Dear readers, our friends over at ReThink Pink! (see their logo on our sidebar) have been busy. Jane borrows 5 Marketing to Women items, (they have 10!) which work online just as well as off, to inspire you to begin your...holiday marketing!

Don't go all orange and black, and heavens! don't get out the holly and mistletoe, but do begin planning your parties! (we have one concern with ReThink Pink...they talk a good talk, but they don't walk the walk. Where are the baby boomer women on their website? Peter Frost -- REAL women come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Except on your website -- tell us you'll remedy this soon!)

Rethink Pink!

Marketing to Women August Newsletter

Rethink Pink says: 1. Tell the Full Story

When it comes to purchasing a product, men may be satisfied with "a fine solution," while women seek the PERFECT solution. That means every bit of information counts, so don't skimp on the details. [Jane says: Lip-stick your message. Say it one way, make it true, and stick to it!)

Rethink Pink says: 2. Don't “Dumb it Down”

Women are turned off by products/services that are supposedly "created for them" but seem like just a watered down version of the main offering. A better solution is to highlight the features of a product that are particularly appealing to women. [Jane says, women are in to everthing these days. We like color -- show us more than pink and don't put frills on it if it doesn't warrant frills! Oh, on a personal note, Jane would like suitcoats with inside pockets -- just like the men wear. Please.]

Rethink Pink says: 3. Reflect Real Women's Lives

Keep in mind that your target consumer is not the idealized women that we typically see in magazine pages and most advertising. Women like to see images in marketing that look like them -- that reflect their ages and lifestyles. [Jane advises: check your website, ReThink Pink! You're drowning in glamour girls! Where are the ladies who work for a living?]

Rethink Pink says: 4. Remember your reputation.

Women typically care more than men do about a brand's track record in social responsibility and supporting worthy causes. Show women that your company cares about the community. [Indeed! Jane wants to see more involvement in the Humane Society, children's issues, veterans, and the elderly. Show us you care.]

Rethink Pink says: 5. Make her life easier

A primary factor in most womens' lives is stress. Whether your target is a working mum, teenager or baby boomer, virtually all women feel that they are under tremendous pressure. Show her how your product or service will make her life easier or give her a bit of extra time for herself, and you will win a loyal customer. [It's not as hard as you might think. Jane says hand out coupons for free babysitting while Mom shops; have comfortable benches situated throughout the store, to let us sit down and rest once in awhile, and please, teach your cashiers or customer service employees how to smile!]

Now, what's not to like about that?