5 Steps to Building Your Network
As women in business, many of us probably understand the importance of networking, or rather the value of building our professional networks. After all, if you’re reading this, you’re already connected to the strongest networking community for moms in business—HeyMama of course!
And while many of us understand the concepts of networking, frankly, we may also be challenged by it. After all, not only has the landscape of networking changed over the last few years, but so have we. Whether we added motherhood to our resumes for the first time, took on new roles at companies, or started our own business, it may be time to take a look at our networks and revisit our networking strategies and resources.
What is networking?
First, let’s remind ourselves what networking is and what it is not. It isn't just the exchange of information with others — and it's certainly not about constantly asking for favors. Networking is about establishing, developing, and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet. It’s not constant happy hours or multiple commitments to professional organizations. You don't have to attend every networking event that comes your way in order to build your network. And let’s face it, as moms, we absolutely do not have time for all those events anyway. But can it be meeting a new parent at your kid’s soccer game and developing an authentic relationship? Heck yeah (more on that later)!
Why is networking Important?
Simply put, the most connected people are often the most successful, and here’s why:
Helps you identify opportunities for professional growth
Provides you with a group of experts in a particular field
Allows you to gain helpful knowledge and advice
Provides the opportunity to generate business referrals
Helps you stay on top of the latest trends within your field or industry
Offers you opportunities to gain professional mentors and contacts
Helps you learn about open positions in companies you may be interested in
Connects you with potential clients
And that’s just on the professional side. Toss in some personal benefits and you can add the following:
Helps access or gain information on childcare (nannies, babysitters, daycares, etc)
Provides information within local communities (real estate, schools, contractors, etc)
Why are women struggling with networking?
Even with all those benefits and more, many of us may still be challenged to execute a networking plan. Here’s a couple ideas as to why that may be the case for some women:
Uncomfortable with the perceived exploitative nature of networking
According to one study from the Journal of Organizational Behavior, the women in the study felt like it was disingenuous to develop a connection if the motivation to connect was purely self-advancement. Instead, the women described their networks were built on “strong collaboration” and “honest and authentic relationships.”
Limited opportunities to network due to childcare.
As mothers, we still bear the brunt of child care at home, even when we’re working full-time. The Covid pandemic certainly did not help. In addition to our day to day, we also added “teaching” and “daycare” to our everyday hectic lives. Pre-pandemic, it was challenging enough to find time for networking when networking events were frequently in the evenings or weekends. During the pandemic, mommy meet-ups, extra-curricular, and other built-in opportunities for networking, were all put on hold.
A McKinsey study supports this theory. Only 11% of women in their research base (compared with 17% of men) say their network has grown over the past two years. Only 16%of women (compared with 28%of men) report feeling more connected, and only 12% of women (compared with 24% of men) report having more contact with their networks.
How to Build Your Network Authentically
The good news is that it is very possible to build your network authentically. High-quality networks are open, diverse, and meaningful. It’s not about the number of contacts. Rather it’s about the relationships that are deep, trusting, and mutually beneficial. Here’s a few tips to get you comfortable:
Nurture Relationships. Whether you just met someone at a networking event or it’s someone you’ve known since high school, all relationships need care. It is always much easier and less stressful to reach out when you do not need anything immediately in return. Just met someone? Send them a follow up note. Finished a book someone recommended? Reach out to say thanks. See that someone’s company is in the news? Send them a note! These are the easiest ways to stay in touch without creating extra work for the other person or feeling like a bother.
Know your network and resources. Take the time to understand who is already in your network. Write it down. Are they all in your industry? Are they all at your professional level? Identify what resources you need to do your job, have influence, and advance your career. You need a network of mentors and sponsors to help you forge a path and position you for opportunities. Who in your network has those resources? What resources do you need access to, but have no one in your network to help you obtain? Start with what you need most from your network right now. Then consider what you will need down the road.
Raise your profile. You need people to know who you are. At your company, volunteer for a project that has high visibility, recognition, and leadership opportunities. Outside of your company, find an organization that you are passionate about. Whether it’s a non-profit or professional organization, get involved. Seek out prominent or leadership roles. Rather than being a surface-level player in four or five organizations, find one that helps grow your network and where you feel the most comfortable, and really commit.
Be Intentional. Networking is no longer just about going to cocktail hours and collecting business cards. And as a working mom, you need to be strategic with your time. Do you shy away from groups in general? Why not secure 1 on 1 information meetings? If you prefer a lot of structure, try speed networking. Do you like to learn about industry trends? Consider industry organizations where you can learn about a relevant topic and meet your peers.
HeyMama events and our Connect membership platform are another great option for networking—and they're online and in person. Hope to see you there!