Empowering Women … Navigating Networking in Today's Professional World

We network anywhere and everywhere throughout our daily lives. From work to school to social spots, whether we realize it or not, these daily interactions shape our path to success. WIN aims to help women succeed and connect with others in their career field. There are a lot of misconceptions that networking is simply for surface connections alone when it does so much more. It can be one of the most powerful tools you have to reach your goals!

Networking is an opportunity for:

• Access to valuable resources to guide you towards success

• Mentorship from those with experience

• Boosting confidence

• Personal and professional growth

• Career advancement through authentic connections
  

The Importance of Networking

A report from Forbes states, "women's networking plays a crucial role in achieving most career milestones." Successful networking is much more than making the connection. It's about building a community and helping others find opportunities to shine! Another report from LinkedIn states that 85% of jobs come from networking! However, networking can be used for much more than job hunting.

Networking can help you:

• Stay informed about major events, news, and changes in your field

• Share and discover innovative ideas

• Receive and offer advice

• Boost your visibility and reputation

• Increase proactivity in both career and life

Overall, networking is intended to be a collaborative experience intended to help others thrive!

Overcoming Challenges

While networking can be a powerful tool, there are certain hurdles women face trying to navigate their way to their goals and building professional connections. There are concerns with limited access to networking due to working in male-dominated industries. This leads to intimidation and lack of confidence in one's own achievements. Others also have trouble with work life balance and feel they can't fit networking into their schedule.

Thankfully, there are many networking opportunities outside of the workplace!

Building intentional, inclusive spaces where women feel empowered to connect is key. WIN has created this exact environment where women share their businesses, advice, events, and more!

Boosting confidence takes effort as well! Start out small with reaching out to professionals on social platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn then attend events to connect with some amazing professionals!

Not everyone is perfect at small talk and that's okay! Confidence grows with every connection made. Showing up as your perfect, authentic self and supporting one another, women can break these barriers and open up doors for everyone.

Tips for Effective Networking

Networking doesn't have to feel awkward or transactional, despite how it looks from a glance. When done effectively, it can be empowering, energizing, and even fun! Here are some tips to help you hit the ground running:

1. Be intentional. Know what you're looking for and go after it. Whether it's advice, mentorship, or job searching, let that be the guide for the conversation

   
   

2. Be authentic. People connect much better and deeper when genuine. How can one do that while engaging in something for mutual professional gain? Talk about you interests, goals, and passions wholeheartedly! Be open and honest.

3. Give as much as you take. Networking is a two-way street! Offer support, share resources, and celebrate others. Building trust goes a long way.

4. Follow up. It's not just a "one--and--done" operation. It's important to follow up with a note or message thanking the person for their time and looking forward to talking again soon! This shows how much you valued the time shared and the connection made.

5. Stay consistent. Make it a habit! Attend meetings, join professional groups, and engage online! Having a wide network requires a lot of engagement!

Inspiring Story

This story comes from a woman I admire deeply, my mother, Tovi Taylor. She is currently the Head of Brand and Communications for Best Egg and the mom of three. Becoming a mother at 21, she struggled with the work-life balance and needed a support system both personally and professionally. Fortunately, Tovi is surrounded by a supportive family and had many relatives to watch me as a baby. Of course, she was torn by the fact that she couldn't spend more time with me due to work, but I couldn't be more proud of where that work got her today. She continues to be my favorite role model everyday.

Tovi is a warm and wonderful human being. She has the perfect personality for connecting with people and never let the challenges of being a young mother stop her. Networking is a high priority on her list. The company she is with today, she got recruited by a previous boss and worked her way up to the role she has now. With persistence, support, and the courage to reach out, women can turn their challenges into stepping stones.

Networking isn't just a professional strategy, it's an essential tool for life. Building a quality network can create a strong community with opportunities along the way. While there are inevitable challenges, there are limitless rewards for your authentic connections.

WIN strives to be that safe space for women to connect and grow with each other. Whether you're just starting out, returning to work, or taking your career to the next level, you don't have to do it alone! Every conversation brings you closer to your goals. Let's redefine networking: Less business card trading and more building each other up.

Do you have a unique networking experience?

Share your story in the comments below!