Potential clients ignore man’s partner

Dear Annie: My wife and I have been married for many years.

She was and is my business partner and a great businesswoman.

We would not be where we are today without her business acumen, drive and determination.

She connects well with other people of both sexes and from all walks of life and backgrounds.

I’m writing about something that has happened many times over the years and just happened again recently.

Often, we have occasion to meet with professional women who want to do business with us for various reasons.

I introduce my wife as my business partner, explaining (not bragging about) her business acumen.

Usually, the professional women only give me eye contact, ignoring her.

I make an effort to get some mutual eye contact by giving hints, such as, “She is the financial genius of the two of us.”

My wife may interject with an appropriate question or statement. No luck. Once they start ignoring her, they just keep on doing it.

We both want to walk out or explain it to them pointblank.

My wife has no personality issues. She connects easily with people. It is not good for their business and insulting to my wife. I don’t even think this is discrimination.

My message to women is: Don’t ignore the woman with a man just because she is a woman. That goes for business and personal relationships. Sick of It

Dear Sick of It: I’m happy to print your message; I’m just sorry that you have to say it.

How incredibly frustrating this must be for your wife.

You’ve got the right idea — dropping hints, continually bringing the focus back to her contributions.

But the next time you drop a hint that’s not picked up, be blunt.

Say, “Excuse me, but there seems to be some confusion here. My wife and I are equal partners in this business, and you can direct your questions to her, too.” There’s nothing unprofessional about that.