Online networking for women
A reader of our blog wrote in with the following observation and question:
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about both the aging baby boomers and the social networking trend. It seems to me like there might be a lot of opportunity in the middle aged women sphere. I’ve done some looking around, but at this point I haven’t found ANYTHING that caters to anyone but business people or young adults. Do you know of anyone filling this space?
Keep in mind that many “business networking sites” are, for the most part, just online communities with one new feature, and it’s not even really a defining feature (at least not on some sites). So, regarding “business networking sites”, yes, there are a number that cater to women:
eWomenNetwork
World Women In Technology
International Virtual Women’s Chamber of Commerce
A Woman’s Place (an Ecademy Trusted Network)
That’s just a few — there are many more, even if they’re not getting much attention in the current hype about social networking sites. There are dozens focused on work-at-home moms (WAHMs), as well. And, of course, within the broad sites, there are numerous sub-networks/clubs/groups specifically for women. 8 of the top 20 busiest networks on Ryze are specifically for women, and 5 more of them are predominantly female in their membership, even if not specifically named/positioned as being for women.
Maybe no one has created Womanster.com yet, but they’re certainly not being left out. In fact, judging from the activity on Ryze, it appears women are taking to online networking very well.
David Teten's RSS Feed
David Teten’s Twitter Feed
I am a businesswoman, the Managing Editor of a national women’s magazine and the founder of a company that “networks” with more than 25,000 business men and women in our data base. There are literally hundreds of groups targeting women in business, of all ages, I am happy to share some of those contacts with this group. Social capital is proving to be extremely important for referrals, it is not only who you know, but what you know about them, that makes the referral worthwhile. I am the author of the Canadian Best Seller, “Effective Networking Strategies” which comes complete with my personal networking tips and stories on CD. My business website is http://www.connectuscanada.com
Comment by Donna Messer — 7/11/2004 @ 09:25
Dear Scott,
Just wanted to add the Women’s ECommmerce Association International to your list of women’s online networking sites. We are The virtual organization for women who do business online, The Women’s ECommerce Association, International – provides women with global contacts and resources to help them do business on the web. WE also host a series of monthly teleseminars and are getting online with Ryze Network to host a weekly discussion group. It will be called WECAI Women. Thanks for the great Blog.
Heidi Richards, Founder & CEO
WECAI.org™ – “Helping Women Do Business on the WEB™”
Join WECAI today! – BASIC membership is FREE…
Comment by Heidi Richards, Founder & CEO — 6/6/2005 @ 09:08
I love the ladies comments. They are helpful not only in general but I checked out both of their sites and they really are committed to helping women succeed in business. Since I am of the same like mindednes, I want women to find the greatness in themselves and be successful!
As America’s Action Coach I know that finding the right resources to learn and grow your business or help you get to do the things that are important to you in your life, is vital. That is why great blogs, resources and websites are the key to finding women support each other.
Laura Johnson, America’s Action Coach
Make Your Promotion Happen by Taking Action
Go to http://www.makeyourpromotionhappen.com
Comment by Laura Johnson — 2/6/2007 @ 10:52