When women across the United States began networking in the `70s, they took their cue from men in business and the success of the old boys` network. In the `90s, women`s networking is alive and well, but men are not necessarily the example to follow. Several experts say women do it differently and often better than their male counterparts.
Hard economic times are a main reason for the shift in the focus of networking, says Diann DeWeese Smith, a founder of the Chicago Network, a 13- year-old organization of some 150 top-ranking women in business, news media, union leadership and art.
”It used to be `How can I get well known? How can I join a network for support?` Now it is, `I`m being down-sized. I need a job.` It`s a much more immediate need.”
DeWeese Smith finds women`s networking to be ”less expensive, not the posh club with major entertainment bills” that may characterize men`s efforts. However, she says, ”we see each other on a regular basis and pass people back and forth to one another. … We use each other constantly.”
They may have reshaped the male model to meet their needs, but women have not excluded men from the process, says Leslie Smith, associate director of the National Association of Female Executives.
”In the `80s, there were lots of women`s groups with several hundred members, and when they would meet, it was very empowering,” Leslie Smith says. Today, females value mixed-gender networks because they expose the individual to the men`s management styles, she says.
This understanding reflects a shift from quantity to the quality of women`s networking over the last 20 years, with a targeted approach replacing huge, generalized gatherings, she says.
”Networking in the `80s became a cliche. Women found out they had to get something beyond the business-card
exchange.
”It`s a more holistic approach. In the `90s, we`re looking at the whole life, including friends and relatives. We`re looking at everyone we know who is in our lives, not just the business network.”
DeWeese Smith, who is executive director of the Foundation for Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation, is a good example of this approach. She says she makes use of networks, from professionals in her field to tennis
acquaintances.
”I don`t ever let anyone go,” she says.
So mainstream and ubiquitous has networking become that not only professional organizations but also ”neutral” parties such as chambers of commerce and restaurants are staging events designed to promote this activity and possibly get future clients, says Fred Getz, president of the Chicago office of Robert Half, a recruiting firm.
Cole Taylor Bank in Chicago recently sponsored a membership event for the National Association of Women Business Owners, which Cynde Hirschtick-Munzer, an association board member, says is just one example that ”more private entities are gearing their services to women business owners.”
Higher education is playing a part in developing women`s networks. The University of Pennsylvania`s Trustees` Council of Penn Women has established a program that pairs female juniors and seniors with successful alumnae to create mentoring, educational and employment opportunities, says Judy Berkowitz, chairwoman of the council. The four-year-old program was formed to counteract an existing network of the teachers and deans who seemed to favor males students with job leads, she says.
Despite the proliferation of books on networking, many a faux pas still is committed, such as bothering people at home, says Leslie Smith.
She suggests avoiding ”using” people. Offer something first and build a network when things are going well with a job, not just when in need of a favor.
”Identify women who are the most active,” DeWeese Smith advises, ”and have the best reputations for helping other women and make a point of meeting them and joining their organizations.”
She also advocates keeping in contact with network members by sending updates on your latest projects or new jobs and by putting them in touch with people that might help them in their work.
LIFELINES
Network nights
Networking nights will be held at the Baja Beach Club, 401 E. Illinois St., Dec. 5 for accountants and Dec. 6 for lawyers, 4 to 8 p.m. Cost: free buffet; drink specials available. For details call Tandy Mellard, 312-222-1993.
Professional women
The National Federation of Business and Professional Women`s Clubs offers networking, seminars and publications. Membership: $50 to $70. For national information, call 202-293-1100. In Illinois, call Sandra Scott, 708-593-0180. Female executives
The National Association of Female Executives includes some 250,000 members in 400 chapters. For information: 212-645-0770 (National) or Claudia Rache, 312-777-3814 (Chicago Metro Chapter).
Women in sales
The National Network of Women in Sales offers a national directory and a job bank. Membership: $90; $65 to renew. 800-321-6697. For west suburban Chicago chapter information: 708-462-5255.
Related reading
”How to Work a Room” by Susan RoAne, (Warner, $8.95); ”Is Your `Net`
Working?” by Anne Boe and Bettie Youngs, (John Wiley, $22.95).
