As I said in the original post, I’m only as open minded as I am educated about any given topic. And I am always open to learning and hearing how other people feel on any given topic.

Sorry Lynn, but as an old white man myself, even I can see that you are just not getting it yet. It is not degrading to challenge. Postmodern feminist theory has explained this well, and I won’t bother here, for fear of stirring up more whiny men like Chris above, but never underestimate the power of sexism…. and the subtlety.

My take is this: now that we have the internet, we can attract those people to our business who see us as the one who can solve their problem. If someone needs to pay next month’s rent and YOU can help them do that, I doubt they’ll care if you’re a man, woman or puppydog.

In my industry (internet network marketing) there are two top leaders – Mike Dillard and Ann Sieg. Both are powerful and strong. Yet Ann appeals to people who are a little less secure or lack confidence in building a business. That’s because the tone of her writing is one of encouragement and almost chatty in nature. This gently guides them to the steps they need to take.

Mike is more direct and forceful – if you want to succeed, dominate with your expertise.

Both teach the same basic techniques but each attracts a slightly different audience. I say that’s good for the industry. There’s no one right way to do things, so follow the leader who matches your personal style.

I have two other leaders who have approached me about the possibility of sharing the stage with them – no names yet, cause it’s in the works.

My bottom line, it may be a slower process than some of us would like, but it’s all about your accomplishments – so far gender has not helped nor hindered me in my business.

I wish all great success. Btw, I found you through the love links. Thought you’d like to know. Thanks for a great post.

There aren’t enough women speakers. Boo hoo! How many women are interested in speaking vs. men? Are qualified women being rejected as speakers more than men are? Or is “not enough women” just something to whine about with no facts involved?

Where are all the women hosting IM events? How come all the major ones are run by men? Why aren’t women running them? Whose fault is that?

Whose fault is it if 80% of the attendees are male?

You know if someone put on a “Men’s Marketing Conference” or “White People Seminar” there would be a firestorm, but it’s OK to have sexist events for women… why don’t they just go to the regular events?

As for Gurudaq, you can nominate people there, so if there aren’t enough women or whatever, why aren’t you nominating them? I guess it’s just easier to cry discrimination.

Reading your comment above for example, makes me wonder: then why do women want to be “equal” anyway? Referring specifically to the Internet Marketing niche and the current gender debate within of course.

I think I’m a little unsure on where it is you stand exactly too. You feel like women have to work harder because of the oversight. But you also feel like women are more likely to get opportunities simply because of their gender (and the obvious need to fill seats with female reps). Or am I way off base?

Like I said, this is not a topic I am very well educated on – my original post was simply my own perspective, and my feelings on the matter. So I find this incredibly interesting, and would love to get a firm handle on what the issue really is.

You say, “nobody, regardless of gender, is going to be plucked out of the dark, or recognized for their ‘quiet success’.”

I’ve been a quiet success for years. And plucked out of it many times…because of my gender. Several panel organizers called me to represent the women’s viewpoint, because – women are different than men. Not better, not less smart, just different. In any exercise (physical or business or thoughtful) having a well-rounded panel makes for better results.

And that’s why gender counts, always. Moms are different than Dads. Girls are different than boys. Women THINK differently. Just visit Michele Miller’s blog Wonderbranding and you’ll learn of the inate brain chemistry of women – and how it’s very different from the brain chemistry of men.

So, gender will always count.

However, your point that expertise should trump gender is well-put. As someone who has been on both sides of the fence, much like you, I say gender matters. All the time. It colors everything that I do and have done. I’m proud to be approached because I’m a woman…with a specific expertise.

So, I am happy that you find gender a non-issue. But, I do not.

Lynn, with all due respect to you and to the good men who create conferences and workshops but don’t bother to look for any women to speak…

Very good points Yvonne, but my concern with the above is that “bothering to add women to the roster” comes off as selecting women based on their gender – which is exactly what we dont want.

I say… pick the best speaker for the topic, of the people who are willing to speak and can be there. Period.

I have attended a number of events, and have learned a lot from certain male speakers. I have learned a lot from certain women along the way too – both offline and online. It has never been about gender for me, but about going to the source for whatever information I am seeking.

When it comes to Affiliate Marketing, I learned from the best – Rosalind Gardner and Rae Hoffman. Not because they are women, but because they were the two authorities on the topic that I knew of at that time.

It seems to me that the problem is less about being overlooked, and more about being visible.

Becoming visible is a process – and an intentional one. Any person (man or woman alike) that wants to make it their goal to speak on an IM stage… has the same obligation to meet the criteria and then become known for it. Its just like any other goal. You plan for it, you take the steps, and you make it happen. But nobody – regardless of gender – is going to be plucked out of the dark, or recognized for their “quiet success”. Event organizers just dont go through that much trouble. Names draw crowds. So make a name for yourself, and go speak – if that’s what you want to do.

I’ve been on both sides of this fence, having been a “quiet success” for many years prior, and so I know exactly what it takes to get on the IM radar. And it has nothing to do with gender.

Personally, I’d like to see it stay that way.