If the idea of networking makes you uncomfortable, you are in good company. For many women the word conjures awkward small talk, forced conversations and shameless self promotion. It can feel transactional, insincere, or simply exhausting on top of everything else you are juggling.
But the research is consistent. Your network matters, a lot. 79% of professionals globally say networking is important to career success, and 70% of people hired in 2016 joined a company where they already had a connection (LinkedIn, 2017). For women early in their leadership journey, building a strong network is not optional. It is one of the most important investments you can make in your career.
The networking gap
Women often have weaker professional networks than men, and it affects progression. In a field experiment at a professional conference, women met 42% fewer new contacts than men, spent 48% less time talking to them, and added 25% fewer LinkedIn connections (Bapna and Funk, MIS Quarterly, 2021).
This is not because women do not understand the value of relationships. It is often because they face barriers that men do not. Women are frequently excluded from informal networking, whether that is sport based socialising, evening events that clash with caring responsibilities, or the old boys’ networks that still dominate some industries. For women with caring responsibilities, finding time to network outside working hours is hard. And for those who do make the effort, networking in male dominated spaces can feel uncomfortable or unwelcoming.
Why networks matter for progression
In many organisations, decisions about pay and promotion are made through informal processes where relationships play a decisive role. Without the right ones, you can miss opportunities you never knew existed.
Networks also give you access to information, advice and sponsorship. A sponsor is someone senior who advocates for you when you are not in the room, puts your name forward and opens doors. Only 34% of managers say their organisation has mentoring and sponsorship programmes that champion women’s progression (Chartered Management Institute, 2022), which means in most workplaces sponsorship happens through personal relationships or not at all.
Beyond the practical benefits, strong professional relationships support job satisfaction, learning and resilience. When you have people to turn to for advice, support or a different perspective, you are better equipped to handle 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 it as collecting business cards and making small talk with strangers, no wonder it feels awkward. That is not what effective networking looks like.
Real networking is relationship building. It is curiosity about other people, finding common ground and being helpful where you can. It is staying in touch with people you have 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 it as relationship building rather than self promotion, it feels more natural and more sustainable. You are not trying to impress people. You are trying to connect with them.
Practical ways to start building your network
Start internally
You do not need external events to build valuable relationships. Look around your own organisation. Who do you admire? Who works in areas you are curious about? Who might benefit from what you know? Set up informal conversations, offer to collaborate, and be visible in cross functional work.
Maintain existing connections
Your network already includes former colleagues, university contacts and people you have met through work. Do not let those fade. A short message to say hello, share an article or congratulate someone on a new role keeps connections warm.
Be strategic about external networking
You cannot be everywhere, so choose carefully. Look for events, groups or communities where you are 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 is insight, introductions or a listening ear. Approach relationships with generosity and they tend to deepen naturally.
Learning to network with confidence
If networking feels daunting, you are not alone. Many women describe anxiety around it, particularly in unfamiliar settings or when they feel like the outsider in the room.
Building these skills in a supportive environment makes a real difference. Learnmore’s Management Launchpad includes a workshop called The Network Effect that focuses on building internal and external networks, developing trust and managing the relationships that support your leadership. You practise alongside other women at a similar career stage, which creates a ready made network of peers who understand your challenges.
The programme itself creates the connections. You learn alongside a cohort of women from different organisations and industries, and for many participants those relationships become lasting sources of support, advice and inspiration.
Your network is an investment in your future
The relationships you build now will shape your career for years. The people in your network will recommend you for opportunities, give you honest feedback and support you through challenges. They will become collaborators, mentors and friends.
If networking has felt like something you should do but have not prioritised, now is the time to start. You do not need to become someone you are not. You just need to be intentional about building and keeping relationships with people who can help you grow.
Explore The Management Launchpad and discover how learning in a cohort can accelerate your development and expand your network at the same time.
*Our articles are accurate at the time of publication, but course details, funding and industry standards can change. They’re here to inform rather than to replace formal advice, so if you’re weighing up a decision, get in touch and we’ll help you find the right path.
ILM Assured: Women in Leadership – Leading with Strategic Impact
- Senior women leaders
- £1,950 + VAT
- 9 months
- ILM assured certificate
ILM Assured: Women in Leadership – Bridge to Boardroom
- Mid-management women leaders
- £1,650 + VAT
- 6 months
- ILM assured certificate
ILM Assured: Women in Leadership – The Management Launchpad
- Aspiring women leaders
- £1,250 + VAT
- 4 months
- ILM assured certificate