I'm Not Commenting on Miley Cyrus
April 30, 2008
Traveling always takes a lot out of me. April was the busiest travel month I've ever had - and I hope I never have to travel this much, in one month, again.
Still, every trip was worth it. The first trip I've already written about - Blogher NY. They just get better and better. I met some outstanding new gals, and reconnected with my good ole' blog buddies, too. Can't beat that.
After NY, we were off to Washington, DC. The ceremony we attended (black tie - wow, it's been a long time since I attended a black tie event) was delightful. Our God Spare Life author, Dr. Claudia Thomas, received the Spirit Award at their "Will You Be Made Whole?" ceremony which recognizes people who embody both science and spirituality, in their work.
We drove home from there and had a day off, then it was up early to drive to Toronto, where I spoke at a conference on marketing to women - wow, what a concept! The title sponsor, F.E.M. was worth the trip, as were all of the other speakers. Trying to fit a whole presentation on social media and women into 40 minutes wasn't easy...and I think I can do better...but the audience was engaged and interactive - something not all audiences are.
After leaving the conference, Tom and I went over the Purina Canada headquarters (very doggy - we felt right at home!) and we were enthralled with their wonderful Hall of Fame. They have pet heroes all the way back to 1968! The stories will amaze you. Our contact has the most beautiful cards, too. One for dogs and one for cats. Gotta love it!
And so...back from Toronto and on to Texas.
In Texas, we were treated to two days of marketing to women courtesy of the expertise of Michele Miller 
of Wonderbranding. I've been a big fan of Michele's from day one (she's quoted in my book), and having the chance to not only meet her but learn from her, was the highlight of my month, truly. She dubbed our class (there were 15 of us, I think - remember, I'm not good with numbers), The Beautiful Right Minds. That's because we were all so "right" minded...and you have to go to Wizard Academy and take one of Michele's classes to understand exactly what that means (hint: it has to do with how your brain works: are you a lefty or a righty?)
Why is any of this important to you - in your marketing to women online efforts? Because at all of these events women dominated men, in numbers. At the black tie event it was clear that the men "dressed up" for the women. The women shone like polished moonlight, and all the men were proud peacocks next to their women.
At the Toronto Marketing to Women conference, men spoke, women spoke, and men and women filled the audience. But it was about the biggest, richest, and most powerful group of human beings on the planet...women. It was about what we like, what we don't, and how we shop online.
In Texas, with Michele and the group, it was about learning the secrets of how women think... how our brains are actually wired differently than men's brains, and how that influences everything we do.
In short, every trip was about women, in some way, shape or form. And, I learned new and terrific things from each trip. I learned things about MEN - which Michele would be proud of because she agrees that marketing to women is not about NOT marketing to men - that I would not know, if I had not participated in these events. Mostly, I learned that today's male is eager to please, happy to be with is woman, and not afraid to ask for directions.
Which means - throw your stereotypes out the window, please. Women are different than men, but they are also different than each other. Some men like fashion and flowers, some don't. When you read numbers discussing the power of the purse, believe them, but don't let them direct your marketing. Get out and meet the women you expect to buy your products and services.
And then, connect with them online to cement the relationship.
Stop worrying about Miley Cyrus. She does not need your attention -- your women customers do.
Hello, remember me?
Well, I'm plumb tuckered out just reading that travel schedule of yours - and I thought I had it bad! Sure sounds like you had fun, though - you know I ADORED having you in Austin. You and Tom were my smartest, most supportive students. Rock on, Beautiful Right Minds!
Posted by: Michele | May 01, 2008 at 08:31 PM