The internet is going to experience a major shift between 2010 and 2020; step one was an internet that was deeply disconnected, step two brought linking of pages, and step three is the "big machine" where every idea is linked, and to do that effectively...you have to SHARE your data!

Watch this video by Kevin Kelly: http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/319

The price for greater connectivity will be giving up privacy, but just as we have relied upon the alphabet, we shall soon rely upon the internet for basic, daily information. I am amazed by the predominance of "password protected" sites that have sprung up in 2008-2009, which are not well-suited to the coming internet shift. Why would any business want a few "members only" to have access to them, when the internet connects them globally? The advantage is clearly slanted toward the administrator who can "filter" every contact, not the entrepreneur who wants to grow unfettered.

That is why The New US Woman, launched in March 2009, is developing OPEN and accessible women-owned STATE business directories. We are SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create and manage a venture to make social change. We are combining the passion of social mission with business discipline, innovation and determination! Our state site gives women in business opportunities for local philanthropy; our national site discusses issues requiring activism to effect change.

For example, a listing on The New US Woman gives you five points of promotion:
#1. You are welcomed on the homepage
#2. You are introduced on our monthly newsletter
#3. You are given a feature on your state's blog
#4. You are featured on the national blog
#5. You are placed in our one-click, accessible directory
Plus, our one-click directory INVITES people to linger and see all entries, not just one. Directories where you have to click in and out of header and subheaders does not invite a visitor to browse for long!

Gauntlet Challenge : I would like to encourage YOU to revamp your business to become more OPEN and accessible. Who are you literally "locking out" that could be essential to your ability to grow your territory? Why not buck the trend to keep people out, and open the doors wide to invite people in. The internet is ready to change. Are you?

Rosanne Ferreri-Feske, CEO
The New US Woman
www.thenewuswoman.com

The New TN Woman
www.thenewtnwoman.com (1st state website)