I remember one Mother's Day, my brother and I asked my mom, "why isn't there a Kids Day?" She told us, "Every day is kids day." I think of that story whenever I hear someone wondering why there are still business clubs and networking groups for women. While there is no doubt incredible progress for women in business, there are some ways in which "every day is business men's day."

Here's why I think business to business networking groups for women are a great idea for every female business owner, sales person or any woman who wants to develop personally and professionally. First, I don't agree with women only groups. Women at work complained too long, for too many years about men-only groups for us to turn around and do the same thing. But there are many advantages and reasons for having a group that is targeted and designed by and for women.

Women's business groups give women better opportunities to take leadership positions. In general business clubs, there may be long-term or more experienced men and older business people who have the confidence and experience to snap up leadership positions. In a women's group, it is easier for young women and those who are new to business to be encouraged to take these opportunities.

These groups also give women the opportunity to learn about and discuss topics that are unique to them. You would never see a Rotary Club inviting a woman doctor to talk about menopause or reproductive health issues. Women in business are more likely to want to hear about health issues, quality of life discussions and other topics that aren't specifically about business. They understand that these issues are vital to being able to focus on business they way they need to.

Finally, and I think most importantly, is that women's business organizations give women a special opportunity to bond, network and build powerful relationships with other women. Women need to be encouraged to help each other. Right now, it is a shameful trend in popular culture to show women as being enemies. The so-called "friends" in the Real Housewives series are held up as examples of how women handle their relationships. It's disgraceful. Every city needs a women's group to serve as an example of professional, mature women in business who are leaders in their community and worthy trusted friends of each other.

As a business woman who has benefited tremendously from 10 years of membership in a women's networking group, I encourage you to look for one in your community, join it, get your female co-workers to join, and bring your daughters. Spread the positive message and influence of the value of spending time with positive and supportive women in business.

I've had a personal theory for years that I have only so much "willpower" to use each day. If I used it all up on keeping my email inbox clean, then I wouldn't have any left to eat extra vegetables. Turns out that new psychological studies are suggesting that willpower is a limited resource. If you've been beating yourself up about not having the self-discipline to start or stay consistent with your networking, don't feel bad. You are off the hook. Not from trying to build your business and gain exposure. But from trying to use sheer willpower to network. This means that you have to use other ways to accomplish what you want.

Automate
You should have your 2011 appointment calendar by now and of course your planner software will go out as far as you want. Instead of trying to fit networking in each week or month, block it out now. You can find a regular event like a chamber mixer to schedule in or permanently "reserve" a corner table at the coffee shop for an hour once a week. All you have to do is invite someone to meet you there. Join an organization with regular meetings and they'll remind you to attend. Plus you won't want to waste your investment.

Environment
It must be nearly impossible to quit smoking if the whole office or household smokes. The environment discourages your attempts. If you're in a work environment where no one has the networking habit, you'll need to find a peer group that does have the habit. Their momentum will carry you along. By attending business events or joining a business club, you'll be there with people who will encourage you to form the positive networking habit.

Small Steps
Don't try plunging in to a complete networking immersion program with five events a week, two new business referral groups and a full luncheon calendar. Find just one thing that you can do regularly, whether it's attending an event, making contact with your network or providing value to others. Once you're in a good "rut" with that, add something new. Besides attending events, the next most valuable activity is developing a system and a habit for follow up.

Using willpower and brute force to get yourself to network is direct, unsubtle and usually doomed to failure. Try the seemingly smaller, but more powerful because they can be done. They work with our own personal tendencies and don't depend on the scientifically proven to be finite pool of willpower.