PBWC Online Newsletters

Women and the Internet

By Gloria Minarik

When I made the decision to leave a secure nine-year position to join a start-up internet company a lot of people thought I was crazy. The stock market was spiraling down and .coms were taking a severe beating. However, I have spent a good portion of my career supporting women in business and this opportunity gave me a whole new and exciting venue to apply my skills. And what’s life without a little risk!

In my new position as Vice President of Community Development for MizBiz.com I have spent many hours on the internet looking at sites focused specifically on women. In my research I discovered that women in business worldwide collectively generate $139 billion in revenues and employ at four times the rate than their male counterparts. Women also control or influence over 80 percent of the $3 trillion spent by consumers and they manage finances in 72% of U.S. households. From market research conducted by the Business Women’s Network (BWN), they have predicted there will be a 450% increase in women business owners online from 1996 through 2000. Twenty-three percent of women entrepreneurs currently have a web page and 70% of women in business are looking at the internet as a tool for new strategies and growth.

With statistics like these it’s not surprising that venture capitalists are starting to pay more attention to business models that are targeting women owned businesses. But have these models really addressed what women are looking for when they conduct business online?

Over the last few weeks I have had to address just that question. Through my research and many conversations with women in business one theme remains the same. Much like doing business offline women like doing business within a community environment. A safe place where they can build working relationships, share ideas and network with other women business owners. Women want relevant information, guidance and end-to-end solutions that will assist them in growing and managing successful businesses.

The models that can address these objectives successfully will also be ones that attract and retain women business owners as loyal customers. MizBiz.com is a b2b website designed just that way around a community that will help women grow and manage businesses online. Watch for our exciting launch in September.

MizBiz.com is currently conducting a survey that has been designed to access the skills, tools and resources women need to start and grow successful businesses online. Please complete the survey at www.mizbiz.com and receive a discount coupon from OfficeMax.

Gloria Minarik is a past president of PBWC and Vice President of Community Development for www.mizbiz.com