BlogHer - Alpha Moms, Beta Moms and rest of us Greek alphabet moms - Comments

interesting topic

Pirjetta — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:33:17 -0500

This Alpha mom article really catch my eye and I have actually some questions I would love to ask from Isabel Kallman...is there any way I can send her email? I felt bad how her potrait was painted in media. After all she had get in position she is with her our efforts and hard work -but media turned her look so bad. God bless your family.

I wonder what letter I would

lindsay39 — Fri, 11 May 2007 12:43:44 -0500

I wonder what letter I would be...lambda for laid back, mu for music-oriented, or an Alpha Rho Tau for all the art events to which I take my kids!

I was just writing about what kind of mommy I am on my blog! http://radioactivecats.blogspot.com/2007/05/i-am-such-bad-mommy-but-musi.... So where do I fit?

Guess we're all just moms doing our best...

Hugs,
Lindsay

Cherish each moment, learn from each person you meet, gather wisdom and peace with each passing day

Afro Alpha Moms (African American Alpha Moms)

AfroAlphaMom — Fri, 04 May 2007 12:19:05 -0500

I found all of the information on Alpha Moms to be very interesting. However, I would point out some drastic differences and similarities among Alpha Moms and Afro Alpha Moms (African American Alpha Moms). Yes, there is a difference!

By, 2010 African American households will spend annually $1 Trillion Dollars. The fact that I run a global marketing and public relations firm and live in an area that has probably one of the largest populations of â€œsuccessfulâ€ African Americans living in one area. Understanding the importance of multicultural marketing when marketing to Alpha Moms is key, essentially we canâ€™t overlook Afro Alpha Moms.

I became so frustrated with some of the information that was being written that I recently started my own blog especially for Afro Alpha Moms! I am also the cofounder of a 501 c 3 nonprofit focused on minority organ donor donations. In addition, I do pride myself on being a superior mother, wife, sister, and friend. Multitasking is something that I do and do well. Did I forget to mention that I operate other different streams of business incomes? And of course like most Alpha Moms I have a college education and have worked from some major BIG corporations. However, I am African American and to reach my market requires different marketing strategies. But donâ€™t do like some marketers do and just omit us all together.

African American Alpha Moms should have their own voice.

Visit:
http://afroalphamom.blogspot.com/

It's the "intensity" bit...

RavinPictureMaven — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:44:23 -0500

...as if you need to be a "competimommy" or an "Olympic track mommy" to be in any way influential. It's also the use of tag words such as Alpha, Beta, etc. Those have known connotations, and bring to mind the idea of a dog pack, placement within a pack...and bitches.

So for me, it's the language that I find offensive.

The idea is not offensive when I stop to ponder it apart from the language.

I'm more likely to try something someone I trust has endorsed. Product endorsements are old style marketing, classics really, since the technique transcends time.

Very often I'm seeking a thing that will solve a need or problem and very often another woman has provided guidance, or direction.

I don't think this is a problem, even when you apply it to the blogging world, and ask bloggers with decent traffic to review a product.

So Jenn, I agree with your original point that one doesn't have to be alpha, Alpha, Type A or Perfect to be influential, and a good source for product reviews.

But I don't think these tags are real---it's the usual "drop 'em into a bucket" tactic marketing tends to follow to the point of seemingly forgetting that there is a wealth of individuals.

I'm more of a selfish blogger in that I prefer to spout off on my own random topics, and I tend to get bored at blogs that endlessly promote. I also will tend to dismiss these marketing blogs because it feels like a potential conflict of interest. Some of the blogbands and marketing gets to feel a little...well, I guess outside of my purvue of interest.

Ironic

mama2bna — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:46:18 -0500

How funny that these shows historically thought of as being for women are now sort of biting the hand that feeds them by making these little airplane food morsel segments (mom-tinis, Alpha Moms) that have no hope of doing justice to any of the sides represented. I am so sick of the mommy wars and the diluted, dumbed down offerings on tv.

The Wink

Krisco from Crib

Krisco — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 20:40:50 -0500

Krisco from Crib Ceiling

Jenn, Alice, Isabel, Stephania, et al,

On the one hand, it's good that Moms - of any stripe (skipping the Greek letters) - are getting recognition. Recognition publicly as decision makers and leaders. (That's fine the ad world already knew our purchasing power; I'm glad to see it out in the open.)

On the other hand, I have to admit that "Alpha Mom" as a brand was a little confusing to me when it first started up, so I can see why it was easily played that way by GMA.

I think Alice and Isabel explained it well in the segment; it was only the GMA folks sticking to the obnoxious version. It looks like just an easy way to once again try to incite mommy wars.

Jenn, thanks for this nice write-up and the type of conclusion we can all agree with - let's cut the labels, we're all in this together.

And if some bloggers get to plug a Wii while they're at it, good for them.

I am so tired of all the mommy labels as well.

jerseygirl89 — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 19:14:22 -0500

Let's face it, we all have days when we're the perfect alpha mom and days when we realize that we went to the supermarket without a wallet or a bra. I say we all call ourselves all of the labels and then see what they do with us.
Jen
Link TextDirty Little Secret
Link TextMusings
Link TextReading Goddess

Can I say "Me too?"

Mom101 — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:22:58 -0500

I also read that article in NY Mag with my jaw on the floor back when I was pregnant. It freaked me out completely. Because indeed, there are women like that, especially in NY - the overachieving, perfectly coiffed, supermom with the four nannies and the pilates arms that never deign to pick up their own children.

Then, I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Isabel years later. And I thought...how could the writer get it this wrong? She's not only not that character (nor does she even give off that impression) but her website and tv network isn't for that character either.

But I guess a story about a new mom starting a family business to help other new moms with basic stuff like breastfeeding advice and picking out an affordable maternity wardrobe isn't as compelling as an uptight neglectful Wall Streeter-turned-parent who pushes all mothers to overachieve while reaping in the millions.

Let's be honest, the latter is more fun, isn't it? Way more fun. Doesn't make it true though.

http://mom-101.blogspot.com

http://coolmompicks.com
We find it, you flaunt it.

Stephania is right...

Mom101 — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:06:27 -0500

The whole quote from the JWT woman was about influencers - a marketing term that indicates you talk to the people who influence. That's you, blogging women! Alpha, beta, or omega. I don't think she's implying that we blindly follow the masses, although that's the confusion that happens when marketing speak more appropriate for AdAge ends up on a morning show.

http://mom-101.blogspot.com

http://coolmompicks.com
We find it, you flaunt it.

Totally agree, poor choice of words, easily miscontrued.

CityMama — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:47:40 -0500

Let's not make this a "thing."

Stefania Pomponi Butler
Contributing Editor, Arts & Entertainment, BlogHer

I blog:
CityMama
Kimchi Mamas
Family Food

What she said...and her, too...

Glennia — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:37:22 -0500

I agree with CityMama and Grace. There are people who are leaders in every community, who always seem to be on the leading edge of whatever the next new thing is. I don't blame advertisers for wanting to tap into that. In fact, Ben & Jerry? Call me. Will blog for Chunky Monkey any day.

Glennia
The Silent I
Silicon Valley Moms Blog
Kimchi Mamas

Thanks Liz

Jennifer Satterwhite — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:26:55 -0500

And heavens no, let's not pick sides. I am over the labels. I am over picking sides. I am too busy being a mom to try to find the "right" label. I appreciate that you got that point! At the end of the day, if we moms stick together, there is no need to "stick it to the media" because they will have nothing to fuel us with.

~Jenn~
Mommy Needs Coffee | Mommybloggers
BlogHerContributing Editor, Mommy and Family

Do I have to pick sides, again...

Liz Thompson — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:10:42 -0500

It's like that line from the movie Men in Black:

"It looks like I'll have to buy the White Album, again..."

Do we (especially moms) have to pick sides, again!?!

The lovely Grace Davis expressed my thoughts on this subject much more eloquently than I ever could - as the media puts fuel to the fire; it's their job - personally, I would have a real hard time choosing which label to represent.

There are so many!

SAHM, WAHM, WM, Mrs., Ms., Mom, Mommy, Diva, etc...

But, at the end of the day, there isn't much of me left, anyway, that would be considered marketable. Because, being a mommy (and daddy) is hard (damn, if I had a dollar for each time I blogged those words!) and the minute I take any responsibility for raising my children, my way, there is always (and I mean ALWAYS) someone waiting in the wings, ready to blow me down and slap a label on my ass!

Nope, I'm sitting this one out and not picking sides - more power to you, Alpha Mom! - unless, of course, someone finally takes notice of Dorky Moms!

In this, I would be a marketer's dream - great post, Jenn!

--------------------------------------------
Family.com
Imperfect Parent
This Full House

Just another Branding Blooper

mcmilker — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:32:37 -0500

This appears to be an issue of an unfortunate branding decision rather than an attempt to elevate certain mothers over others. I say, letâ€™s give them all a break on a marketing mistake!

Any marketer familiar with the â€œLink Textproduct adoptionâ€ process knows that some consumers will show a greater interest in certain product categories than others. They will take the time to research them, try them and then recommend them to their friends. These, â€œinnovatorsâ€ can be found in every product category and other consumers look to them for advice or perhaps input.

In my marketing classes, I use several examples: the â€œelectronics guruâ€ in every neighborhood, who always has the latest electronic gadget and whom everyone calls when they are considering a major purchase; the â€œfashion mavenâ€ who always knows the latest styles. Marketers target tax preparers to influence consumersâ€™ purchase of tax software and Doctors to influences drug purchases.

Itâ€™s nothing new â€“ call them trend setters, call them â€œgo-toâ€ people, but LABEL them subtly!

Backtracking to a Link TextUSA Today article that pinpoints the genesis of this unfortunate name choice, it seems there was some marketing strategy confusion.

â€œAspirational marketingâ€ uses a person or a group of people whom consumers already â€œaspire to be like,â€ frequently celebrities and experts to pitch products.

Isabel Kallmanâ€™s video-on-demand cable TV stationâ€™s goal was to brand a site that would attract â€œinformation-hungry, multi-tasking Momsâ€. They certainly could have used an â€œaspirational marketingâ€ strategy by selecting one of the gazzilion parenting experts already vetted by the consumer.

Minus the pre-approved expert, however, a better strategy would have been to select a name that addressed the â€œneedâ€, that admittedly, most moms have â€“ a need for input on parenting in the 21st century, with new rules, new regimens and new requirements.

â€œHelpful Mommiesâ€ anyone?

Clearly, this unfortunate business decision should not reflect on the personalities or intentions of the players. I say, letâ€™s give them a break!

MC Milker

The Set-up and the Spin

Grace Davis — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 23:36:39 -0500

First - Good Morning America's use of the phrase "Type A" was fairly extreme, unjust and not relevant here. Cardiologists devised this term for people (primarily men) prone to heart disease due to self-induced stress, outward hostility and impatience. Type A's never rise to true alpha status because their aggressiveness betrays an insecurity in leadership. "Alpha" has another sensibility altogether. It is exactly as the marketers,advertisers and the biologists who observe packs of wolves see it - leaders who others follow and defer to.

Perhaps this is a fine point, but I wanted to emphasize it because, (1) I worked as a researcher in the San Francisco hospital where the Type A patient was characterized, and the hospital administration never let us forget that; and, (2) the incorrect and likely intentional use of the term is all part of the set-up and the spin, of which I describe below.

On this alpha business - There are pace setters in every enterprise. These are the alphas, and because of their accomplishments and success they deserve to be at the head of the pack. We do ourselves a favor by following their lead and guidance.

However, just because we follow does not mean we're weak or don't have a thought of our own; we simply want to heed the best possible advice or example available. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact, it's often the wise thing to do.

The presence of alpha leaders should not diminish the rest of us. It does not necessarily follow that non-alphas are automatic betas or zetas or losers. All it means is that there are exceptional folks out there with great ideas. That should be exciting, not threatening.

Thus, I feel badly when such assumptions are made in the context of this discussion, particularly in reference to women. I wish we can have this discourse without getting defensive. Jenn, though I understand the core theme of your entry, that we must transcend the labels and see through the media ploy, I wish there wasn't a need to respond to the faux controversy -

Do I admire alpha moms and the Alpha Mom site that Isabel has set up? Absolutely! Do I feel that those are the only moms that the rest of us are listening to? Not so much.

- I can't help but think that the "not so much" plays into the set-up. In that vein, I think that commentary from JWT Marketing Executive is also not worthy of our response, much less our time.

Most of all, I wish we as women can collectively turn our ire not to each other, but where it belongs - to the marketers/advertisers/media spinners who pigeonhole us in neat little demographic profiles. It's easier for these entities to reduce us this way, it's part of the equation to sell products and score advertising dollars for insipid morning talk shows.

There's profit to be made in the juicy stuff of a catfight, in pitting us against each other to create a bogus controversy. The spin is never-ending: Oooo! Tune in and check out the Type A Alpha Moms! Are you as good as they are? And, on tomorrow's show we'll talk about those tipsy mothers who swill wine at playdates! Don't you think they should find healthier ways to relieve their stress? (Helloooo, Melissa!)

They're not very coy in trying to incite the catfights, either. When the Good Morning America cameras turned to the women watching the show outside the studio, they fully intended us to watch their heads nod vigorously and tut-tut with dismay in response to the GMA anchor throwing up her hands and saying, "I'm looking at the audience and they're going sheesh, what more do I have to do?"

If the women in the audience knew what the Alpha Mom site was all about, they would have shot the anchor and reporter quizzical, what-the-hell looks and ask what's the big deal? These Alpha Moms ain't bad. In fact, they're telling us we're all Alpha Moms, too.

If only.

Resectfully and in solidarity,

Grace Davis
BlogHer Contributing Editor, Life
Member, BlogHer 07 Advisory Board
State of Grace

Alpha Moms, Beta Moms and rest of us Greek alphabet moms

Jennifer Satterwhite — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:18:34 -0500

This morning ABC's Good Morning America aired a segment on Alpha Moms. This is how they define an alpha mom:

Alpha moms have emerged as the generation of college educated woman who take their experiences from the workplace and apply them to parenting with the same intensity. Aware of their potential influence, advertisers are tapping into them to reach moms all over America.

Now, I can see that. Just as there are type A women in the workplace, there are type A women in motherhood. Type A does not stand for Awesomely better, in case you were wondering. Although not totally clear in their segment that the alpha moms they were referring to had more to do with Alpha Mom the site rather than alpha mom the person.

Isabel Kallman is an Ivy-league educated, former Wall Street hotshot. But just after her now 3-year-old son Ryland was born, she left her job and launched alpha-mom TV â€” an on-demand cable channel and Web-based resource for what she calls "go-to mothers."

I was enjoying watching Alice Bradley and her basketball fun with her son Henry. I think she had wonderful points to make and made them very eloquently. (Well done, Alice! Which is why I adore you.) It was not until I heard the following statement that my mouth hit the ground and I had to look around to see if I suddenly landed in high school again.

"Alpha, by very definition, are people other people follow," said Marian Salzman, chief marketing officer of advertising agency JWT Worldwide. "If you get the alpha mom sucked in, the beta moms come right behind. So does everybody else in the neighborhood."

I like getting advice from other moms as much as the next woman, but to imply that I will follow the "alpha moms" because they say something is cool is ridiculous. Yes, women bloggers out there have a lot of pull with advertisers and such. But one does not have to be an Alpha Mom or an alpha mom to have that influence. One just has to be a mommyblogger. In fact, some of the most imperfect mommybloggers seem to be the ones that most of the other moms are listening to and relating to as a mom. As I shook over the statement, I race to Alice's blog to see her point of view and wanted to kiss the screen when I read her words:

I was moderately pleased with the segment, but I had low expectations to begin with. I think the idea of an "Alpha Mom" as an actual human being is hilarious, frankly. It's a brand. It's not an identity. It's like having a segment on Club Mom and asking, "Why do these women think they're clubs? Are they actually heavy sticks, thicker on one end than the other? Are they lady cudgels? If so, what makes them like this?"

I can agree that an alpha mom can be considered a mom with a type A personality. I cannot agree that those of us type B personalties will follow like lemmings. We mother our way. It works for us. Do I admire alpha moms and the Alpha Mom site that Isabel has set up? Absolutely! Do I feel that those are the only moms that the rest of us are listening to? Not so much.

Moms listen to moms. Alpha moms, beta moms, delta moms. Hell, I even get advice from a zeta mom if she made sense. How about we toss out the labels and enjoy and support each other as MOMS. Not the working moms vs. the stay at home moms. Not alpha moms vs. other moms who will follow. Not the A-list moms vs. those other moms. Simply MOMS helping other MOMS. Label free.

Novel idea, I know. But how about we give that a try? Media? Think you can work that one into one of your stories. Trust me. THAT would be ground breaking morning news.

BlogHer Contributing Editor Jenn Satterwhite also blogs at Mommy Needs Coffee, Mommybloggers and Aggroqueen.