, extreme creativity and savvy that is so rare in this field, I’m so turned on.” #lame

      Reply
53. Tina Merritt says:

    March 27, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    When I first entered the real estate industry in 1998, my mentor told me of how the owner of our company used to visit each office and make sure the women were wearing attire as dictated in the policy manual (pantyhose and skirts or dresses).

    We’ve come a long way…but still have so much further to go.

    Lani, you are a gifted writer and this is a column I will cherish and read for a long time. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 8:35 pm

      Tina, we have come a long way for sure, that’s what pains me to write this in the first place! There are so many more men that get it than don’t.

      Thank you for the wonderful note, Tina!

      ps: in 2004, I was required to wear pantyhose at all times. In Texas. In 3 million degree weather. Bleh.

      Reply
54. stephanie crawford says:

    March 27, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Right on Lani. I’ve never experienced any overtly sexist attitudes in my career in real estate, at least none that come to mind, but my mom was a Nashville police officer in the south starting in 1972 – only the seventh female officer in our city (Nashville, TN). You should hear some of her stories.

    Reply
    • Lani Rosales says:

      March 27, 2011 at 9:33 pm

      Stephanie, I can’t imagine the tales of your mom- makes our struggle look like a whiney baby cake walk, I bet!

      Reply
55. Rashawn McMullin says:

    March 27, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    DITR REI Update: Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my …: The air felt… http://bit.ly/ef7v50 #realestate #TN

    Reply
56. Jay Papasan says:

    March 27, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    Compelling stuff from @agentgenius — Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? http://goo.gl/vNeeP

    Reply
57. Ines says:

    March 27, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Lani,
    I’ve read this post a couple of times and didn’t even know where to begin. Yes there are ignorant and arrogant people all around us that will find a way to try to put you down – either because you are a woman, or you are latin, asian,black,have an accent, they feel threatened by you, or whatever.

    What makes us better people and professionals is the fact that we can overlook the ignorant comments and keep growing and becoming better people. I’ve been surrounded by all kinds of chauvinists all my life and they become transparent. I know that this was a way of you to get some things out of your chest, a rant of sorts, but you leave me in total awe.

    If a person I admired, or was “beloved”, as you put it, would have said the “on your knees” comment to me, I would have called him out on the spot!! I would have announced that he had offended me and there was no room for that in our “relationship”. Sexist jokes are uncalled for, but if this person had any sort of backbone, he would have made it up to you. If you have been holding this is and not discussed it with him, it would be extremely sad….but then again, I don’t know what kind of relationship you had or wanted from that individual.

    What I’m saying here is that even our closest loved ones make HUGE mistakes that can break our hearts, we do have the choice to react, ignore or forgive.

    Reply
58. Teresa DeFord says:

    March 28, 2011 at 1:16 am

    RT @kenbrand: Ladies, it’s about time you got on your knees, now where’s my coffee? http://bit.ly/h5sPby /Attention young & old guys alike.

    Reply

« We’re laughing at you, not with you – Realtors should be fired

Canadian woman appeals for $600,000 for mandatory archaeological dig »

Lani does a great job in this post – reminding us that women still have a long way to go – especially in the real estate profession.