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Men,
Relationships, and the Internet
============================================
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============================================
IN THIS ISSUE
============================================
1. Brett's Ramblings
2. What's New?!
3. Feature Article: "Men, Relationships, and the Internet"
4. Quick News Byte
5. Poll: Does a Website's Contact Information Influence
Your Decision to Buy?
6. 10 Ways to Form Lasting Customer Relationships
7. Freebies
8. In the Next Issue
9. Final Words, Article Submit Info., Subscribe,
Unsubscribe, Contact the Editor.
============================================
1. Brett's Ramblings
============================================
A warm welcome to all of you. Indeed, warm is an
understatement since it's downright hot here in the heart of
Kansas. Every year I always ask the same question, "What
happened to spring?"
What do ya say we kick off this issue in true summer
fashion and heat things up a bit. Not a hard thing to do if
the topic is about men in relationships, right? Some of you
may argue that this is pretty much a non-topic. Nonetheless,
my feature article examines the interplay of men and
relationships and how the Internet effects perceptions.
So look it over and let me know what you think. I'd love to
hear your comments.
I'd like to send a big thanks to all of you that responded to
last issue's poll. You can see the results below along with
some great comments from a couple of readers. I've got
another question for you this week, so be sure and cast your
opinion!
Thanks for reading and Enjoy!
============================================
2. What's New?!
============================================
This week we focus on two sites which do very well
at giving customers one-on-one service. They are focused
on establishing a relationship with their customers. It's
fair to say they have an inward focus which allows the
customer to set the tone of their business.
==> 4SmallBusiness.com specializes as an answer source
for your Web business related questions. As a member you
get tips, ideas, and free consulting from their staff of experts.
http://www.4smallbusiness.com
==> LiveKnowledge.com has a unique approach to providing
answers for the business owner. As a Seeker of Knowledge
you select a price you are willing to pay to get an answer.
On the other end are Knowledge Providers who bid for
questions in their area of expertise. If you've ever spent
hours doing research on the Web, you'll quickly understand
the value of a service like this.
http://www.liveknowledge.com
============================================
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============================================
3. Feature Article
============================================
Men, Relationships, and the Internet
by Brett Krkosska
Men are evolving into a more understanding, sympathetic,
and expressive gender.
Ludicrous you say? In the immortal words of Gerard
Depardieu, "I'm not afraid to show my feminine side -
it's part of what makes me a man."
Right on, Gerry.
Frankly, I'm ready for a change. It's about time we shift
men's attitudes about power, intimacy, sex, and
relationships.
Besides, I'm getting rather bored with sneaking into the
bathroom with my wife's mascara to thicken up that thin
patch in my beard. It occurs to me that if a Scottish man
can wear a dress and call it a kilt, then I can put on
mascara and call it a beard thicker-upper.
Guilt-free mascara for men. There's a worthy goal.
The evolution of men has been in the making for a
long time. Indeed, the epoch movements of the 20th
century - women's right to vote, women entering the
workforce during World War II, the sexual liberation
movement of the 1960's - have done just as much to
liberate men as they have done to liberate women.
As the political, economic, cultural, and familial dividing
lines between the sexes are challenged it is inevitable
that men should adopt behaviors and attitudes traditionally
thought of as feminine.
This is not to say that men should reject their masculinity.
On the contrary, men should whole-heartedly embrace
their masculinity. But the evolution of men rests in our
ability to challenge pre-conceived notions of masculinity.
There is nothing wrong with being aggressive, powerful,
or bold. Applying these characteristics to uplift men and
women alike is the defining catalyst for change. To be
aggressive in humanly pursuits, powerfully outspoken
against injustice, boldly honest, passionate, and sensual
- that is what it means to be a man.
These ideals are manifested through our interaction with
others. We call these interactions relationships.
But how do we perceive the competency of men in forming
and maintaining relationships? Do men embody the
expressive qualities which solidify a lasting and satisfying
relationship? Do men share openly, listen for the sake of
listening, express their needs compassionately, or show
their emotions unabashedly? And how are men perceived
as compared to women in the depth of their relationships?
Hmmm.
Call me insensitive if you must, but I would venture to
say that someone probably put the words "men" and
"relationship" in the same sentence and came up with
the word "oxymoron."
Consider the burgeoning presence of women on the
Web. Notice the prevailing and underlying theme of
sites designed by women and for women. Look at the
marketing approach used to capture the dollars spent
by women. It's all about relationships.
Does it work? You only have to look at the success of
sites such as About.com, Women.com, or iVillage to
see that it works. These sites are hugely successful
with women because they provide a personalized and
human experience. The expressive qualities of a
relationship are hallmarks of these sites.
Speaking from a man's perspective, I can tell you that
I want the same thing from my Internet experience that
women want. I want to know that a site is trustworthy
and I want them to prove it. I want to know that a site is
concerned with my needs. I want a relationship with
the people behind a site, not a sales pitch.
But where are the men's sites? Is the definition of a site
for men rooted in pornography? Must the expressiveness
of a man be explored on a web page within the context
of being gay or religious?
We need more sites that target men "as men." Certainly,
the many different faces and roles men play should not
be minimized. But as I cruise the Web and come upon
site after site announcing a woman-to-woman theme,
I am struck by the realization that the man-to-man
Internet landscape is quite barren.
But there is hope, for I would argue that the increasing
use of relationship marketing on the Web can have a
transforming effect on men. I don't pretend to think that
relationship-centered sites can change men's attitudes
overnight - that goes without saying.
The only thing that could do that would be menstruation.
Think about it.
Rocky - big, strong man - wakes up in the
morning a tad bit moody. He goes to work only to
discover that...
... his cycle starts heavy right in the middle of that
important meeting. He chides himself for wearing those
tan slacks.
"Today of all days," he whispers. He bolts
out of the meeting, realizing that he didn't pack his
briefcase for this emergency.
Thank heavens, there's Brock. He's always prepared.
"Hey Brock, I've got this important meeting and
I just started and... can ya help me out?"
"Sure," says Brock. "I was just going to the men's
room myself. Come on, we'll go together."
Pretty weird scenario huh? It gets even weirder when
Rocky comes home and spends 30 minutes telling his
wife all about his day. And the crack in his voice is
unmistakable when he gets to the part where the
overseas client called his marketing strategy
"half-cooked."
Yes, this would sure do the trick. But for now we must be
content to let the emerging personalized Web experience
work its way into men's hearts. Exposure to relationship-
centered websites is bound to rub off.
After all, men do need relationships and they really do
value their repressed feminine side, they just need a
little help getting it out.
As for myself, I'm quite happy to play along. Perhaps I'll
even get my own mascara. But I do admit to some macho
baggage, so for now we'll call it a beard thicker-upper.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to reprint the preceding article. Just
include the resource box below.
Brett Krkosska is a home business consultant and the
founder of HomeBizTools.com. He specializes in providing
start-up guidance for new businesses and writes on work
issues and family values. Visit http://www.homebiztools.com
or subscribe to his free newsletter at:
mailto:enews@homebiztools.com
============================================
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============================================
4. Quick News Byte
============================================
E-Book Business Gets a Boost From Microsoft/TimeWarner
See the full story at:
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-202-1928578.html
============================================
5. Poll
============================================
QUESTION: When deciding whether or not to make an
online purchase, what type of company contact information
influences your decision to buy?
1. I don't care about contact information. If I like the
product I will buy it.
mailto:none@homebiztools.com
2. If I'm able to contact the company by email I'm
comfortable with my decision to buy.
mailto:email@homebiztools.com
3. I must know that I can contact the company by
email, regular mail, or phone before I'm comfortable
with my decision to buy.
mailto:emailphone@homebiztools.com
-------------------------------------------------
Last Issue's Poll Results
QUESTION:
29% == I will read a newsletter all the way through IF the
content is good stuff, NO MATTER how long it is.
32% == I will read a newsletter all the way through IF the
content is good stuff, but ONLY if it's not too long.
39% ==I never read a newsletter all the way through, I skip
to the parts that interest me.
Readers Comments
> I subscribe to several newsletters, but if I am having a
> busy day, I will just delete them all unless there is something
> good in the subject line... But if it is a slow day and it is a
> good letter... I will read the entire thing and sometimes print
> it or share it with friends.
>
> Tiffiny Burge
> http://superteam.com/hhp.cgi/tiffiny
> You can reach your goals! I can help
> I get too many newsletters to spend 15 minutes on just
> one. I've unsubscribed to newsletters that I think are too
> long, even if they're pretty good, simply because I know I
> won't spend the time to read them, so I don't even want
> them cluttering up my inbox. I like simple, useful
> newsletters of short to moderate length. Anything too
> long gets barely skimmed over or trashed.
>
> Charity J. Yennie
> http://www.homebizessentials.com
Editor's Comments
Tiffiny makes a point that really hit home with me - "I will
just delete them all unless there is something good in the
subject line."
The subject line of your newsletter should reach out and grab
the reader. It should entice the reader to open the email and
find out more.
Look at the subject line of this newsletter... Men,
Relationships, and the Internet. Were you curious? Did
you wonder if I had some insider information about
relationships? About men? Most people want to improve
their relationships, and it's hard to resist such an open
ended title.
Charity's comment is an example of the downfall of many
newsletters, including this one. My newsletters run long
and therefore are more likely to fall under the ax. Ouch!
And it seems that most respondents to the poll are in
Charity's camp... 'keep it short and let me skip to the
good parts'. OK, I'll work on it, Charity... next issue :-)
============================================
6. 10 Ways to Form Lasting Customer Relationships
============================================
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the site which
stimulates customers and adopts a one-to-one marketing
approach has a definite edge. Turn the processes driving
your business inward and emphasize your relationship to
the customer for long-term business success. Essentially,
the idea is to get into his world and walk in his shoes.
Here are 10 easy beginnings to create an environment
which fosters a durable and loyal customer relationship.
1. Set yourself apart from the competition. Give your
customers something they can't get elsewhere. This
is your niche on the Web. Make your niche something
of real value over time and people will come back again
and again.
2. Don't waste time on activities that can be automated.
For instance, let your email program filter and route your
incoming messages automatically, unsubscribe to
newsletters you never read, handle paperwork one time
and then file it instead of stacking it in a pile, use a
template to build new pages for your site, etc. Automation
frees up your time so you can concentrate on the important
stuff - your customer.
3. Concentrate your efforts on marketing to the people
that need your service. Start by auditing your marketing
and sales data to find out how and why a sale is made.
Eliminate or change marketing strategies and services
that don't serve the needs of your customers.
4. Respond to email quickly. Response time should be
under 24 hours. By responding quickly you send the
message that your customers are important and you are
genuinely interested in meeting their needs.
5. Follow up on sales orders. Make sure your customer is
thoroughly satisfied with their purchase and offer
additional services related to their purchase.
6. Give refunds promptly and unconditionally.
7. Ask your customers to fill out a survey so you can
better understand their needs. Offer a valuable freebie
or a discounted service for participating. This strategy
establishes a dialogue between you and the customer
and helps determine the direction of your business.
8. Publish a newsletter. Give your subscribers valuable
tips and information they can't get anywhere else. Offer
subscriber-only discounts and freebies.
9. Make your site easy to navigate. Customers value
their time and appreciate finding what they want quickly
and effortlessly.
10. Imagine every customer as a real person standing
in front of you. How would you treat that customer? Let
this image guide you in all aspects of your business and
you'll discover hundreds of ways to form lasting customer
relationships.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to reprint the preceding article. Just
include the resource box below.
Brett Krkosska is a home business consultant and the
founder of HomeBizTools.com. He specializes in providing
start-up guidance for new businesses and writes on work
issues and family values. Visit http://www.homebiztools.com
or subscribe to his free newsletter at:
mailto:enews@homebiztools.com
============================================
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============================================
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============================================
8. In The Next Issue
============================================
Many of you have emailed asking for help building your
first website. The next issue will focus on what you need
to know, where to get the right tools, and how to do it as
cheaply as possible without compromising quality.
This should be a great issue for everyone, including
telecommuters. Nothing speaks louder to an employer
than a professional website touting your talents.
============================================
9. Final Words
============================================
Thanks for reading! It is my hope that the information
in this newsletter leads you towards greater riches,
both in work and at home.
Keep an open mind and reach for the heights!
------------------------------------------------------------
Brett Krkosska
Founder, Editor, Net-a-Holic,
mailto:brett@homebiztools.com
HomeBizTools: a division of B-K Publications
http://www.homebiztools.com.
All the tools you need to work at home... in one place!
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