If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, knowing how to successfully network is key. But since networking is such a buzz word lately, what does it really mean? Networking is an essential business activity with the purpose of sharing information, forming important relationships, and seeking potential business opportunities. But for some reason as women, this seems like a daunting task that might intimidate you or make you feel uncomfortable. Yet your approach to networking can make a huge impact on your life, and so in order to advance professionally, it’s important to master this skill.

Now you might already go to events, collect business cards, and do some follow up… but that’s not enough if you want to truly use networking to your advantage. Building your network is not having a random group of people that you’ve met over the course of a couple years, but rather taking a concerted effort on your part to cultivate and connect with like-minded individuals who can help you and your business in the long run.

Here are my top 3 tips for learning how to network like a boss lady:

Utilize your Strengths

What is one of your communicative strengths that sets you apart from the crowd? Whether it be your generosity, ability to connect with others, or your egregious nature, leverage it within a networking environment. Even if you’re more of an introvert, women in general are better at communicating than men, which gives you a unique advantage. Use your strength and turn it into results — something that will advance your business in some way.

In order to fully utilize your strengths, you must do so with confidence. People can tell when you believe in yourself, and that confidence will radiate and be influential when connecting with people and persuading them to listen to what you have to say. Your influence combined with confidence will set you apart from the crowd and pack a punch in terms of impressing other people.

Make it a Habit 

Instead of only thinking about networking when you attend large events, make it a daily habit. Social media makes it easy to connect with people on a daily basis, so don’t be afraid to reach out and capitalize on every opportunity to network. Get out of your comfort zone and expand your networking circle by reaching out to different people or tagging along with a friend to a business lunch. Some of your greatest opportunities can come from these experiences, so be bold enough to initiate connections and leverage your uniqueness.

Find Women

While both men and women can obviously be super valuable in your networking circles, finding like-minded women can be uniquely important. This is because women understand other women and so they can provide gender-specific information and support. Fellow women can help you apply to jobs that better suit you, help you learn to negotiate as a woman, and teach you about other platforms and groups that also support women. Now who doesn’t want that!?

Most importantly, keep at it and be patient. The best networking requires persistence and long term relationship-building, which can take time. 

Love yourself - it’s the best love you will ever have.

Join Sparkle Unleashed or more tips, guidance and support at SparkleUnleashedCommunity.com. Or connect with Jennifer Stroman on Facebook!