Experts say the economy is getting better, but if another recession struck, would women be prepared?  According to TD Ameritrade, women control $8 trillion in assets in the U.S., and by 2020 they are expected to control $22 trillion.  Women are clearly becoming an important role in the financial sector, both in the workforce and at home, and having a financial back-up plan is not just important for men, previously regarded as the main financial overseers.  Some of this week’s articles offer more information on women and finance.  We hope you can find them useful and enjoy the rest!

“Clients from Venus” by Ruthie Ackerman  for The Wall Street Journal

Women are getting the attention of the financial industry.  Women are beginning to recognize that they need to do more with their money and better understand how they can plan for retirement.

“City and LinkedIn Launch New Professional Community for Women” Press Release on Market Watch

A press release on April 30^th announced a new partnership between LinkedIn and Citi.  Through this partnership they launched a forum called Connect: Professional Women’s Network.  Connect is designed to offer content and encourage discussions amongst women to help them become more savvy professional networkers and help them share their best workplace practices.

“Who Are the ’30 Outstanding Women in Finance’? Treasury & Risk Magazine Names 2012 Rankings” by Summit Business Media for The Sacramento Bee

Treasury & Risk announces its 2012 rankings for its 30 Outstanding Women in Finance.  The list, available online at www.TreasuryandRisk.com or in their April/May issue, includes information about the women accompanied by some editorial content.

“5 Reasons Why Hillary Clinton And Sheryl Sandberg Are In The Same Sentence” by Denise Restauri for Forbes

Hillary Clinton and Sheryl Sandberg have been associated in the same sentence many times before, but no one really stopped to ask or answer why until now.  Both Clinton and Sandberg are female professionals in top leadership positions, and therefore two women many fans would like to meet.  Apparently, they also have more in common than we thought.

“A Mother’s Day Tribute for Women in Need by Twesigye Jackson Kaguri for The Huffington Post

Twesigye Jackson Kaguri writes an insightful article giving his perspective on Mother’s Day.  Having grown up in a remote Ugandan village, he writes that certain gifts may be useful for his mother back home, but he believes the true meaning of the holiday is about more than physical gifts.

Although Pinterest has been around since 2010, it wasn’t until this year that the website actually boomed. Now all eyes are on Pinterest, the number three social media site after Twitter and Facebook, accounting for 104 million visitors this March 2012 alone (Experian).

The female consumer already accounts for 55% of social media users (Nielsen), and according to an article in the New York Times, “Women account for 85 percent of total page views on [Pinterest].”

This video infographic by MGD Advertising gives us more information on who the Pinterest consumers are, how they are utilizing the site, and how we as marketers can take advantage of Pinterest ourselves.

Visit MGD’s YouTube channel here.

Women have come a long way in the battle for equality. In comparison to even 20 years ago, we have increased our representation in the workplace, in politics, and in the public eye as a whole. When looking back on how far we have come, it’s pretty motivating and empowering to see the respect millions of women have gained around the world. Sometimes however, one little comment or small negative idea can spiral itself into a major setback. This week we found a few articles that give women advice in regards to business and in life, but it was one particular article that unexpectedly fuels this week’s inspiration. Not only is this article referring to the taboo topic of abortion, but it also offers information on a current bill, which if passed, will shake the inspiring journey women have taken over the last century.

“It Takes Women to Know Women” by Dori Fern for Adweek

Draftfcb, a marketing agency, talks on why it has so many female executives, claiming that it’s important to have a diverse staff.  Laurence Boschetto, the agency’s CEO and president, states that having women in his staff is important to foster creative ideas, but also because they are great relationship builders.  For us, it’s simply great to see women appreciated on the job.

“Shattering the Work/Life Balance Myth” by Lisa Quast for Forbes

Lisa Quast writes on her experience as a speaker at a conference for women when someone asked, “Would you talk to us about how we can achieve work/life balance?”  Quast explains how she responded and magane the situation.  Overall, she claims that perhaps it’s not a work/life balance that is necessary, but instead it’s inner happiness that is important.  Do you agree?

“Why Women Don’t, but Should, Ask for What They Want” by Victoria Pynchon for Forbes

Negotiation doesn’t come easy for women, especially when it comes to asking for a raise or dealing with family.  This article guides us through several ways to make it easier for women and includes Pynchon’s own experience.

“The Seven Secrets of Successful Women” by Kate Bussmann for Mail Online

Meet seven successful women and read how they made it to the top.  They each give a particular piece of advice that influenced their careers and they claim was of utmost important in getting them to the top.

““The War on Women:” A Teen’s Perspective” by Laela Zaidi for the Huffington Post

That is correct!  The writer who put together this article is a teenager at 15 years of age.  Not only does she give her opinion on a new abortion bill that is moving through the Tennessee House of Representatives at the moment, but she puts together a very profound argument with elemental facts and historical data.

From the JetBlue pilot meltdown to the Supreme Court Healthcare hearings, the American population has had the opportunity to read some pretty shocking and argumentative articles this week. It’s a significant time in American politics and as always, this stimulates the most brilliant minds to write, write, write. Though we appreciate and understand the importance of any conversation surrounding important US matters, sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and focus on the simple and good happening all around us. This week we want to inspire you through five fantastic articles. From encouraging stories to events and companies that should motivate you to fulfill you dreams, we hope these articles help in starting your weekend off right. As always, enjoy!

“Women’s conference ticket giveaway!” by Erin Grace at World-Herald

This article highlights Sharon Carleton of Ervin & Smith.  Sharon started there as an intern and is now CEO of the advertising company, which was named Best Place to Work for the Advancement of Women by Baird Holm and the Institute for Career Advancement Needs. Attributing her rise to CEO in large part to her male boss who encouraged, mentored and pushed her to the top, Sharon’s story is filled with inspiration.

“The Moment I Knew I Was A Women, Not A Girl” by HuffPost Women

If you follow us on Twitter (@Womenkind) then you know about this inspiring and powerful video project that HuffPost is doing. It’s called “The Moment I Knew” and it’s a user-submitted video series where readers tell the stories of life-changing moments they have experienced. HuffPost Women features five female-submitted videos discussing the moment they knew they were women and no longer a girl. Check them out, you won’t regret it!

“Pottstown YWCA hosts event to improve self-image of girls, women” by Brandie Kessler at The Mercury

To combat the negative consequences of the impossible standards of beauty put on young women, the YWCA Tri-County Area hosted a free workshop Saturday for girls and women as part of its Girl Talk Series. The event was designed to bring women of many generations together to learn from one another and will continue through November. People and events like these are what we need more of.

“Women’s Final Four Arguably Strongest Ever” By The Associated Press

For the first time since 1989, all four top seeds reached the NCAA Women’s Final Four. This year’s fielf of Baylor, Stanford, UConn and Notre Dame is arguably the strongest ever, with all four programs motivated by unfinished business from last season and out to add yet another crown to their crowded trophy case. If this isn’t motivation to get out there and be the best woman you can be, I don’t know what is.

“Women in U.S. Leadership: What’s Next?” by Tabby Biddle at HuffPost

Though this article focuses primarily on the lack of females holding public leadership positions in the United States, it does briefly chronicle how far women have come in the last twenty years and put pressure on the future women in politics to run for office and demand equal representation. I finished the article feeling optimistic about the future and hopefully you will too.

Women have surely been getting quite a lot of attention recently as news continue spreading that they are becoming the new “global market.”  What exactly does that mean?  Recent studies have found that women control 85% of U.S. spending and 65% of global spending, positioning them in a key role for marketers.  These numbers vary slightly from one report to another, but the idea is the same one: women are tipping the economy scale.  This week’s articles give marketers some advice on how to better reach this progressive group.

”Women Dominate The Global Market Place; Here Are 5 Keys To Reaching Them” by Susan Fabry for Fast Company

Although comprising an influential group of consumers, women are often ignored in marketing strategies.  Here’s an article giving you five key ways of reaching her effectively and keeping her on your side.

“Women-Owned Businesses Make Strides” by Emily Maltby for The Wall Street Journal

More women are taking risks and getting to the top.  They are acquiring top company positions and launching their own start-ups, and within recent years more female-owned firms are generating more than $1 million per annum.

“Marketing to Women: How to Get it Right” by Ekaterina Walter for Fast Company

Women “are a driving force,” this article states, and it is absolutely right.  Companies need to understand and admit the influence women consumers have and appeal to them by stepping away from stereotypes and tasteless ploys.

“When Marketing to Women Facebook Interactions Have a Hit Ratio Similar to Roadside Billboards” by Kirsten Bischoff for Forbes

Facebook advertisements are not too effective in garnering the female market’s attention, which as the article reads they are the equivalent of roadside billboards.  The right way to go in reaching this market base, you ask?  Go with female blog ambassadors.

“5 Social Media Events Organized by and for Women (2012)” by Ann Smarty for Search Engine Journal

Here are several social media events you do not want to miss this year, from a blogging workshop to a BlogHer conference.

It’s still March, which means Women’s History Month celebrations are continuously taking place and general focus is on women all around the world.  But as this week’s first article states, “So, what if we re-named March “Women Making History Month”? Because this month in 2012, we certainly have some history-making to do.”  We agree!  Here are a few women that prove the statement to be true.

“Women’s History Month? What About ‘Women Making History Month’?” by Elizabeth Debold for The Huffington Post

As Women’s History Month continues, different perspectives on the celebration continue emerging.  Here is an interesting take on what can make the month a more powerful statement for the female population.

“Girl Scouts Changed the World 100 Years Ago — Now it’s Our Turn” by Anna Maria Chavez for The Huffington Post

It’s a big year for Girl Scouts everywhere.  March 12 is the organization’s birthday, and this 2012 marks its 100^th anniversary as well.  This group, which started with 18 American girls, has matured into a worldwide experience existing in more than 90 countries to continue empowering women.

“Women’s History Month: You Go, Girls!’ by Darlene Iskra for Time Magazine

Accompanied by a short video interview, this article gives us a glimpse of inspiring military women making a difference in their jobs and their communities.  What a way to celebrate being a woman all year round!

Women Give Rolling Stones Tribute What It Needs by Melena Ryzik for The New York Times ArtsBeat Blog

In a tribute performance for the Rolling Stones at Carnegie Hall, various musicians participated but it was the women who stood out.  Female performers included Peaches, Juliette Lewis, Angélique Kidjo and Rickie Lee Jones.

“Agency vet discusses her new book on the lives of ‘60s ‘Mad Women’” by Gabriel Betrone for Adweek

Here’s an interview with Jane Maas for Adweek’s Fast Chat series.  Despite being 80 years old, Maas is still working strong and just launched a tour for her third book Mad Women.

“You are a woman. A self-sufficient, determined, gorgeous human being. You can do anything you put your mind to as long as your try hard enough. You can run the fastest, swim the deepest, and climb the highest mountain top. You can be a surgeon, drive a race car, become the next president or run your household to the best of your ability. You can face rejection and walk away with your head held high. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are a compassionate soul and much more than any words could ever say. Today is your day, and so is every other day of the year if you want it to be. You should be proud. You should feel great. You are a woman.”               -Sean Joseph Gallerani, Womenkind

Since 1909 American women have been celebrating being women on this very day. More than one hundred years later, women around the world still come together to celebrate International Women’s Day.  Here are some insights about this international movement, what it means, what women around the world are doing today, and what you personally can do to join in.

Happy International Women’s Day!

About International Women’s Day

Learn a little bit of history about this day, its development throughout the years, what events have influenced it, and how it all began.

“International Women’s Day: The Measure of a Woman” by Helen D. Gayle for The Huffington Post

What can empowering girls and women do?  Here’s an article that tells you what empowerment efforts are doing to the lives of many women around the world, from reducing poverty to fighting hunger.

“International Women’s Day: How it’s celebrated around the globe” by Whitney Eulich for The Christian Science Monitor

See what countries are doing around the world to celebrate women today, from Fiji to Norway and back around the globe to Brazil.

“International Women’s Day: 10 ways to celebrate” by Maura Judkis for The Washington Post

Thinking what you can do to celebrate?  So were we!  Here’s an article with great ideas.

“Let’s Make Today the Last International Women’s Day” by Lois Alter Mark for The Huffington Post

So now that we have you all hyped up about this day, here’s an article from someone that doesn’t think too fondly of the international holiday.  It’s always good to hear a different perspective, especially when the article includes an amazing documentary, “Pray the Devil Back to Hell.”

It’s been a pretty non-conventional week, don’t you think? It’s not every year we get an extra day to work, sleep, or simply play, but this year we got an additional 24 hours to celebrate being alive. In this week’s articles we find women who proudly celebrate every single day. These women propose, rise, and create change just by being themselves. Isn’t it wonderful to be a girl?

“The Ladies’ Privilege: Encouraging Women to Propose on Leap Day” by Kathy Benjamin for Mental Floss

Women who propose what?  That was our first question because the idea of a woman proposing matrimony to a man in today’s day and age is deemed unthinkable.  However, it wasn’t back, back in the day when a leap year was concerned.  It was very common for females to pop the BIG question on that extra day of the year.

“101 Tips for Women Travelers” by women like you for Grand Circle Cruise Line

Grand Circle Cruise Line understands that women love to travel, but unlike men we do have some special needs.  Women like you and myself have passed along their traveling tips and Grand Circle Cruise Line compiled a book with them.  Make sure you request your free copy.  That’s right, we said free.

“How Pinterest’s Female Audience Is Changing Social Marketing” by Curt Finch for Mashable

As mentioned in a previous article we highlighted, Pinterest has been around for quite some time, but it wasn’t until this year that it became the new social phenomenon.  The guilty party: women.  Not only are women to blame for Pinterest’s boom, they are also responsible for the change in social marketing.

“Charlotte Beers: Lonely at the Top” by Erin Griffith for Adweek

An honest and fabulous interview with Charlotte Beers, advertising extraordinaire known for her unconventional ways (i.e. eating dog food at a pitch).

“Women Who Go Their Own Way” by Ki Mae Heussner for Adweek

Here is a list of 10 up-and-coming startups founded by women, demonstrating that females are no longer hesitant to start their own companies.  Not only is the number of female entrepreneurs rising, but these are coming up with awesome ideas.

We’ve just completed production on the new Post Great Grains campaign.  It features authentic women in a gorgeous wheat field, literally taking a stand against all the conflicting nutritional information we’ve been served up all our lives. The spot is designed to give voice to the health-conscious woman who knows better than to blindly accept nutritional claims du jour — women who prefer to eat whole foods that are obviously nutritional.  It’s beautiful, it’s fun and we couldn’t be happier with the final result.

Special thanks to our director, Brett Frommer from @radicalmedia, Chris Franklin from Big Sky Edit, our Executive Producer Jack McWalters, and the wonderful Mangala D’Sa, Director of Marketing at Post Foods LLC.

See for yourself. Check out Great Grains on Facebook!

This week we looked at several articles that demonstrate just how important the female consumer is for advertisers.  Despite being a very unique consumer, times are changing. Sticking to traditional forms and stereotypes is becoming highly contraindicated, especially as female consumers become more confident in voicing what they want to see in ads.  Here are several articles from The Independent, The Washington Post, Forbes, NPR, and The Huffington Post that talk a little bit more in depth about this fascinating topic.

Enjoy!

“The ad that only plays to women: the future of marketing or useless gimmick?” by Gillian Orr for The Independent

An interactive billboard for the charity Plan UK, set at a bus stop in Oxford, England, garnered the attention of every passerby.  The sign has the ability to distinguish between men and women and tailor its messaging for each, playing a short video for the women it identifies with the purpose of raising awareness on gender discrimination.  Although it’s only about 90% accurate with the gender identifications, advertisers are keeping their eyes and ears open to see the public’s reaction to these new forms of advertising.

“Why women’s health issues are in the political spotlight” by Anita Kumar for The Washington Post: Conversations

Anita Kumar hosts a conversation Friday, February 24 at 12:30 p.m. ET on a recent controversial topic: a Virginia bill requiring women to have an ultrasound before any abortion.  We invite you to participate if you can!

“How ‘Gender-Washing’ Can Kill Brand Love And Loyalty” by Molly Ackerman-Brimberg for Forbes

Although women make most of the purchases in the United States, it seems that sometimes “gender-washing” and specifically tailoring advertisements for them can actually backfire for companies.  This article gives us insight on what several advertisers are doing successfully and what others are doing unsuccessfully.

“So Pinterest Is A Woman’s World. Does That Matter?” By April Fehling for NPR

Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board that allows users to “pin” photos or DIY projects they like, has grown exceptionally within the month of January in great part thanks to its larger female orientation.  According to the article, its female members comprise a 58-97 percent, which can be seen by the type of pins on its home page.

“Why Every Woman Should Celebrate the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (Yes, I’m Serious)” by Keli Goff for The Huffington Post

 The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is seen as the Super Bowl equivalent in the modeling world according to Goff, and this year it is graced with model Kate Upton.  Upton is curvy and her weight is not something she obsesses over like most models do, earning her envious comments like “cow” and “fat.”  Obviously, Sports Illustrated failed to think there was any truth to these, and for that we do agree we should be pleased.