If the idea of networking makes you uncomfortable, you’re in good company. For many women, the word conjures images of awkward small talk, forced conversations, and shameless self-promotion. It can feel transactional, insincere, or simply exhausting on top of everything else you’re juggling.
But here’s what the research consistently shows: your professional network matters, a lot. According to a LinkedIn survey, 79% of professionals believe networking is essential for career success. In the UK, 39% of workers found their current job through their network. And 68% of British workers believe that “who you know” matters as much as, or more than, what you know.
For women early in their leadership journey, building a strong network isn’t optional. It’s one of the most important investments you can make in your career.
The networking gap
Research suggests that women often have weaker professional networks than men, and this affects career progression. A study published in MIS Quarterly found that at professional events, women met 42% fewer new contacts than men, spent 48% less time talking to them, and added 25% fewer LinkedIn connections. The networking company Chief found that while 57% of men credit a personal connection for their most recent promotion, only 48% of women said the same.
This isn’t because women don’t understand the value of relationships. It’s often because they face barriers that men don’t. Government research on women’s progression in the workplace found that women are frequently excluded from informal networking opportunities, whether that’s sports-based socialising, evening events that clash with caring responsibilities, or simply the “old boys’ networks” that dominate certain industries.
For women with caring responsibilities, finding time to network outside working hours is genuinely difficult. And for those who do make the effort, networking in male-dominated spaces can feel uncomfortable or unwelcoming.
Why networks matter for progression
The impact of weak networks shows up in career progression. Government research found that in many organisations, decisions about pay and promotion are made through informal processes where networks play a crucial role. Without the right relationships, you can miss out on opportunities you never even knew existed.
Networks also provide access to information, advice, and sponsorship. A sponsor is someone senior who advocates for you when you’re not in the room, who puts your name forward for opportunities and helps open doors. Research consistently shows that having sponsors is one of the most important factors in career advancement, yet women are less likely than men to have them.
Beyond practical career benefits, strong professional relationships contribute to job satisfaction, learning, and resilience. When you have people you can turn to for advice, support, or simply a different perspective, you’re better equipped to navigate challenges and grow in your role.
Reframing what networking means
Part of the reason networking feels uncomfortable is that we frame it wrong. If you think of networking as collecting business cards and making small talk with strangers, no wonder it feels awkward. But that’s not what effective networking actually looks like.
Real networking is relationship-building. It’s about genuine curiosity in other people, finding common ground, and being helpful where you can. It’s about staying in touch with people you’ve worked with, reaching out when you have something relevant to share, and being open to conversations that might not have an immediate payoff.
When you approach networking as relationship-building rather than self-promotion, it feels more natural and more sustainable. You’re not trying to impress people. You’re trying to connect with them.
Practical ways to start building your network
Start internally
You don’t need to attend external events to build valuable relationships. Look around your own organisation. Who do you admire? Who works in areas you’re curious about? Who might benefit from what you know? Set up informal conversations, offer to collaborate on projects, and be visible in cross-functional work.
Maintain existing connections
Your network already includes former colleagues, old contacts, and people you’ve met through work. Don’t let these relationships fade. A simple message to say hello, share an article they might find interesting, or congratulate them on a new role keeps connections warm.
Be strategic about external networking
You can’t be everywhere, so choose carefully. Look for events, groups, or communities where you’re likely to meet people facing similar challenges or working in areas that interest you. Quality matters more than quantity.
Focus on giving, not just getting.
The strongest networks are built on reciprocity. Think about what you can offer others, whether that’s insight, introductions, or simply a listening ear. When you approach relationships with generosity, they tend to deepen naturally.
Learning to network with confidence
If networking feels daunting, you’re not alone. Many women describe anxiety around networking, particularly in unfamiliar settings or when they feel like the outsider in a room.
- "The networking workshop helped from a personal level. I have struggled with anxiety for a long time and I would never go to a venue that I didn’t know with people that I didn’t know…and clearly it worked because I came to London all of my own which I’ve never done before! I went into a building where I know no one, and I’m talking to people!”
- Women in Leadership Learner
Building networking skills in a supportive environment can make a real difference. Learnmore’s Women in Leadership: The Management Launchpad programme includes a workshop called “The Network Effect” that focuses specifically on building internal and external networks, developing trust, and managing relationships that support your leadership success. Participants practice these skills alongside other women at similar career stages, creating a ready-made network of peers who understand their challenges.
The programme itself creates networking opportunities. You’ll learn alongside a cohort of women from different organisations and industries, building relationships that extend beyond the course. For many participants, these connections become valuable sources of support, advice, and inspiration long after the programme ends.
Your network is an investment in your future
The relationships you build now will shape your career for years to come. The people in your network will recommend you for opportunities, give you honest feedback, and support you through challenges. They’ll become collaborators, mentors, and friends.
If networking has felt like something you should do but haven’t prioritised, now is the time to start. You don’t need to transform into someone you’re not. You just need to be intentional about building and maintaining relationships with people who can help you grow.
If you are ready to develop your networking skills alongside women at a similar career stage, explore Women in Leadership: The Management Launchpad programme. You will discover how learning in a cohort can accelerate your development and expand your professional network at the same time.
Speak to us to see which programme is right for you
ILM Assured: Women in Leadership – Leading with Strategic Impact
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