On Tuesday Dec 1st I was in NYC shooting videos and attending a #140conf meet up. I had a great day hanging at the Roger Smith Hotel aka @RSHotel where I shot of a few of my videos. That night I was literally surrounded by a bevy of blondes and a few brunettes. As I looked around the room, the amount of women easily doubled the amount of men.
When you think of the top names in social media, a list of men come to mind easily. It’s harder to think of women who are dominant in this space. That being said women are more social and they outnumber the amount of men in the space. Collectively women are swarming in masses creating tsunami waves of influence.
Let me guess you want stats? Don’t be lazy go to Bing and do a search for it yourself? I doubt you would do that, so here is a little eye candy for you.
My personal theory about the social web and the power of women was proven to me after the meet up ended. I was invited out to dinner with three awesome women; Carol Quinn aka @3Lunches, Debra Cincioni aka @MomsofAmerica, and Beth Frysztak aka @BethFrysztak. Japanese cuisine was on the menu. Beth offered to take control and order for the table; her choices were perfect on every dish. Food and drinks were consumed conversations flowed like Saki.
I spent the night listening more then I spoke, sometimes frustrated by how hard it is to get a word in edgewise when you’re the only guy at the table. I’m a man with a lot to say, so, for me, having the tables turned was no fun. However, I’m also smart enough to know that there is power in listening. So, I spent most of the night taking mental notes learning and chiming in, peppering the conversation with my wit or angry black man comments. I spent my time with wonderful people and the time flew. The next day I realized the gift they had given me. 
My gift was the realization of how social media works for women. I mean, I sat in a social situation with them for hours. Multiple topics were brought up. Covering a variety of topics like humor, politics, religion, love, family and others. I watched these women stream their conversation real time right in front of me. Now I can easily tell you why I think women will dominate the social space.
Women are social always have been. Think about it: book clubs, Bunko night, Tupperware parties, slumber parties and a million other gathering events. Women have gotten together to share information, gossip and learn from one another since the veritable beginning of time.
Men have what I call a “boys club.” I mean, most things men gather around are treated with the same care free mentality. Men in GENERAL don’t gather in groups to talk about life or work. Those are reserved one on one conversation.
Women prefer to pool knowledge and group together to support one other. Whether you like it or not, the fundamental role in life for a woman is that of the caregiver. And caring is the underlying power of the social web. If you care about me, you’ll follow and engage me. If you did not care, then it does not matter to you. If you think about it, men love women. Women love women. Even gay guys have tons of female friends. At major sporting events, when players are interviewed, they thank Mom. Women are truly at the center of everyone’s universe.
Why would the online power structure be any different? In the world of marketing, everyone wants a mommy blogger because women make the majority of the decisions and do the majority of the shopping for the household. Public relations is, most definitely, a field that needs a woman’s touch. A man can’t get away with lavishing another man with compliments without having something negative thought about him. Women can openly express their love for both sexes and be effective persuasive. I won’t even bother talking about the women’s natural love for gossip and drama – we just won’t go there. It might be dangerous for me.
I will share one takeaway from each of these lovely ladies.
@MomsOfAmerica is just what the name says. Protective, smart and she could more than likely kick my butt. Her family does martial arts together. She cares about the people in her life online and off with such passion. Some people pretend to care, but I could see in her eyes that she’s the real deal. Things matter to her. She doesn’t just have that Twitter name, she takes pride in it, and what it means to others. – People do care.
@3lunches is a very creative person. As a writer, her mind is always working, putting things together to form a story. She spoke of Twitter in a way that made her sound like a purest. I doubted her way of thinking and challenged it repeatedly. I didn’t think anyone thought that positively about his or her online presence. Carol proved me wrong because, in her mind, she believed everything she said. She is not online to sell; she is there to share. – Keep an open mind.
@BethFrysztak is just awesome. It’s hard for me to explain the woman that works with large brands and sound smooth. She has that effect on people. Beth intimidates lesser men who just lack confidence. She is all work until it’s time to play. A woman completely thankful for the life she leads and dedicated to her family. She could be your number one asset in business or your worst nightmare; she is just that smart. — Being thankful is a strength.
I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with smart, creative people. I look forward to hanging out with all of them again. Being a business owner for 10 years, I know you can’t become stagnant. Just as a good quarterback knows where his receiver will be and delivers the ball in stride, the social/new media game will be in the winning hands of women in the future.
With that being, said I will continue to surround myself with awesome people, both male and female. I’d be a fool if I didn’t keep my eyes on the ladies and, well, I’m a man, so I’ve gotta have my bromances, too. If you want to take a peek at some of my favorite women in the Twitterverse, look at my Twitter list called onlinewives – I suggest following it. I think women will not only thrive in the space but, eventually will have a bigger hand in running it. Luckily for me I have a daughter, and I’ll be sure and teach @Leiyah everything that I know so that she can grow up and show me how to do things even better.
I’m looking to make new friends. Who is your favorite female in social media and why?
Written by Owen JJ Stone
I run Inquiring Mindz Media, enjoy being a dad, building brands, designing, making videos, and meeting people. For more info, check out OwenJJStone.com, @Ohdoctah or IQMZ.
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