Challenge and change are part and parcel of any modern woman’s career path. Our Working Women’s Guides provide practical, expert-led advice that will help you navigate the difficult times and empower you to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Here, Ally Sinyard navigates the world of networking...
Hen parties, weddings, birthdays, dinner parties – being in a room full of people you don’t know is a nightmare for some, a challenge for others and an exciting opportunity for our super-confident sisters.
But, for many, topping the list of potential insecurity-inducing events is networking. “It’s developed a bit of a bad rep,” Emma-Louise Boynton, co-founder of career platform Her Hustle, admits. “It’s seen as something a little grabby but, really, it’s just meeting, talking to and learning from interesting people.”
In fact, it’s an invaluable way of building a strong support system, opening doors for yourself and learning from others in order to fill in your skill gaps and develop both professionally and personally. But confidence IS key - not only so you can ice break with aplomb but because networking is a two-way street and you have to go into it truly believing you also have something to offer (and believe us, you ALWAYS do).
“If you reframe networking as an opportunity to get to learn something new from someone you don’t know, and share what unique insight you have from what you do, then it feels a lot less daunting and a lot more appealing,” adds Emma-Louise. “Above all else, networking should be mutually beneficial.”
Find Your Tribe
Firstly, keep an open mind and cast your net(work) far and wide. “It’s not just about meeting people who can offer you a job, opportunity, advice or further connections,” Emma-Louise stresses. “I've noticed, specifically amongst my female peers, we're all now at stages in our careers where we can really help each other out, lift one another up and give each one another opportunities.”
Nowadays, more networking is taking place online, making it much more convenient via virtual events like those you’ll find on Allbright Digital, and other platforms like Linkedin, The Dots and Her Hustle.
“Who do you want to be meeting and why?” she poses Emma-Louise. “If it’s other female entrepreneurs, then find as many opportunities as you can focused on issues surrounding entrepreneurship, that are actively diverse, with a specifically female focus. Try them all and just see what fits. There are so many great groups around it’s just about finding your people.”
Making a Good Impression
Avoid approaching networking as a purely transactional encounter. “We are social beings, and nobody appreciates that,” Emma-Louise adds. “When you’re looking to meet someone because you want their advice, always try and simultaneously think: what can I offer them? How might I be able to offer them something?”
If you have an event coming up and you’re still feeling nervous, boost your confidence by nailing your personal pitch. “It might sound gross, but everyone is their own mini-brand these days,” says Emma-Louise. “You need to think of yourself as constantly pitching ‘You’: Who you are, what you do, what you're passionate about and why. Maybe it sounds obvious, but spending time thinking about a few clear and concise points you want to get across to people you meet for the first time will certainly stand you in good stead.”
Fancy a Virtual Cuppa?
As well as online communities and events, there’s also the virtual equivalent of making a beeline for someone at a drinks reception: the cold email or Direct Message. It might sound a little daunting but, as long as you’re respectful and have done your homework, you can’t go far wrong. “There is nothing worse than receiving a stock email from someone who hasn’t bothered to properly research what your company does and instead just wants to take your time via asking for a coffee or call,” sighs Emma-Louise. “Be respectful of how busy most people are and clearly state why you’ve got in touch with them specifically. Always try and reference a specific project or piece of work or writing they’ve done that particularly inspired you.”
Now is also a great time to invite people for a “virtual” coffee – much less time and effort than a real one! “I’ve found people to be a lot more responsive and happy to speak on video calls. Just bear in mind that some people just won’t have the time or inclination to give you advice or extend to you a hand of help. That’s fine, move on. Others will” says Emma-Louise. And when they do, choose a simple background with good lighting, make sure you turn off mute and don’t be late!
“Unfreeze. Relax. Go and introduce yourself to someone else who looks like they’ve come alone,” she says. “You’re bound to feel awkward but just put those feelings to the side and remember you all came here to learn and meet new people. More likely than not, the rest of the room is feeling much the same as you are.”
Finally, whenever and wherever you meet someone, don’t forget the all-important follow-up. “My one rule of thumb is to message them immediately, or as quickly as possible,” says Emma-Louise. “Strike while the iron is hot and you’re still fresh in their mind. And never leave it more than 24 hours.”