Who Here Likes to Network?

Recently, in honor of International Women’s Day, I was asked to give some workshops for Cognizant on how to network. I envisioned telling people how to calm themselves down before going into a networking event, but when I considered it further, I realized that that is just a small part of building a strong network. Just the word “network” seems to strike fear in the heart of the bravest souls but it doesn’t have to. Women especially can find the idea kind of “icky”, thinking that networking means using people. Try reframing networking to be defined as building relationships and creating a mutually beneficial community around you. There are many ways to reach out to people in a genuine way. Offer to help or provide something of value - volunteer at their organization, provide information and resources, follow and like their social media content, support their cause, join a group that they are a part of. Another useful tip is to reach out to ask someone for career advice, rather than something like a job or connection. People love to give advice.

In most cultures, women network differently than men. Their networks are smaller and less diverse and women tend to network mostly other women. This lack of diversity can severely impact their career growth. Consider that men occupy the vast majority of C-level roles and Board positions. If you are not connected to them, they cannot support you or recommend you for higher leadership roles.

So, women make an effort to diversity your network – the more diverse the better, because you will get different perspectives, ideas and opportunities from people who are different than you. Men, make an effort to network with women and encourage women you work with to network as well. You will benefit from new perspectives and you will support women in the workplace.