Networking is important.
It’s especially critical for women looking to grow and expand in different areas of their professional and personal lives too.
I’ve briefly covered this similar topic in previous blog posts, but I believe it’s something beneficial to be brought up again.
There’s so much power and progression in the world of networking.
I’ve networked with female business owners, college professors, corporate executives, and others who’ve dropped knowledge, guidance, information, and direction on me to help me move forward in areas I’ve felt stagnant, and additionally, assisted me in navigating new areas I’ve wanted to explore. It’s a blessing being able to have the opportunity to connect with others in fields or areas of expertise I’d like to get experience in, and I believe more women, who are interested in progressing, can do the same for themselves too. For successful networking…
Be On The Lookout For Events. If you want to get connected with other women who are doing big things, you have to get out more. Be on the lookout for local events in your area. Go to conferences, sign up for volunteer work, and just be open to who and what’s out there that you could benefit from. I’ve attended events that put me in touch with people I would have never met in passing if I was just indoors waiting for an opportunity to show up.
Ask Questions. Whenever I meet someone successful, I ask them questions. How did you get to where you are? Where did you go to school? Why did you choose that major? Why did you choose that career? What would be your advice for twentysomething-year-old women navigating the workplace, sexism, different prejudices, and more? How do you successfully manage your work-life balance? You’re not limited to my questions above, you can and should be thinking of questions of your own, but the more questions you ask, the more you can learn and in return used what you have learned and apply that information to your own life.
Study And Take Notes. I’m an incredibly observant person and I pay close attention to how successful women think, move, act, and respond to what’s happening around them. And I take plenty of notes. Most of the successful women I’ve had the opportunity to network with have shown me more than they’ve told me. I’ve learned the importance of documenting, how to avoid burning bridges, taking the high road vs. clapping back (even when a clap back may be justified), how to maintain my composure against opposition and disrespect, and how to remain humble. Take active steps to network and be intentional about connections that can help move you forward. It’s worth the investment.