When you hear the word “networking,” what comes to mind? If it’s a speed-dating-like frenzy where everyone seems to be out for themselves, it’s understandable if you don’t find that appealing.

But what if you, a woman, were part of a group of women who offer encouragement and ideas? What if you belonged to this women-only group that really “gets” you because they’re in the same boat? That starts to sound a little better, doesn’t it?
I’ll dive into a real-world example of such a group in a moment and explore why you’ll benefit from a group of like-minded women because this week’s episode of The Delicious Story covers my interview with Janet Huston.

A quick search of the web reveals numerous networking groups themed around the concept of women supporting women for specific professions and lifestyles. More and more women from all walks of life are opting into groups where the question isn’t “What can you do for me?” but more “What can I do for you?”
These women’s groups are part mentoring, part professional development, and all about building strong friendships that can go the long-haul.

In 2016, “The Shine Theory” was coined by writers Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman based on the principle of mutual investment. The idea is that “I don’t shine if you don’t shine.” The focus is to raise each other up in recognition, and particularly women among women because in doing so, this support benefits everyone.

Back in the 1980s, Janet was a freshly-minted attorney in a male-dominated profession who could see the benefits of forming a support group for female lawyers. Although Shine Theory wasn’t the popular concept of the day, Janet and other female lawyers in her community realized they needed each other to succeed going forward.

It was a man’s world when Janet became an attorney. She describes the push-back she encountered when dealing with her male counterparts and the lack of female judges in Iowa at the time. The climate wasn’t easy, but rather than wallow, Janet was inspired to help other women in her profession.
One repeated condescending phrase from Janet’s boss echoed in her ears so loudly for so long that she determined to claim it and turn the table to raise up women attorneys. Together, for more than 30 years, the “Bright Little Lady Lawyers” have joined with each other for an annual luncheon of friendship and wisdom.

CHICKEN SALAD, ALMOND COOKIES, AND THE FRIENDSHIPS THAT KEEP THEM COMING BACK
No matter how much has changed for women, reports of imbalance persist in the workplace from bad bosses to biased co-workers and lousy pay. But for those women circling 30, Janet explains how the challenges were more pronounced in the 1980s. And so the group began. And, as you’ll learn, it’s continued to meet each year, forming and maintaining friendships which have lasted decades.

The challenge to find balance in personal and work lives is a challenge inherent for women of a highly competitive and demanding career. Janet explains how some women have been invited to the luncheon for years before their personal demands transitioned enough; they could join with their sisters of the law to connect and brainstorm.

The Bright Little Lady Lawyers have prevailed, and their numbers have increased in tandem with the swelling number of women who continue to pursue law.

For professionals who are agenda-driven, the annual luncheon is a welcome respite. No speakers are organized. No program is created. Women gather as friends and cohorts to talk about their work and their lives with those who share the experience.

The menu has not changed, however, and in fact is a prominent feature of the event. Janet lovingly details the food served, which is its own fixture of the event—warm chicken salad, pineapple bread pudding, mandarin cabbage salad, and pale almond cookies are all out for the picking.

So, what makes for a successful women’s networking group? The article, “Power of the Pack: Women Who Support Women Are More Successful” by Shelley Zalis over at Forbes highlights several key points, and The Bright Little Lady Lawyers demonstrate a great example of each:
•Personal power comes with collective power. Meet and get to know your female peers to learn by example.
•Make relationship building the goal. Get to know other women in your group not as a means-to-an-end but as friends.
•Build relationships. Relationships require showing up and making a habit of connecting.
•Raise up others first. In the spirit of The Shine Theory, acknowledge the accomplishments of others first, and make that your goal. You’re not in competition with each other but in each other’s court. When you allow others to shine, it will reflect well on you.

INSPIRATION IN THE BRIGHT LITTLE LADY LAWYERS FOR YOU
The interview with Janet is both delightful and insightful. You’ll walk away with ideas to either join a women’s networking group or form one of your own.

It may feel like we live in divisive times, but in the world where you live, your response can be to join and grow. Over time, women supporting women is a spirit that can be duplicated again and again.

For additional solace, Janet provides her almond cookie recipe, which could be the bases for your next female gathering. Shine on!

PALE ALMOND COOKIE RECIPE

1 — 7-ounce pkg of slivered almonds (Toast with a little salt, and allow to cool)
1 C unsalted butter, softened (but not mushy)
1/2 C sugar
1-1/2 cups of regular flour

Cream sugar and butter. Add flour in small amounts. Mix until well mixed. Add toasted slivered almonds and a little salt from toasting process. Mix until almonds are slightly broken up and in the dough. The dough should be dry and stiff so that it can be divided into 3 or 4 parts and roll each part into rolls about 1.5 inches in diameter. If it is too soft to easily roll, put it in the frig for a few minutes to harden. Wrap each roll in wax paper and put in frig for several hours. Cut rolls into 3/4” segment. Bake at 300 or 325 for 20 to 25 minutes. Cookies should be slightly beige. Remove from cookie sheet and allow to cool on a paper towel wire rack. Cookies can be crumbly, so use care when removing from cookie sheet. These cookies must be frosted.

I confess I use cream cheese frosting from the grocery store baking aisle! I add a couple of drops of red food coloring and mix well. Frosting should be a pale pink. Frost and enjoy! These shortbreads are served at every Bright Little Lady Lawyers Luncheon, and we never have any leftovers! Single recipe makes about 36-42 cookies.

It’s a no-fail recipe!