Who needs golf?

Several years ago, when I first started to get involved in the legal trade organisation to which my law firm belongs and attended one of the very first meetings of the then-fledgling Women’s Initiative, I had a realisation: women simply do not engage in enough networking, particularly with other women. I’m not entirely sure why. Perhaps it is just not naturally in our genetic make-up. Very often, attorneys who are mothers work through lunch and rush home at the end of the day to take care of their children. There is no time to build drinks and cigars or a round of golf into the schedule. The failure to carve out networking time like this puts women at a distinct disadvantage compared with their male counterparts. Women are not making those crucial connections in more casual situations, and this is a reminder that they can, and should, attempt to do something about it.

I fully appreciate why men focus on networking, particularly with other men. When all the stars align it can substantially further your career. Women need to make more of an attempt to seize on such opportunities. While it is certainly a salutary goal to network with everyone, however, women should take advantage of the fact that women are often eager to help other women. Not to sound sexist, but there is a sort of ‘sisterhood’, which - if you are in it - can be quite empowering. If you are able to connect with another woAman on a personal or informal level, there is a good chance that she will want, and try, to help you on a professional level if it is at all possible. Women must, and should, learn how to find and foster these relationships. However, this takes work. How can we accomplish it?

Last year a friend invited me to join a networking group, appropriately and cleverly, entitled ‘Who Needs Golf?’ The group consisted of women attorneys, with various different specialties (real estate, trust and estates, immigration, class actions, and so on), the purpose of which is to find ways to help each other in business. For example, my husband or friend might know someone who could possibly introduce attorney A to somebody at company B. Or my friend may want to do a family will and needs a lawyer. Or one of my partners sends an e-mail looking for an immigration lawyer, and I can immediately respond with the name of a woman in our group. In as much as someone in the group knows each attorney, there is great comfort in referring that person to someone else. The group has also grown, as many of us have invited friends and colleagues to join. Friendships have been formed. Business relationships have been started. Connections have been made. Everyone enjoys the interactions as well, and everyone leaves each meeting feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction.

Lunch meetings for groups such as this are ideal. They do not take up additional time and they are an incentive to leave the office for an hour to socialize as well as network. Women in the group can alternate sponsoring the venue for the meetings, or it can be a bring-your-own-lunch situation. The particular firm or business may even offer to cover the cost of the lunch given the work-related purpose. After-work cocktails at someone’s office are also enjoyable, as there is no pressure to return to the office and people are generally more relaxed. Of course, all of these women can meet at a restaurant as well. An occasional speaker, such as a financial planner or author, can prove to be interesting and informative too.

Talking shop

Face-to-face networking the old-fashioned way would seem like the best bet. However, with the advent of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and various other websites, virtual networking, and perhaps even with women with whom you have lost touch, is also a possibility. Don’t be afraid to ‘talk shop’ on these sites, and let it be known what you are doing professionally, because you just never know when someone who is reading your post will find a business angle that you have in common. Women tend to shy away from discussing their work, focusing more on personal matters when they communicate, both in person and online. This needs to change if women are going to have equal opportunities to men, but only women can make it happen by proudly proclaiming their accomplishments and opening up business dialogues. So whether you are engaging in live or virtual conversation, try to be cognizant that you need to be networking and get yourself out there.

If you work in a law firm, why not start your own women’s group at the firm? Women have different issues and bond with each other differently to men. At my firm we have just launched our new women’s group composed of all of the female attorneys. Our agenda will include seminars and speakers on how to network effectively. Aimed at younger associates, and even partners that are not typically engaged in such activities, these programs will raise awareness among female attorneys that they should constantly seek out business situations (such as trade groups, professional associations, panels and speaking engagements), and indeed personal situations (for example, clubs and charity events) to make new connections and renew old ones. Our plan is to schedule several lunches, dinners, and other meetings during the year at which the members can discuss various issues on a personal level, as well as talk about substantive work-related topics. We also plan to arrange for Continuing Legal Education (CLE – the US equivalent of CPD) credits, charity events and seminars, including on topics such as nutrition and fitness.

Starting up

If you don’t know of any women’s groups, start your own. You will find most women are very receptive to this type of organization. Many women don’t feel they have the time to start such a group, but they are very excited to join one that is already organised. The meetings can be as formal or informal as the group would like. If you don’t know many female attorneys, try organising a book club, or any activity in which women you know are interested. It may take some work to start it up, but once it is formed, the women can alternate with the arrangements so that no single person has too much of a burden. I guarantee that the women will leave each meeting happy and wanting more meetings. The setting is highly motivating and produces positive energy, while it can also lead to significant opportunities. It is well worth the minimal effort required to commence and continue such a group, and the rewards can be substantial.