Exactly...and it comes down to marketing. So many businesses that have no clue how to market themselves - definitely not exclusive to the "WAHMS" and I know you didn't say this either. Just pointing out that the mom card can still come into play when appropriate...even outside of promoting to the WAHM market.

Wow! Quite the debate going on going on.

I actually came to see what Scott had to say about the subject, but was disappointed to see it was on video. Any chance you've summed up the message of exactly what your thoughts on it were (in full) somewhere so I could read them, Scott? Wouldn't want to comment on the contents without knowing.

Just one thought I had when reading through the comments to try to get some of the points that may have been covered. I started with the older comments & worked my way forward to present. I was highly impressed by how respectful everyone was regarding opposing thoughts/ideas. A great debate, in general. That was, until I arrived at the top & read, "riccineer: @unmarketing Scott, between you, me & @deanhunt, I think some of the women commenting at http://tinyurl.com/bsxseh" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/bsxseh have to be men haters. Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:39:05 +0000". I am wondering if I read the wrong conversation? I did not see any types of comments that would suggest such a thing or give cause for such a condemning statement.

To all, great thoughts here to study from a marketing/target market perspective.

I agree with Scott. I so want to be a WAHM, but not so I can be home and raise my kids. I am looking for the flexibility of having my own business. A WAHM or WAHD (my husband is a WAHD). I never thought of marketing myself as a WAHM, I too thought it would be irrelevant, plus I would like my niche to be more than just WAHM. Also, there still is some negativity behind being a work at home anything whether we like to believe it or not. It's great that some are able to overcome the negativity and be able to decide to not work with someone because of their ignorance, but what about a newbie like me. When asked where do you work, my husband never says I'm a WAHD or from home. He simply states he has his own business and continues to talk about what it is and what he offers. Understanding when and where it is appropriate to where your WAHM or WAHD sticker is very important.

Hi April,

p-off mom said "Patronizing twerp. Speaks to women like they're below average intelligence. Bad idea having this ego maniac guest blog on your blog. Listened to the first few minutes and couldn't wait to shut him up by pressing the stop button."

I didn't think that was very respectful.

I think this is a great analogy! I know (from experience), that WAHM/Ds take a great pride in their achievements and abilities to "wear many hats" successfully. And that's great and they fully deserve the recognition and praise - from their families, friends, playgroups, etc. But announcing loud and clear "I am a WAHM/D" to potential clients (or vendors or partners, for that matter) and expecting the same recognition is a bit too optimistic.

I don't think saying something like "as a mother and a business owner, I learned to handle workload more efficiently" helps any. Clients that don't have children will probably not be able to relate anyway (c'mon, I didn't know what "really exhausted" really meant before I had a child). And the ones that do have children, might relate too much based on their own experience (they might be picturing a vendor who types e-mails with one hand while changing a diaper).

And that is why I use the WAHM info in my business' About page - I am trying to attract other WAHMs. I enjoy working with them, and I understand their needs. They NEED to work with someone who can relate to their goals, triumphs, and frustrations.

This is an interesting discussion. Thanks for prompting me to think about this topic.

Ricci,

I sincerely apologize! You are absolutely correct. That's what I get for coming back to the page an entire day later & obviously viewing an older version without ALL the comments (last one I was showing was Kelly stating, "Its a great point. While I am a wahm I sometimes wonder why other moms do use it as a marketing point. Its irrelevant. But on the flip side. You are what you are whether you talk about it or not.").

Thanks for setting me straight, Ricci... and I am sorry now (after clearing my cache) to see what started out as a perfectly respectful debate turning a bit ugly with the name-calling. I am glad you responded so I could come back & read more of the comments as well!

Thanks Ricci,

April

[...] not Vogue) that basically bashed Mom bloggers. Oh, and there was the video (from a guy!!) about how calling yourself a WAHM is bad for business but that’s not exclusively directed at Mom [...]

No problem. Diggin' this Intensive Debate format for dialogue. Glad you were able to respond.

[...] Stratten of Un-Marketing begins his guest post video at Jessica Knows by saying there are two types of people you don’t want to *p* off: religious groups and [...]