For women, it's proven that things like networking are a challenge: we don't necessarily like to do it.  After all, creating a conversation with someone out of thin air is not an easy task. In addition, there's a lot of effort in finding time to continue and maintain those relationships.

That said, it's worth noting that mentoring - a very specific form of networking - can be one of the most beneficial relationships in business and in life. Research (see below) has found that people who are mentored and sponsored report having more career success such as higher compensation, a greater number of promotions, greater career and job satisfaction, and stronger career commitment.

Mentors and Mentees Speak: Perspectives on the Process