Networking Diversity

A couple of the Wish List Ladies have commented on the need for a diverse range of businesses at a networking event. It sometimes happens with business networks (and not just women's ones) that they do become dominated (over-run??) by one or two business sectors.

My observation from all the networking I do is that a wide variety of businesses (by business type, sector, age, etc.) increases the variety of the business that can be done, which is why, at the View from the Top Women's Network, I've always tried to keep a rich mix of women on the mailing list. Indeed, one of the reasons I wanted to set up this network in the first place was to have a more diverse group than is sometimes found. I have a principle that, if I notice an increase in enquiries from any particular type of business, I make a point of finding a certain number of business women from other sectors who'd like to attend.

Which is not to say my efforts always work... Do you agree that variety in this type of network is a good thing? And, if so, do you have any ideas how to improve, and maintain, the diversity of the mix?