Jul 27 2008
Are women taking over the Internet?
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Something is afoot. I’ve been gathering profiles of early Internet adapters for my coming book, “Web 55.0.” I’m looking for women and men in the Boomer demographic (or older), to tell the story of how older generations have discovered communication technology and put it to use as the dream-realizer it can be.
I have some amazing stories collected, but as far as the responses are concerned, one thing stands out: Women outnumber men 20 to 1.
Before I go out making any outrageous claims, I’m doing some more research. But here’s my theory of the moment.
Women are experiencing an explosive growth in their I-can-do-this factor. The Internet, with its radical inclusivity and extreme leveling potential, provides all the missing pieces for entrepreneurial women. Through groups and forums, it even provides the fertile soil where women can discover they do indeed have a desire to do something great. Men have been out there “manifesting” for centuries. Women have some pent-up energy. Look out.
If you have any good statistics I can use to support my theory, point me in that direction. I find this all very interesting.
Cheers!
Suzanna
For some compelling evidence of women developing an online presence, go see Beverly Mahone’s site,
July 27th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Of course women are taking over the internet, especially certain aspects of it. Women like to chat, share ideas and are communicative. The internet has proven a God send especially for at home entrepreneurs. It has offered them a sense of community. Gone are the days of isolation of our grandmothers and mothers.
The internet is an especially powerful tool for retired women as well. It has helped me develop two very viable businesses.
The first business address is located above, the second is a coaching business with an emphasis on midlife women..
July 28th, 2008 at 3:44 am
I’m not a boomer, but I’m a woman - and I can speak to the fact that the internet is making business easy and viable for women. As far as I’ve seen - and been a part of - you can set up a business for anything your heart desires. With a little learning, you can make it successful. And - an internet business is portable! You can travel around the country in an RV and still run your business… you can move to France for 3 months out of the year and still run your business… how do I know? I’ve seen people do it! Go Women!!
July 28th, 2008 at 5:31 am
Suzanna,
I think one reason women outnumber men in online social networking is because more of us are work-at-home moms and we have discovered the internet as a way to connect each other with our businesses and our friendship.
Boomer Diva Nation was created because I came in contact with some many talented and resourceful like-minded women and I thought it would be a cool idea to have us all under one roof (so to speak) and to promote each other’s talents and help other women like us who are on the move and trying to make a difference in their personal and professional lives.
http://www.fabulously40.com and boomerwomenspeak.com are also terrific female networking sites.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Oh Suzanna, I am sure I could locate a few, we are a force to be reckoned with and I love it! Soon after I lost my mother, my bedroom made way for my first computer.It has served me,and saved me.Although I was new to a keyboard, my fingers quickly got the joist of things and within a year, my first book was born.
Two websites and nine books later, this baby boomer has only just begun!
July 28th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Great post, Suzanna! According to Market Tools, http://www.theboomerblog.com/BoomerWomenPresentation.pdf, a marketing company that focuses on boomer women, we use the Internet almost as much as TV as an information source. On average, 47% of us boomer gals spend one to three hours on the computer daily. Much of that, I’m sure, is spent in social networking.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Though it began as an overwhelming task, learning to use my computer and the internet has put me on the map, so-to-speak, in all of my business ventures. I have built two successful businesses, largely due to my on-line presence. http://www.pamelaseventdesign.com is my special event and wedding planning business. I built and maintain the web site MYSELF! I am 57 years old.
I am a blogger, too. My blogs encourage social networking and have opened doors of
opportunity for me as well.
http://www.archerfitpress.wordpress.com
http://www.idoweddings.wordpress.com
http://www.homespunhighlights.wordpress.com
I am a member of the Boomer Diva Nation. Many of the women in this group are very
technologically savvy and I have learned much from their expertise.
My opinion is that men are missing out on what’s really happening in the world of doing
business.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I could say I use rarely use my TV for entertainment or information. Internet it is. The social
aspect of the internet has always intrigued me. If people can meet online, fall in love and have a
happy marriage, then there is no reason why we can’t network for fun and business online.
Right now twitter is my virtual water cooler, take a break from work, and glance over to see what my
friends are up to, ask questions, answer questions, share support and ideas.
One reason many moms don’t work from home is that they’d be home alone, other mothers are at work
outside the home, and we all need adult company to bounce ideas off each other, support each other.
I agree that Beverly has much talent tied together in the Diva Group. We support each other and have
fun in the process.
Internet is so much more than just putting the facts and info out in cyberspace, it is adding that
personal touch, dealing with real people, where you know you are more than just a number.
July 29th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Hi Suzanna,
When we launched Fabulously40.com women of our demographic were not familiar with blogs, now two years later, we have seen tremendous growth. Women are not only blogging, but networking, building relationships and shopping more than ever. According to Forester Research, baby boomer woman spends $300 monthly shopping on line. Who would of thought…..
July 31st, 2008 at 7:57 am
Hi Suzanna,
I am often very busy connecting to the world, I can’t believe that I am late into this conversation!
I am close friends with most of the women that have commented here so far. That is interesting in itself! We live spread out, and connect through email, groups, and skype.
Women are naturally great at multi-tasking, and that is what our internet world is all about. Just writing a blog isn’t good enough anymore.
Every day I fall behind by 400-500 emails. It is horrible. I was chatting on skype with a friend today that asked if I got his email. I explained the situation. He said that he heard that email is the old “snail mail” and that made me laugh. Yes, that is getting to be true.
Even though I am great at multi-tasking, it is easy to get overwhelmed. At the same time that we are running our internet empires, writing blogs, running radio shows, developing social networking relationships - we have to run/coordinate family lives at the same time.
Wow, we are awesome! Internet savvy women rock!
Through all this in the last 30 days - I worked with a friend that redesigned my website/blog, wrote 3 e-books, designed a new product coming out in about a week to help people to stop smoking at home with my techniques, and did research on a great book project on self-esteem and sexual activity in teens. Wow. Then, I created a socialization and support group on meetup.com for my local clients that have depression, OCD, ADD, Fears, Phobias and more. The internet allows us to do so much.
Sally
http://www.drsallywitt.com
August 4th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Suzanna,
I think you are spot on with your hypothesis. Personally, once I had my idea to start my business, I couldn’t let it go. It never occurred to me that I couldn’t do it. As I network with other boomer women, I realize that there is less worry about what others may think and more focus on pursuing passions. I think their is an excitement among us and it is contagious. The more I read about what other boomer women are doing, the more inspired I become. I started with a website and now I write two blogs! The internet provides me with aq platform to be creative and expressive. It is a great time to be a boomer woman!
August 5th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Everyone:
It is fascinating (and very gratifying) to see the conversation on women and Boomers on the web. I can’t help but feel that we are ever more capable of being in the driver’s seat of the cultural evolution, steering with our passion. I agree, Eileen, this is an amazing time to be a Boomer woman.
Suzanna
August 5th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Hello everyone! I was sent this link by a baby boomer, and thought of another friend that I have. My friend Sandy and her husband have a great story and are one of the Baby Boomers here on the net! I put their website in the website link above, you should all check it out! Also, I am sure that Sandy and Charlie would be more than happy to help with your research!
Anissa