And a corporate lawyer who derives business from businesspeople themselves should get actively involved with an industry group that has a substantial membership of business executives. Sports stadiums and golf courses are male networking bastions. There is generally nothing to stop women form using them, but most of us don't feel comfortable enough yet to be at our best in these settings. Our venues tend to be theatre events, museum openings, cocktail parties, a meal or even a spa. We welcome clients into our homes and frequently include clients' families in these events.
Many clients feel the same way and welcome the opportunity.
When I'm out of town for ABA meetings or industry functions on weekends, I have my family join me as often as possible. Using One's Strengths Women tend to be better listeners than men and are more likely to be able to pick up possible business development opportunities by listening to a prospective client and responding with a plan of action. The result, as law becomes more and more a service business, is that women may have a competitive edge. For those who are not yet convinced that they have the necessary skills or opportunities to make rain, there is a group that can help. Women Rainmakers, an organization of 1700 professionals who are mostly women, is under the umbrella of the American Bar Association, but is not limited to lawyers.