“Networking” has been a term associated with events. 

But the term has evolved over the years, and various professionals use it at different stages of their careers. Women professionals also used the same ideology for many decades. That’s how all-women networking groups surged in numbers. Further, the pandemic accelerated the adoption of such all-women networking groups. 

However, the question remains…

• Does it help women embrace the opportunities? 
• Does it allow them to break away from stereotypes?
• Does it help them create a plan of progress?

Well! The answer is a big “YES.” Not only do such networking groups help them share their experiences, it allows them to focus energy with peers to foster growth. 

One article shared an idea of networking being strategic, which allows you to improve leadership effectiveness and get access to information which helps you to:

1. Earn promotions 
2. Gain opportunities
3. Share knowledge 

Having the right network is the real differentiator. It’s not about the number of contacts or connections you have. It’s more about the quality of networks. Such relationships will be profound, trusting, and mutually beneficial.

In fact, as per Mckinsey study, around 75% of the capital is their relationships, and 50% of the intellectual capital is the relational asset. Although many women understand the importance of making connections, being a part of networking groups is still lagging.

If you also think being a part of all-women groups will not help them, here are the reasons why you must try it.

Top reasons why all-women Networking groups are a necessity today

1. Being the “Only One” Doesn’t Haunt You Anymore

When you are working for an organisation, there are so many instances where you feel isolated. But when you are a part of a women-only group, you stop feeling like someone exclusive. You will know people who are experiencing similar situations. You can access support where you feel safe sharing your stories. You can also share your “aha” moments to feel happy. 

You can also have frank discussions about work-life balance and societal expectations for doing it all. You can establish commonalities and build genuine connections based on shared experiences. 

1. Support is unlimited 

This is the best part of being a part of a networking group. There is a concept of giving back. So you can offer support using your skills and seek the same from others. Further, the role of networking groups is focused on helping others in their times of need. You can also take help for starting your own business and seek the validity of your idea.

2. Enable you to connect with mentors

The role of networking groups isn’t only around sharing experiences. But one can also help women accomplish their milestones after seeking help. You can find mentors and navigate all the professional mazes that might be hindering your progress. Many might not know but such groups help women gain confidence and break down any cognitive fallacies in a non-judgmental space.

3. Promotes positions of power

The women networking groups aren’t only about accelerating your professional goals but could also be instrumental in facilitating positions of power. They could find opportunities to become industry or societal leaders. Since women professionals look for a safe space to strengthen their voices, such groups can help them find it and practise their skills. 

Now that you know about the perks of being a part of women’s networking groups, here’s how you can network and reap the benefits. 

Women’s networking tips: Top 5 ways to get started

Like any relationship, you need specific skills and a mindset to strengthen your women networking groups. To excel in this, here are tips that might help you get started.

• Begin with decoding all the myths about networking: 

Many people think one needs to be a part of a large networking group to reap the benefits. It isn’t about maintaining an expansive network or anything about schmoozing. It is more about building relationships and mutually benefiting from one another’s existence. 

So, let’s bust a few more myths so that you can build a fantastic network that allows you to become the next big you. 

1. Networking isn’t insincere or manipulative. 
2. Networking isn’t about politics.
3. Networking isn’t about the number of contacts you have.
4. Networking isn’t only for extroverts. 

• Understand your network: 

You must get a clear picture of your network. Otherwise, you will feel like you are bouncing from one end to another. This is why you must take a piece of paper and create a circle. Now weird your name within this. Then write the names of the people who have stronger connections with you and write their names closer to you. Now write the names of the people you know but have distant ties with. 

Now again, look at different patterns like:

1. Are your connections limited by location or function?
2. Does anyone know the people you want to engage with?
3. Do you have strategic or personal relationships?
4. Do you feel they are trustworthy and can be mutually beneficial?

When you get an insight, you can look for introductions and find ways to meet with key people. That’s how you can eliminate people who aren’t worthy of networking. 

• Forge a path to access future opportunities

If everyone in your network has a similar job or influence, how will you position yourself for further opportunities? You need to find different profiles with access to resources you don’t have. But the relationship should be mutual. One popular tip is to find a sponsor (someone who is a senior leader who can influence or advocate you for promotion) that will allow you to get mentoring resources or set up 1:1 connections to become the next big you.

• Don’t go for superficial connections

Networking might seem like a mutual arrangement, but it is all about connecting with the right people and making relationships. You have been authentic in all your efforts. That’s the only way to be sincere and honest in your relationships. 

Once you do that, they will have confidence in you and this women’s networking channel. But more than that, make sure you are a perceptive observer. That way, you can prepare and adapt your behavior based on their feelings or situations. Active listening is an important aspect of being a part of women’s networking groups. 

• Let others know their advice is important to you

Any relationship involves learning from others. But besides that, it is also about what they have to offer. That way, you can seek advice most authentically. If someone starts feeling that their thoughts aren’t valued, they will stop giving honest answers. You must track how the entire process goes so that you and others get earnest and straightforward feedback. 

• Review what’s working

Keep a “network notebook” to note all the positives and negatives. This will help you to interact in a much more concrete manner and improve the associations in terms of benefits and mutual gains. 

Pro tips:

1. Look for a women networking group that is smaller in scale with a target set of objectives. 
2. Embrace new technologies to engage with one another.
3. If you are starting, allow people to join without considering monetary barriers.

What next? 

If you want to be the next big you, it’s time to leverage different women networking groups and upskill yourself.