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The Bachelor | what NOT to do in business

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Just because it’s on The Bachelor, doesn’t make it okay.

It’s that time of the year again, the second season of The Bachelor Australia has started airing, following in the footsteps of the US version, which has now notched up 18 seasons and counting. Now while this show has become one of the most popular reality show franchises ever, it also has the reputation of being degrading to women, pitting 20 of them against each other for the affection of one man. That aspect is a subject for another day.

However, one good point about The Bachelor is that it can actually be helpful in teaching us what not to do in business. Here we go…

Don’t chase after men | The Bachelor

This should be a fairly obvious one. Both in and out of business you shouldn’t chase after men, it only makes you look desperate and no one wants to work with someone who is desperate. They want to work with someone who is in demand, or at least appears to be. And really ladies, respect yourself enough not to!

Confidence is key

It is important to remain as confident as possible in whatever situation you find yourself, [tweet_quote hashtags=”#thebachelor #busineswoman” ]know your strengths and your worth[/tweet_quote]. For instance, look at the contestant Laurina on the current season of The Bachelor Australia, who is ‘playing hard to get’ with the Bachelor and is clearly one of — if not THE — most confident of all the women. And whether you love or hate her, there is no denying her confidence has sparked the interest of The Bachelor. Which is the whole point of the show.

Be strategic

Don’t let your guard down, and always think strategically. If you don’t let anyone in on what you are thinking, there is a better chance of getting what you want; so don’t gossip or share your ideas too widely. Keep quiet when it comes to people who are in competition with you. And please don’t burst into tears because he said no — just the same as if you are knocked back for a job. [tweet_quote hashtags=”#thebachelor” ]Don’t chuck a hissy fit and storm off.[/tweet_quote] No-one wants to see this outside a reality TV show.

Tall poppy on steroids

No matter what situation you find yourself in, if it is with other women, chances are at least one of them won’t like you, and will make it their mission to see you fail. Women hate being in competition with one another, it often brings out the worst in them and The Bachelor is a prime example of that. Same goes in business, you are always in competition with someone, although the person with the [tweet_quote hashtags=”#thebachelor” ]power is the person who cares the least[/tweet_quote]. Be that person.

Don’t be naive

The Bachelor is a “reality” show in the sense that most of it is choreographed and staged. It is the producers’ job to get contestants off guard and stir the pot. Same goes in business, it is a game and a majority of the time someone somewhere is pulling the strings. Don’t be naïve to think everyone cares about you and pay attention to what is REALLY going on.

Next time you have a look at the show, remember that it might seem absurd. But ask yourself, are you acting the same way yourself in business? If so, time to make some changes.

About Natalie Cupac

Natalie Cupac Journalist & Features Writer for The Business Woman, Natalie Cupac is studying a double degree of Journalism and International Studies and has previously worked for Pacific Magazines