Is it Boys vs. Girls on the Internet?

Most people who begin internet businesses do so to escape the office politics. Women, in particular, are drawn to the freedom, flexibility, and choice that owning a web based business affords. While the glass ceiling and good-old- boys clubs' exist in the 9-5 working world, internet businesses provide equal access to everyone. Or do they? While conducting research for Web Wonder Women, a book highlighting the true stories behind twenty-six successful web businesswomen, I asked why the majority of the prominent on-line superstars were male. Were women being shut out from presenting at the largest conferences? Were women purposely excluded from lucrative joint ventures? The answers to these questions varied. Some women felt that because men were the first ones to use the internet for business, they have a head start on women. The early internet pioneers were generally techie guys. They were quickly followed by male information marketers who saw the power of the web to reach customers. Because the majority of those early adapters were male, it seems logical that there are a larger number of males who have achieved remarkable success on-line. Other women relished the opportunity on the internet and found no discrimination at all. They shared stories of male and female mentors who were supportive and inspiring. These women enjoyed the open atmosphere on the internet and the ability to network with men and women at seminars, live events, and boot camps. The third group of women observed gender barrier in the upper levels of the internet world. Many successful web based businesses depend on joint ventures for growth and financial stability. When people are considering creating a joint venture or a conference, they tend to gravitate towards people whom they know well. Projects are often created on the golf course or over dinner. There is the perception of a 'boys' club' in the on-line world, but few of the players are old. However, this web 'boys' club', whether real or perceived, has not prevented thousands of women from starting their own web based businesses. Knowledge is power, and women are eager and willing to learn. In the past year, there have been seminars held, created especially for female business owners, and lead by a variety of women. Other women are creating events that showcase female speakers which are promoted to both male and female participants. Several women have broken the gender barrier and are regularly appearing as featured speakers at some of the larger internet conferences. What's the bottom line? It doesn't really matter if there is a gender bias in the internet world. Statistically speaking, more women than men are on-line now. Women are quickly starting their own web based businesses. These savvy women are willing to learn from both men and women mentors, and are wise enough to select mentors and partners based on merit, not gender. Web based business is evolving. Skills of relationship building and writing with emotion, long considered as female traits, are highly sought after in today's marketplace. Large websites that target female audiences are creating impressive profits. Men and women are attending conferences, creating joint ventures, and working together to create success. Thanks to the success of the early female pioneers of internet business, there are now excellent role models of both genders to inspire and educate newcomers. Things may look a little uneven today, but within the next decade, the line up of on-line superstars will contain exceptional men AND women in its ranks. Lynne Klippel, author of Web Wonder Women, is an enthusiastic student of success. For more information about the Web Wonder Women book and Klippel's free radio show, Web Sorority Talk Radio, visit www.WebWonderWomen.com.