Increasingly women are turning to less structured and often all-women networking groups such as Scottish Women in Business.
Heather Alexander, an IT consultant who runs Clearsight Consulting, and is vice president of Scottish Women in Business, is an avid networker. "I'm not a fan of big, traditional networking events in hotels with lots of guys in suits handing out their cards," she said.
"That's probably the least effective networking for me because it's serendipitous who you bump into and most people there are more interested in selling than listening.
"And you don't often get the decision makers attending these events. Large companies will send sales staff who are never going to use my services because they don't get a commission for that."
She also networks online as a member of Ecademy, LinkedIn and Facebook. "I got my biggest project to date through meeting a friend of a friend on Facebook. But, in general, I find online networks are better for being helpful to others in your network than for finding work. I often put up notices in my 'status' saying I'm looking for someone who can offer certain IT services, either for myself or clients."
Carolyn Donaldson, who set up letting agency franchise Contempo Lettings three years ago, has dabbled with internet networking but prefers the face-to-face approach. "People sell to people so I always like to meet in person. I built up my business from nothing through networking and I'm still getting leads from people I met through groups three years ago."
Although she opts for more traditional networking groups she has also tried more informal, women-only networking groups.
"I did enjoy the experience and found it fun and I can see how these type of networking organisations would be supportive, but I think they run the risk of women using them to socialise more than for business. I prefer a more business-like setting."
Anne McGhee, who runs Dinner Ladies, a women's only network where a small group meet over dinner, disagrees. "Women are born networkers and they connect really well if you put them round a dinner table.
"I've found that people like to enjoy a networking event rather than for it to be hard work, and there's nothing wrong with that. Our philosophy is that if people are more relaxed they are going to be more comfortable and you are going to get the best out of them.
"A lot of the traditional networking groups involve giving a presentation about your business. Getting up and doing a pitch can be really off-putting for some people and they end up rushing it.
"You learn much more about someone if you're having a conversation. My networks are more about making connections than giving the hard sell. And a lot of the traditional networking groups meet early in the morning over breakfast, which can be incredibly difficult for women with families."
Chartered accountant Alison Marr, who runs 23W, goes to around five networking events a month with different groups. "I used to work for a large corporation before I started up this business with my husband three years ago. Now I work from home and I think I would go crazy if I didn't network," she said.
"It's good to get out of the house and speak to people. It gets you into a business mode and helps you realise that there are other people out there doing similar things."
She's also a fan of the new networking style of meeting in smaller groups over a good quality meal with a couple of glasses of wine.
"I think women prefer flexible networking rather than a rigid structure. They are more comfortable chatting to each other rather than making presentations. You're more likely to get work from someone you've been talking to and who you have built up a relationship with than by giving a one-minute pitch to a group of people."
But she warns that networking can take months if not years before it pays dividends in terms of getting work. "I think a lot of people go into it expecting instant results and give up when they don't start getting new clients straight away."
Most confirmed networkers also agree that networking is not just about selling your product or your skills. Suzanne Martin, who runs a community newspaper in the West End of Glasgow, says: "Because I work on my own and have two young children I would feel isolated if I didn't go to networking events.
"Getting out there and speaking to different people really does help you to keep plugging away. You realise you are not the only person doing this."
So if networking isn't just about selling your services, what is the point?
Anne McGhee explained: "Having a network is extremely valuable if you want to look for new jobs or climb the career ladder. If you have a network of contacts and let them know you're ready for a change, they will start making connections on your behalf. Your needs are in their consciousness and they will try to help you.
"Networking is also a great way to learn from others and to get some support and business mentoring. Why learn the hard way when you can benefit from someone else's experience?"
