I spent the day yesterday mingling with moms at the Detours and Onramps conference at Bentley University, where I had been invited to speak about running a successful online business.

First, for those that attended the session led by Boston Mamas‘ Christine Koh and I, here’s some links to items we discussed:

• My four blogs: Of course, you’ve already arrived at Commuter Daddy. There’s also my personal blog, plus the professional one I write focused on Ottaway’s digital content and marketing and the one I help maintain for the New England New Media Association.
• Christine’s online ventures: Boston Mamas, Posh Peacock and her blog, Pop Discourse.
• I mentioned web analytics — specifically Google Analytics and Omniture SiteCatalyst. Definitely start with the former if you’re setting up an online business.
• We also referenced Etsy as a place to turn if you’re in need of a storefront and aren’t ready to invest in a full-blown Web site. I mentioned I did some Christmas shopping there this past holiday season. If you’re keeping score at home, I bought some cards from StoneMe, a bookmark from AlliesAdornments, and a calendar from BemiDesigns — all for my wife Brandy’s stocking. Fair warning: If you’ve not been on Etsy before, make sure you set aside plenty of time for your first encounter. It’s addictive to everyone that I’ve ever seen sample it.
• Speaking of Brandy, I mentioned that she, like many of you, is nurturing/managing a business while managing/nurturing our household. If you have any print, publishing or Web site design needs, give Type B Graphic Design some consideration. You’ll love her work, and our kids’ will appreciate your contribution toward their futures.
• Christine gave a shout out to Parent Hacks. I did the same for Marketing Over Coffee and Managing the Gray.
• My RSS reader is Google Reader. I neglected to mention that once upon a time I used NewsGator, and have tried Bloglines. Both are fine products, but once I converted to Google Reader, I haven’t turned back.
• We mentioned Twitter, too. Christine’s account is BostonMamas, of course. Mine is spolay.
• Christine also invited you to become a fan of Boston Mamas on Facebook.

And now, a little about the experience for those who were no there. I was the only dad in the audience for a while. One woman passing by my table said, “Boy, are you brave!” I laughed, because it sure must have seemed that way to the casual observer.

Honestly, though, I was flattered simply to have been invited, and the fact that I was the only dad was among the furthest things from my mind most of the day. It was a pleasure to be with so many people striving for the same thing: Balancing a career with a healthy home life.

The only time I was acutely aware that I was the lone dad was when answers to audience questions took a turn toward the dark side of generalizations and stereotypes. Comments along the lines of dads not having to worry about the same interview questions as moms, men enjoying the game of negotiation more than women, and dads must unequivocally share at least half of the child-raising responsibilities with moms.

I did not stand up for men everywhere, mind you. Generalizations and stereotypes do not get created out of thin air. I did, though, briefly feel the hairs on the back of neck stand up in a “Hey, wait a minute… I’m sitting right here! Don’t you know what kind of father I am?” moment. Thankfully, the angel on my shoulder reminded me that my lead-by-example vocational management style — or the way Brandy and I approach parenting together — are the best remedy within my power to counteract such stereotypes.

I enjoyed direct conversations with Carol Fishman Cohen of iRelaunch, Lisa Adams from Monster.com, Jennifer Fraone from Boston College’s Center for Work and Family, and several others. I was entertained by more than a few overheard conversations of folks I did not get the chance to meet. The conference facilities at Bentley were fabulous, and the sessions I attended were very well thought-out and superbly presented. I especially enjoyed the “Looking the Part” fashion session led by Ginger Burr of Total Image Consulting, even if I didn’t agree with her admonition of yellow as a fashion color choice. I am glad I was not alone in my disagreement, especially given that I have four different yellow shirts in my closet.

All in all, the day made me realize how lucky Brandy and I are for the work situations we have — especially given the state of the economy. We’ve worked very hard to achieve and maintain our balanced life. It hasn’t always been this way, and it’s not without its daily challenges, but we continue to work hard — personally and professionally — so we don’t have to return to the days of two commutes running us ragged and enforcing minimal amounts of time with each other or the kids.

There were a lot of moms at the conference yesterday in the same boat Brandy and I were in four years ago. The fact that they attended at all yesterday spoke volumes about their dedication to their families and their motivation to improve themselves and their situation.

May the force be with them!