Networking with Men vs Women?

I haven't observed any discernable differences between the genders when it comes to networking. I've had good and bad experiences with both.

OP -- If you are very attractive (or even just attractive by the standards of someone who's sitting in the office 80 hours a week), that could easily explain the better reception.

I have good and bad experience in networking with people of both genders but also there are differences too.

If you treat all networking experience with only one factor (gender) it may be see quite difficult to know why results are so different.

Self Awareness and understanding how we may come off to those we interact with. Our gender and looks are part of that. But also confidence and communication style (are we types to feed egos or listen to the emotional need of the person we are currently conversing with).

Awareness of style/personality type of the person we are speaking with is the other side of it.

I agree. I have a tough time figuring out when the best time to grab em by the pussy is when networking with women.

Me too. Also female, and find it generally easier to network / get along with guys... who seem to be more chill and easy going.

Personally, i think it's because I'm not those super girly types so I can't really stand the bubbly type (not that there are many in this field anyway), and on the other side I find it awkward whenever I talk to very alpha, but somewhat standoffish "snootier" women. I hate to say this really, but I think given the lack of women, and particular women in higher ranks up until more recently, you might get more specific types on different ends of the spectrum - particularly in finance (maybe it's better in consulting?). I have luckily met a few women who I think are good role models / mentors, but most people I've had a closer rapport with (other than peers / similar age) have been men.

From a female POV: Meh, having been in this industry for eight years now, I'd say that it's definitely erred on the side of men who have been more helpful, but in general there are just more men in this industry!!

I have found that women are slightly more likely to take the informational meeting. And in that group for the most part I have found women to be quite helpful. Men are harder to get to meet in person, but upon meeting they have been just as helpful if not a bit more (because they again, make up most of this industry and you are more likely to come across a man in power- REAL power).

I think it helps to always show gratitude for the meeting. I know it sounds cheesy, but be the best actress you can be. Be Dolly Parton even. I love Dolly, but notice that she is very even-keeled and speaks nicely and politely to all. There's a real gentleness, yet strength in her voice and her presence. She's still feminine. I've come across some monsters in this industry and I've won most over (not all, because that's just how things fall) by just throwing multiple compliments their way and being really gracious and polite.

1. It might be easier to network with men because they are also flirting with you. Word of caution, be careful. If you are going to ruin a professional contact for something else, make sure it makes sense to your sober self (i.e. you would rather have a fling/relationship with this guy). After what is done is done, it is very hard to go back where things were. No that it can't be done, but you need to handle it carefully if you are going that route.
2. As @tropos mentioned, in finance there are more men in general AND there are more men in power that can help. So learning to network will with guys will take you a long way. As a female, I'm sometimes jealous of the relationships guys can build between them in this industry versus us. E.g.: going for drinks/dinner with your boss one-on-one.
3. You haven't met the right women. Some are super helpful and can be great mentors/sponsors. Being few, makes some women more willing to help other people they can identify with.