The best entrepreneurs know everyone, but it can be hard to grow your network when you’re new to the entrepreneurial world. It can be even more difficult for a female entrepreneur to make new connections in a male-dominated industry. A study by the Kellogg School of Management has shown that women who network like men end up three times more likely to have a worse job than women who have a strong network of other women. Keep reading to learn why networking is essential for female entrepreneurs and how you can get better at it.
Why is networking important for women entrepreneurs?
Networking is essential for entrepreneurs, especially in the early growth stages. Strong networks can lead to business advice, investors, customers, mentors, increased confidence, and more. As a female entrepreneur, networking is critical for personal and professional growth.
How can women help entrepreneurs?
Women helping women is our favorite way to support female entrepreneurs and help them succeed. Here are eight ways you can help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
1. Buy their products or services.
2. Promote their business to friends and family, and even on social media.
3. Become a mentor.
4. Introduce them to your network.
5. Become an angel investor, or join an investing group.
6. Fund local incubator programs.
7. Share knowledge.
8. Ask them what they need.
Should women network differently?
Not all networks are equal. Some people have large networks, while others opt for smaller networks with more personal connections. Women tend to opt for the latter. There is more time to spend building a deeper mutual connection by creating smaller networks. These stronger connections can help female entrepreneurs gain more knowledge and assistance from those relationships.
How should female entrepreneurs network?
Networking can be hard enough, but it can become even more difficult as a female in the male-dominated start-up industry. However, making connections and growing your network doesn’t have to be a monumental task.
Try business networking.
Improving business networking is the best way to jump into networking as an entrepreneur and is a much faster way to grow your network for your business. Take the pressure off of maintaining a personal network, and try focusing on your business's connections.
Network at conferences.
In-person conferences are making a comeback. Look for events that align with your business, professional goals, or personal interests, and make new connections. Make sure you practice effectively networking at conferences and events before heading in.
Join female networking groups for entrepreneurs.
If you're finding it hard to network, you aren’t alone. Thousands of other female entrepreneurs struggle to grow their connections too. Join groups like The Women Entrepreneurs Network to join other women entrepreneurs who want to scale their business. Find a group that aligns with your goals, and if you don’t see one, start your own!
Use digital business profiles.
Growing your network can take some serious effort. Make it easier when you choose digital business cards. Using a digital business profile allows you to share your information via QR code, NFC, or a link so that you can network anywhere, with anyone. You can even create a virtual background for Zoom or Microsoft Teams, made custom email signatures, and add your business card to Instagram to create a powerful link in bio.
Our favorite digital business card platform for female entrepreneurs is HiHello. You can create a card that shows the best of you and your business. Include social media platforms, websites, videos, photos, and you can select a design that fits your brand. Not only can you design the perfect card, but you can use HiHello to keep track of contacts with the smart address book.
Main photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
