Networking has changed in meaning over the last couple of decades. Whereas it used to be a buttoned-up, formal obligation to talk business with other professionals, it has become a more casual opportunity to meet people within and outside your industry to advance your career.
Whether you’re a young female entrepreneur or a seasoned expert, networking can still feel daunting. You’re required to converse with strangers, introduce your background and expertise, and hope that your efforts will lead to a fruitful partnership. If you’re introverted, the pressure runs deeper.
At best, you meet leaders ready to listen and support. At worst, you halfheartedly exchange contact information with a flurry of faces, fully aware that there won’t be a second date—then repeat the grueling process.
Gambling with your network is energy-consuming. Extrovert or introvert, entry-level or C-suite, there are unique ways to foster authentic relationships beyond a LinkedIn connection. Here are some insights to get you started.
No matter how much tech advances, people will always rely on others. We’re designed to seek such connections, and not just in the workplace. However, there’s been a noticeable decrease in people nurturing their networks—and it can disproportionately impact women more than men.
A 2022 McKinsey survey reveals a startling reality since the global pandemic where isolation ran rampant:
There’s a clear shift in how people view the importance of networking and if they truly find it advantageous. Furthermore, while one-third of men are open to networking, one-quarter of women express similar sentiments.
Another study suggests women benefit more from a strong network than men, especially if a close peer is also a woman. To achieve gender equity and communities of accomplished women and allies, we desperately need to reestablish touchpoints that make connections desirable.
Even with its ongoing changes, networking can seem one-dimensional. You go to a virtual or on-site event, rack up as many contacts as you can, then parse through your list to facilitate a worthwhile conversation. While this may work for some, it can quickly become a tedious routine that takes the joy out of your workday.
Furthermore, if you view networking as just another box to check, you miss incredible opportunities to:
We get it. Networking doesn’t come naturally to most professionals. Some outright detest it, and for good reason. But it’s a natural and valuable skill that requires constant practice. If done with the right approach, it can be an incredibly fulfilling venture that builds your confidence and provides a platform to share your career story.
Networking involves building and sustaining relationships with people committed to mutual empowerment. You identify the core purpose that draws you together, then get to know the individual behind the role or achievement before you ask for any favor—be it a job referral or a mentee-mentor relationship.
Let’s explore two scenarios.
You’re an ambitious entrepreneur with a robust solution that can disrupt an entire industry. Eager to raise awareness and gain potential clientele, you attend numerous events, conferences, and happy hours to meet renowned experts who you know will want to hear your pitch. But as time goes by, your inbox stays empty; your conversations become increasingly short-lived. You realize that first impressions are everything when fostering new relationships—and you focused too much on selling instead of connecting.
After some critical self-reflection, you take a different approach. You share your journey and passions, then encourage the other party to do the same. You listen to listen, genuinely taking the time to care about what they say. As a result, you foster authentic relationships that can elevate more than just your brand but help you identify growth opportunities, learning gaps, and dormant skills. Your network expands, filled with like-minded peers and wise mentors. Your business thrives, and you do, too.
For strangers to become reliable supporters and sponsors, you must cultivate shared experiences where they feel aligned with your interests, values, and goals. Like all relationships, expanding your network takes time, but for women, it’s an investment that can transform lives.
Who says you have to completely reinvent the wheel? Perhaps there’s a former colleague you were close to but drifted due to external circumstances like a job switch. It can be helpful to revisit connections you’ve made in the past—old contacts are just as impactful as new ones, albeit on a different scale.
Whereas new network connections hear about your career trajectory, former peers may have experienced your growth with you firsthand. If you need a new opportunity and want to pivot from your current occupation, they’ll have a clearer picture of who you were, who you are, and who you strive to become.
Depending on the event, networking can feel similar to speed dating. You have limited time to share yourself with others and garner interest. A well-crafted introduction encapsulates your personhood, passions, and goals, allowing people to get to know you clearly and concisely.
Take Weiping Wang’s personal pitch deck, for example. She illustrates her accomplishments and strengths and opens up space for additional questions, specifically about how she and the other person can establish mutual empowerment. The more you prepare, the better you’ll stand out.
As you progress in your career, it’s important to be honest with your strengths and limitations. While you should strive for improvement, forcing yourself to conform to an unrealistic standard can harm you in the long run, leading to burnout.
People gravitate toward authenticity. When you can confidently acknowledge your skills and gaps without overcompensating, you invite others to be vulnerable with their imperfections. This makes community vital to success—where you lack, another individual can fill, and vice versa.
Let’s say you attend a conference and meet a solid group of people in your industry. Remember to follow up with them to continue your relationships outside of the event. It can be anything from a simple LinkedIn message to a request for a virtual coffee chat—establishing consistent communication provides you more opportunities to continue fruitful conversations.
Networking is an ongoing process. Like any relationship, you must nurture memorable moments that build strong rapport. See if someone needs career guidance, industry insights, or even a simple encouragement. One discussion can go a long way.
There’s power in numbers. In a male-dominated corporate environment, a networking group for women gives us room to breathe and grow without the pressure of perfection. A strong sense of belonging encourages us to use our voices, making it easier for like-minded professionals to resonate with us, connect on a deeper level, and empower us with invaluable resources. In turn, we do the same for them, playing an integral role in their career path and improving with them every step of the way.
Looking for your next women’s networking group? Take a peek at CCWomen. Whether seeking a career transformation or an empowering knowledge share, our members—from managers to executives—are ready to tackle challenges together.