5 Networking Strategies for Women Leaders

Why Women Leaders Need Strong Networks

For women in business, a strong, strategic network isn’t just a nice-to-have. It can help you to step into leadership roles earlier and provide you with greater support as you navigate the challenges of those senior roles.

For example, Sheryl Sandberg met Mark Zuckerberg at a Christmas party in 2007 and forged a good connection with him. Just months later, and although he wasn't actively recruiting for the role, he hired her as chief operating officer of Facebook.

This article highlights the benefits and importance of networking, and describes five quick, practical strategies you can use for building and strengthening your professional network.

Each one addresses a common networking challenge for women leaders. You can choose one to focus on, or work through them all over time.

What Are the Benefits of Networking?

There are personal and organizational benefits in creating and maintaining a strong network of allies, mentors and supporters. Research shows that 90 percent of female leaders credited "intentional networking" with helping them secure a board position, and 70 percent of female leaders said using their networks improved their organization's profitability. [1]

Let's look at some of the advantages of intentional networking, and why they are particularly important for women leaders.

• Faster career progression: a strong network increases your access to promotions, leadership roles, and high-profile projects. Women often miss out on informal networks where key decisions are made. Intentional networking helps bridge this gap.
• Support from mentors and sponsors: having the right people in your corner can make all the difference. Mentors offer guidance, while sponsors actively push for your advancement. Women are often under-sponsored compared to men, so seeking out strong allies through networking is crucial.
• Stronger influence and visibility: in many cases, just working hard isn’t enough to get you noticed – you also need the right people to see your impact. Networking helps you to build credibility and make sure that the right people recognize your value, especially when leadership decisions are being made.
• Higher confidence and ambition: when you see other women breaking barriers, it reinforces what’s possible for you, too. Engaging with ambitious peers and female role models reinforces your own ambition and helps you push past self-doubt.
• Better decision making and problem solving: the more diverse your network, the more likely you are to discover fresh ideas and surprising opportunities. A conversation with peers in another industry or department can spark new problem-solving ideas.
• Stronger peer support and resilience: in male-dominated industries (such as tech, manufacturing and finance), leadership can be isolating for women. Having a trusted network means you don’t have to navigate challenges such as unconscious biases alone. You can lean on others who’ve been there before.

Five Ways to Supercharge Your Networking

Now that we’ve explored some of the benefits of networking and you’ve considered your own role as a networker, let's dive into some practical strategies for enhancing your network.

Each challenge addresses a common networking hurdle for women leaders and offers some concrete actions you can take to overcome it.

Challenge 1: Expand Your Network Upward

The Issue: women often have fewer connections with senior leaders. This limits their access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. This gap can hinder career progression and visibility within an organization. [2]

Why It Matters: building relationships with senior leaders provides valuable guidance, opens doors to new opportunities, and strengthens your professional reputation.

Your Challenge: identify a senior leader you admire. Engage with their work by, for example, attending a webinar they host, commenting on their LinkedIn posts, or seeking an introduction through a mutual contact.

Challenge 2: Diversify Your Connections

The Issue: women’s networks often consist of similar backgrounds and roles, which can limit their exposure to new ideas and opportunities.

Why It Matters: a diverse network introduces you to different perspectives and can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Your Challenge: identify someone outside your field whose experience or perspective could bring value. Reach out to them for a virtual coffee and attend with the goal of being an active listener as you hear their story.

Challenge 3: Leverage Your Network for Opportunities

The Issue: studies show that women are highly effective at building connections, but that they do not always leverage these connections by calling in favors or asking for help with specific challenges or needs. This is often due to concerns about appearing to be self-serving. [3]

Why It Matters: reaching out to your network for support isn’t just helpful – it’s how opportunities happen, whether it’s finding a new mentor or discovering a new job opening before it goes public.

Your Challenge: reach out to a contact for advice on a project, inquire about potential opportunities, or ask for a referral.

Challenge 4: Prioritize Networking Even in a Busy Schedule

The Issue: balancing professional and personal responsibilities can make networking seem like a low priority.

Why It Matters: consistent networking is good for career development and can provide support and resources when needed.

Your Challenge: schedule a 30-minute slot this week dedicated to networking. It could be attending a virtual event, reconnecting with a former colleague, or engaging in an online professional community.

Challenge 5: Showcase Your Achievements

The Issue: women often hesitate to promote their accomplishments, which can lead to under-recognition. [4]

Why It Matters: when you share your achievements, you make your impact visible so that the right people take notice. That’s how new opportunities arise.

Your Challenge: share a recent achievement on a professional platform like LinkedIn, or via your organization’s internal forums such as the staff intranet or women’s network.

Taking on these challenges can strengthen your network in ways that truly impact your career. Remember that networking is not just about expanding your contact list; it's about building a community that supports and propels your professional journey. Small, intentional conversations can create career-defining opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a mentor and a sponsor, and why do I need both?

A mentor offers guidance and support; a sponsor uses their influence to advocate for your advancement. Women often lack sponsors, so building relationships with senior allies is crucial.

How can I network effectively if I’m introverted or shy in large groups?

Focus on one-on-one conversations, virtual meetups, or written engagement (e.g., LinkedIn comments) to build meaningful connections in a way that feels authentic.

Isn’t networking just self-promotion?

Not at all! Networking is about mutual value and relationship-building. Sharing your story helps others understand your impact and opens doors for collaboration and support.