<\/p>
For women in business, a strong, strategic network isn\u2019t just a nice-to-have. It can help you to step into leadership roles earlier and provide you with greater support as you navigate the challenges of those senior roles.<\/p>
For example, Sheryl Sandberg met Mark Zuckerberg at a Christmas party in 2007 and forged a good connection with him. Just months later, and although he wasn’t actively recruiting for the role, he hired her as chief operating officer of Facebook.<\/p>
This article highlights the benefits and importance of networking, and describes five quick, practical strategies you can use for building and strengthening your professional network.<\/p>
Each one addresses a common networking challenge for women leaders. You can choose one to focus on, or work through them all over time.<\/p>\n\n
There are personal and organizational benefits in creating and maintaining a strong network of allies, mentors and supporters. Research shows that 90 percent of female leaders credited “intentional networking” with helping them secure a board position, and 70 percent of female leaders said using their networks improved their organization’s profitability. [1]<\/p>
Let’s look at some of the advantages of intentional networking, and why they are particularly important for women leaders.<\/p>
Now that we\u2019ve explored some of the benefits of networking and you\u2019ve considered your own role as a networker, let’s dive into some practical strategies for enhancing your network. <\/p>
Each challenge addresses a common networking hurdle for women leaders and offers some concrete actions you can take to overcome it.<\/p>\n\n
The Issue<\/strong>: women often have fewer connections with senior leaders. This limits their access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. This gap can hinder career progression and visibility within an organization. [2]<\/p> Why It Matters<\/strong>: building relationships with senior leaders provides valuable guidance, opens doors to new opportunities, and strengthens your professional reputation.<\/p> Your Challenge<\/strong>: identify a senior leader you admire. Engage with their work by, for example, attending a webinar they host, commenting on their LinkedIn posts, or seeking an introduction through a mutual contact.<\/p>\n\n The Issue<\/strong>: women\u2019s networks often consist of similar backgrounds and roles, which can limit their exposure to new ideas and opportunities.<\/p> Why It Matters<\/strong>: a diverse network introduces you to different perspectives and can lead to unexpected opportunities.<\/p> Your Challenge<\/strong>: identify someone outside your field whose experience or perspective could bring value. Reach out to them for a virtual coffee and attend with the goal of being an active listener as you hear their story.<\/p>\n\n The Issue<\/strong>: studies show that women are highly effective at building connections, but that they do not always leverage these connections by calling in favors or asking for help with specific challenges or needs. This is often due to concerns about appearing to be self-serving. [3]<\/p> Why It Matters<\/strong>: reaching out to your network for support isn\u2019t just helpful \u2013 it\u2019s how opportunities happen, whether it\u2019s finding a new mentor or discovering a new job opening before it goes public.<\/p> Your Challenge:<\/strong> reach out to a contact for advice on a project, inquire about potential opportunities, or ask for a referral.<\/p>\n\n The Issue<\/strong>: balancing professional and personal responsibilities can make networking seem like a low priority. <\/p> Why It Matters<\/strong>: consistent networking is good for career development and can provide support and resources when needed.<\/p> Your Challenge<\/strong>: schedule a 30-minute slot this week dedicated to networking. It could be attending a virtual event, reconnecting with a former colleague, or engaging in an online professional community.<\/p>\n\n The Issue<\/strong>: women often hesitate to promote their accomplishments, which can lead to under-recognition. [4]<\/p> Why It Matters<\/strong>: when you share your achievements, you make your impact visible so that the right people take notice. That\u2019s how new opportunities arise.<\/p> Your Challenge<\/strong>: share a recent achievement on a professional platform like LinkedIn, or via your organization\u2019s internal forums such as the staff intranet or women\u2019s network.<\/p> Taking on these challenges can strengthen your network in ways that truly impact your career. Remember that networking is not just about expanding your contact list; it’s about building a community that supports and propels your professional journey. Small, intentional conversations can create career-defining opportunities.<\/p> Mindtools has a wide range of resources, in different formats, to help you to develop your networking skills. Here’s just a small selection for you to check out:<\/p> Article<\/strong>: An Introvert's Guide To Networking<\/a><\/p> Article<\/strong>: Professional Networking<\/a><\/p> Skillbook<\/strong>: Networking Skills<\/a><\/p> Video<\/strong>: Novel Ways of Networking<\/a><\/p> Article and video<\/strong>: 10 Ways to Overcome a Fear of Networking<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n A mentor offers guidance and support; a sponsor uses their influence to advocate for your advancement. Women often lack sponsors, so building relationships with senior allies is crucial.<\/p>\n\n Focus on one-on-one conversations, virtual meetups, or written engagement (e.g., LinkedIn comments) to build meaningful connections in a way that feels authentic.<\/p>\n\n Not at all! Networking is about mutual value and relationship-building. Sharing your story helps others understand your impact and opens doors for collaboration and support.<\/p>Challenge 2: Diversify Your Connections<\/h3>\n\n
Challenge 3: Leverage Your Network for Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n
Challenge 4: Prioritize Networking Even in a Busy Schedule<\/h3>\n\n
Challenge 5: Showcase Your Achievements<\/h3>\n\n
Further Reading and Learning:<\/h4>\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the difference between a mentor and a sponsor, and why do I need both?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
How can I network effectively if I\u2019m introverted or shy in large groups?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Isn\u2019t networking just self-promotion?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n