The Internet Gender Gap

December 4, 2007

I’ve listened to a lot of Internet marketing gurus over the last 3 years – almost exclusively men.  I found a few that I like and some I can do without.  Lately I’ve been a part of Janet Becker’s membership site called Wonderful Web Women and it has changed my perspective on lots of things.

Even though I’ve always known that men think and act differently than women, I didn’t realize how much of a contrast there is between women Internet marketers and men.  Wonderful Web Women has actually reduced my tolerance level for some of the male speakers.  I was listening to a CD from Armand Morin’s Big Seminar from 2006.  I had to pull one CD out because the guy was stressing me out. His voice was loud, abrasive, and almost yelling.  If he was saying anything of value, I didn’t catch it because he was so busy trying to pump everyone up.

It dawned on me that listening to a lot of the Internet marketing guys is a lot like going to a pro ball game.  There’s lights, action, adrenaline, crowds, building momentum.  Some are more low key than others.  There’s also kind of a “just the facts, Ma’am” kind of thing going on, too.

When I started listening to the Wonderful Web Women, it was less like a ball game and more like a chamber music concert in an old country manor house.  It’s calm and relaxing but still very logical and intelligent.  It uses both sides of the brain.  It’s more of a conversation, although it is very analytical as well.

After every call I feel more refreshed and ready to take action. It actually seems possible to get something done. It’s like getting a nice boost of serotonin. It leaves me feeling calm, capable, and much more focused. The adrenaline events just leave me tired and overloaded.

It’s not just the events, it’s the amount and method of information I receive.  I’ve had to unsubscribe from a lot of people not just because of quantity of email, but also the frustrating subject lines. I never even had to open them for them to drain my energy. 

OK, I’m ranting a little, but listening to the women on Janet’s mastermind calls has opened up a new world about women in business in general. Two women used really strong words about how they feel about selling tactics that are used on them. One said she felt “violated” and another said that she felt like she would be “prostituting” herself if she responded to their solicitations. 

I don’t feel that strongly, but I do feel fed up with much of the super charged, grandious language used in internet marketing. No more “ultimate intensive smack downs” – PLEASE!

If you want to sell to me, show me that you respect me and my intellect.  Connect with me on a deeper level and prove to me that you have something that is going to make my life better. I’ve got too much clutter on my hard drive from free stuff that I don’t need.

In the words from the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer…

“Don’t give me songs — Give me something to sing about.”

To your best,

Deborah

Posted in Uncategorized, action, taking action