You know how they say your network is your net worth? Well, we’re not sure who “they” are, but “they” just might be on to something. If you’re an entrepreneur, networking MUST be part of your job description. And yes, we hear you—pandemic, too busy, it’s awkward, insert more reasons to ignore our advice here. But please hear this: You are worth knowing, and growing your network will grow your business. 

Before we tell you how to grow your network, let’s cover just a few of the many reasons you need to do so.

First, networking gets people work. So even if you’re not looking for a job because you’re a #bosslady and you’re busy building an empire, your network can be an incredible source of finding clients/customers (which can lead to sales!), employees/contractors that add value to your team, and so on. 

Second, women networking with women is like a rising tide that lifts all boats. When you network with other women, you have so much to gain—experience, perspective, friendship, role models, mentors, etc. The sad truth is that women don’t network as much or as effectively as men. Let’s be the change on this one. When women entrepreneurs help each other, everybody wins, and powerful things can happen.

Third, networking offers a critical support system. Remember 2020? Remember when a whole lot of us lost access to various support systems (and no, we’re still not OK)? Let’s vow to never underestimate the power of community again. We can’t control things like pandemics, but we can control how much effort we put into building a network full of people we can lean on when we need to bounce ideas around, talk something out, or share best practices.

Here are 5 tips for growing your community/network: 

1. Start with relationships you already have. LinkedIn CEO Reid Hoffman once said: “One of the challenges in networking is everybody thinks it’s making cold calls to strangers. Actually, it’s the people who already have strong trust relationships with you, who know you’re dedicated, smart, a team player, who can help you.”
2. Attend industry summits. Expanding your network to include people outside of your city is a great way to build your professional community. Don’t forget to keep in touch! Don’t wait to reach out until you need something.
3. Go to networking events in your city. Having locals in your network is vital if you crave brainstorming sessions at coffee shops and can benefit from sharing/gaining market-specific knowledge.
4. Join a masterminds group. Here are some tips to help you find one!
5. Don’t underestimate social media. Sure, at its worst, it can feel fake. But at its best, social media can be an incredibly valuable tool for building real relationships and a genuine community. 

Once you have your network in place, explore the benefits of successful network marketing strategies. Let us help navigate! Complete our intake form to get started.