10 Networking Tips for Women in Business That Actually Work
Networking has always been key to career growth - but for women, it often means navigating unspoken rules, male-dominated spaces, and extra emotional labour.
In industries where leadership is still largely male, the right connections can open doors that talent and hard work alone might not. The good news? Networking is a skill - and one you can shape around your values, energy, and strengths.
Whether you’re seeking new opportunities, a mentor, or a sense of belonging, these tips will help you build a network that feels true, useful, and aligned.
Mindset shifts: networking with clarity and confidence
1. Reframe what networking really is
If you’ve ever felt like networking = self-promotion, you’re not alone. Many women hesitate to put themselves out there because it can feel performative - but real networking is about building relationships, not pitching yourself.
Tip: When introducing yourself, share who you are, what you do, and why it matters to you. People connect with purpose far more than polish.
2. Get comfortable owning your wins
You don’t have to brag - but you do need to be clear about what you do and why you’re good at it. When others understand your strengths, they know how to support, recommend, or collaborate with you.
Prompt: Try creating a one-line “humble brag” you can pull out with ease.
“I help founders grow through strategic marketing - one client increased revenue by 40% last quarter.”
Struggling with this? Fuck Being Humble by Stefanie Sword-Williams is a brilliant read.
3. Lead with authenticity
You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room. In fact, the strongest connections are built on curiosity, mutual respect, and trust - not performance. Show up as yourself. That’s enough.
Practical moves to expand your network
4. Join women-focused spaces
While general events have value, women’s networking groups offer a different kind of support - more collaborative, less competitive, and often more emotionally safe.
Spaces to explore: AllBright, Ellevate Network, Lean In Circles, Girls in Marketing, Pretty Little Marketer, Found + Flourish, and Female Invest.
5. Diversify how and where you connect
Networking doesn’t just happen at formal events. You can build meaningful connections through:
LinkedIn comments and DMs
Mastermind groups
Twitter threads
Community-led Instagram pages
Local brunches or niche meet-ups
The goal: Consistency and intention, not volume.
6. Say yes to going solo
Showing up alone to a networking event can be intimidating - but it’s also one of the best ways to meet new people. You’re more approachable, more focused, and more likely to follow through.
Try this: Give yourself a goal: introduce yourself to three people before you leave. That’s all it takes to get momentum going.
7. Master the follow-up (without making it weird)
A short, thoughtful follow-up can be the difference between a fleeting chat and a real connection.
Try this message within 48 hours:
“It was so lovely connecting at [event] — I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. Let’s stay in touch!”
That one message? That’s where real networks begin.
Strategic connection-building for long-term growth
8. Tap into your “weak ties”
Research shows that acquaintances - or “weak ties” - are more likely to introduce you to new opportunities than close friends. Why? They move in different circles.
Prompt: Reach out to someone from a past role, someone you admire online, or someone you briefly met at an event. Mention what you appreciated about their work or insights, and express interest in staying connected.
9. Find a mentor - or become one
Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to build depth and longevity into your network. It helps you learn, reflect, and connect on a more meaningful level. And it works both ways: mentoring others can be just as valuable.
Ask yourself: Who’s one step ahead of me? And who could benefit from the step I just took?
10. Create your own opportunities
You don’t need to wait for an invite - host the space. Organising a small event, virtual panel, or founder coffee chat positions you as a connector and leader.
Keep it simple:
3-person founder brunch
Zoom drinks for people in your niche
Invite-only Slack thread or circle
It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be intentional.
Final thoughts
Networking for women in business is different - and it should be. We’re not just building transactional contacts. We’re building community. Trust. Shared ambition. Safe spaces. And support systems that sustain us as we grow.
Start small. Be intentional. Build the kind of network that helps you rise - and helps others rise with you.
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and think you'll find useful on your founder journey.
Thank you for supporting High Flying Design. 🌿
