Women and the Internet - Where Are the Internet Marketing Women?
Yesterday Donna Fox from the blog The Way She Buys Reporter had a very interesting post about a recent invitation-only Internet Marketing event that she attended hosted by Eben Pagan. This event was Eben’s “Green Room,” a secret gathering of 100 top internet marketing “movers and shakers.” Now, she wasn’t initially invited by Eben but a fellow Internet Marketing (IM) friend “weasled her in” ( her words).
When she arrived at the event, she was pleased to see many elite IM-ers, many of whom were personal friends of hers. But what became overwhelmingly obvious was that she was the only female Internet Marketer there. The discussion around the post is that this wasn’t an isolated case. Rarely, do you find women at these events. We all know there are many women IM-ers and particularly in this case many successful women IM-ers. So why don’t we see more of them at exclusive events such “The Green Room?”
Personally, I don’t think it’s intentional. I can only speak from my own experience, but I don’t have time to go to these events. I have things to take care of - an active teenage son whose involved in lots of different activities, two dogs and three cats that require care, and a house to run. I have a husband who commutes back and forth from Connecticut and Philadelphia every weekend and a web design business with customers who depend upon me. I don’t have time nor is it important to me at this stage of my life to attend these events.
What the Internet has brought to me is the opportunity to have a career that is both flexible and rewarding. And if I need something, whether it’s personal assistance or to learn how to do something, it’s a Twitter or Google search away. At this phase in my already too hectic life, it’s not important whether my efforts are recognized by a group of people I don’t know. My customers and my family are my primary focus now. Maybe it will change when my son goes to college…maybe not.
I’m sure there might be other issues that prevent women from seeking out and attending these events. According to some of the comments from Donna’s post, guys feel comfortable hanging out with guys. Maybe the same is true with the fairer sex. That’s why I’m very excited about what the gals over at the Secret Women’s Business Network are doing. Internet training for girlz by girlz 
If you haven’t checked out what they’re doing, make sure you stop by their Secret Women’s Business Network website.
Go take a look at Donna’s post and make sure you read the comments, too. It’s an interesting discussion on why you don’t see more women at these events such as these. I’m really interested in what you think about this. Leave a comment or Twitter me at WomensWork.
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Tags: internet marketing women, women and the internet, women internet marketing, women on the internet
October 1st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Hi Susan,
Beautiful blog theme!
I think you’re right, women don’t seem to share the same need for recognition and fame. Or better said, the way they want recognition is different.. In grossly overstating terms, women look for approval from their loved ones while men seek it from the masses.
Donna
October 1st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Thanks, Donna, for the comment about the theme. I like it, too!
As we women know, we are the ultimate multi-taskers. We’re juggling an awful lot these days. I know when my husband suggests (and he does!) that I take a couple days off to go away, even when it’s with my girlfriends, I remind him that to sneak away even for a day means another To-Do List - who watches our son and gets him to practice, who takes care of the animals, etc., you know what I mean.
I remember in my twenties I thought women could have it all. Now with a few more years on me, I still think women can have it all, just not all at the same time
It’s a matter of priorities and choices, and unlike my mother, I’m glad I have the option of making them.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hi Susan
What a great subject this is and has been so timely for us gals. I feel a revolution in the air, albeit a quiet rumbling of women’s feet starting to move in the one direction!
As I posted in Donna’s comments section - why be like men? Let’s not be so insecure that we think that yelling about wealth and lifestyle means we are successful, we just aren’t built like that.
Lisa, Barb and I appreciate your enormous support for the SWBN and it spurs us to ensure that we stick to doing what women do well, networking, empathy, delivery, quality!
October 1st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I agree, Allison. I like your “why be like men?” We’re not, and we don’t have to be. I tell my husband all the time, I’m glad I’m a girl (he is, too, btw).
Although I respect many of the IM gurus (who also happen to be male) and have learned a lot from them, I’m also annoyed when I’m flooded with emails pitching the latest launch and bonuses that I can get if I sign up thru their particular affiliate link. That’s not for me and never will be. You couldn’t pay me enough money to do that. In fact, I respect those who show restraint and pitch only those products they’ve reviewed and support.
And I am embarrassed for those who feel it necessary to show pictures of themselves next to exotic cars, huge houses, you know what I mean. Personally, I don’t think that is attractive to or for women. The women I know are interested in making a good living, caring for their family and giving back on all levels. Now, don’t misunderstand, I like the good things just like anybody else, but the flaunting, the boasting, the bragging, well, that’s just in bad taste.
And yes - networking, empathy, delivery, and quality - that’s what works for us!
October 1st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Sorry if my comment might be a little bit irrelevant. I just want say that in our RFS community there are many successful women and I hear much less complains about difficulties in getting results from women then from men. And maybe that is exactly because you, our beautiful friends, are less concerned about glory and hence more passionate in business.
October 1st, 2008 at 6:14 pm
It’s right on! Thanks, Valentyn.
November 19th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I too have kids, 4 of them! and we home school, have sports, church, business, etc.
The fact that the women ARE IMers means that they most likely (not always) but probably, are into IM because it’s something they can do AND juggle all that we modern day ladies have going on. I love those of you that put family first - that’s my main focus too and I don’t want to be out during family time - when i can prevent it.
I use to be in marketing -out side of the home - until just 5 years ago - so IM is a saving grace for me - a chance to still engage my marketing mind, make some extra money AND spend time w/my loved ones!
I’m just suggesting that the fact that they do IM, might be a big indicater that they don’t get out as much - Many men may do IM w/ a little more flexibility than those of us that are moms fulltime.
November 19th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
“Fight Like A Girl” by Lisa Bevere - Just wanted to throw this out there - I just started a “virtual” study on this book. it’s closed to anyone other than members just so we can comment in confidence. but we are blogging at http://www.pursuethepurpose.blogspot.com you can also check http://www.womenwithpurpose.wordpress.com for other virtual studies.
Fight Like A Girl really hits home w/me - and maybe some of you! It addresses why we girls tend to label girls as weak - We are not a Problem - we are a Solution! I love that! We can be powerful and still femanine! The book sets out to set you free from feeling like you have to take being a girl as an insult! I know that I use to struggle w/this a lot - it’s hard when you are an independant, strong willed woman -