I think one of the most valuable things that women can do to advance their careers is to take advantage of networking and mentoring opportunities. I put networking and mentoring in the same category - because I think that they go hand in hand as a lot of informal mentoring (the best kind!)  comes from the social interactions and deep relationships we develop through networking.
 
I have read many articles about the failure of business women to network and use our network connections to advance our careers.  The articles say that we should learn from our male counterparts on this important technique. There are many different kinds of networking events. For example, I have heard for years about the important business deals that are negotiated on the golf course by businessmen. Spectator sports like baseball and football are also popular with our male peers - and are certainly available to women.  But I think Cincinnati career women are finding new and perhaps more female friendly ways to interact with other working women.
 
As I mentioned in my first blog, many law firms and accounting firms host events that focus on connecting their professionals with women clients and prospective clients. My law firm, Thompson Hine, has developed the Spotlight on Women initiative that offers a mix of educational events and purely social gatherings throughout the year.  In the past we have sponsored seminars on sharpening negotiation skills for women (in the courtroom, at the closing table and in the workplace) that provide CLE (continuing legal education) credit to our guests, followed by wine tasting and mini spa treatments. We get educated, relaxed and manicured - a perfect mix!  Who needs golf?
 
A very popular networking event in Cincinnati is the quarterly bizwomen breakfast series presented by the Business Courier and sponsored by National City, U.C. Surgeons, Health Alliance and Thompson Hine.  Over 300 women gather at 7:30 a.m. to participate in roundtable discussions and hear a keynote speaker talk about her career challenges and successes.  The next bizwomen event is on May 2 at the Cincinnati Museum Center and the speaker is Sister Marie Thrailkill, President of the College of Mount St. Joseph. Check the Business Courier for details on upcoming events.
 
Excellent networking opportunities are available through various leadership development programs.  The Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Women Excel WE Lead Program, as well as the co-ed Leadership Cincinnati and C-Change programs. The YWCA offers the Rising Stars program for women between the ages of 25 and 40 who are rising in their careers and want to connect with Career Women of Achievement winners and other rising career women. The Urban League, the West Chester Chamber and the Northern Kentucky Chamber also offer leadership programs. Selection to these programs is competitive and participation requires an extended commitment of time over several months.  But the rewards are great in terms of learning about the community and interacting with the next generation of leaders in our region.
 
Career women can also network through their participation on nonprofit boards and related fundraising events.  Cincinnati's nonprofit organizations, especially the arts, have strong support from the business community and provide a worthwhile venue to interact with the area's power brokers. The key to reaping the most benefit of course is to undertake a significant project and produce outstanding results in order to build your credibility with this important audience.
 
One of my most valuable and enjoyable networking experiences has been through my membership in the Women's Capital Club, an investment club launched over 10 years ago by a group of 40 women. A requirement of membership is either notable career success or significant community volunteer activities (or both!).  The membership roster includes many high profile women leaders. The main goal of the Women's Capital Club is to learn about investment strategies and grow our portfolio. But a significant by-product has been the opportunity to interact with the other members in a relaxed and fun setting - and to establish connections that we can count on to support each other's business and community interests.
 
These are just a few examples of networking opportunities that I know about.  I am sure that there are many more worthwhile events and programs - in fact, tell us about them!  The main message is that career women should make every effort to take advantage of the events and programs in order to get connected with other working women.  Follow an example that has worked in the past for men and create the Old Girls' Club!  And use those connections to enhance your career and to support other women who are rising in the Cincinnati business community.