Warning: I’m probably going to ruffle a few feathers here…
On January 20, 2010 a post entitled 9 Powerful Social Networking Sites for Women Entrepreneurs was published by A.Michelle Blakeley. It was quickly picked up by several other bloggers. Many twittered its, including me.
As it goes, it’s a good list. The problem for me is that it primarily focuses on only one type of social networking site–membership, subscription sites (free and paid) focused on women business owners. Don’t get me wrong–there’s a need for these types of sites, and I’d one more for entrepreneur women, Make Mine a Million $ Business(which works 1000% better in Firefox than Explorer). The problem is if we only talk with each other, our vision will be limited.
And that’s what women business owners need–a vision bigger than the one they hold right now. We need to understand how business has worked for centuries and at the same time bring our own stamp to it. We need to join together to focus on bigger issues, including making our voices heard. With the recent Supreme Court ruling on corporate spending the road is open for more corporate financial influence in politics. Whether or not you agree with the ruling isn’t the point, the point is that we, as women business owners have an opportunity. Unfortunately, we don’t have any money–our businesses substantially under-perform men’s businesses on a regular basis.
If we want to change that, chances are we’re not going to learn everything we need to know from each other. We need to go beyond our comfort zone and learn new ways. The groups cited in 9 Powerful Social Networking Sites for Women Entrepreneurs are good groups–and there are many more out there. But let’s find the groups and social networking forums that stretch us. Start with groups around your own industry, such as health and construction. Yes, join the women’s groups, but get involved in the larger groups as well.
I’d love to hear your suggestions! Comment below.
I couldn’t agree with you more… women need to think BIGGER. However, there is definite power in women entrepreneurs; at least according to the stats (A study by the Center for Women’s Business Research shows that women now own 40 percent of private firms, women-owned businesses generate about $3 trillion in revenue and employ 16 percent of the workforce; making them significant players in the national economy. In addition, the study found that 85 percent of women surveyed do not believe being a woman is detrimental to their business success, and 32 percent believe being a woman is beneficial.)
Why wouldn’t we capitalize on that power by networking and collaborating? Whether it be inclusive or exclusive, the results would be beneficial. Ultimately, you are correct. Our (women) networking efforts should be well-balanced with industry focused sites, professional sites, etc. as well as women focused sites. The list was simply meant to provide additional resources.
Be well,
AMB
The list is a good start for social networking, although I’m not sure that I agree that all of them are “Powerful.”
I got a chance this morning to be on an Internet Radio Show (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/viewsfromthetop) thanks to the amazing owner of Empower Me!’s owner, Adrienne Graham. We were joined by Kelly Hoey of 85Broads.com .
We talked about a few things that apply, no matter what networking group you are talking about — either online or off. Three key takeaways:
1. Know your purpose in joining the group. Does it match the purpose of the organization? (Hint to networking groups–be clear in stating your purpose.)
2. Participate ACTIVELY. This is key.
3. Evaluate your return on investment of money and time after 3-6 months of ACTIVE participation. (That means you can’t just pay your money, get your membership card or email) and complain that you haven’t gotten any customers!
Great discussion — more comments?