6 Networking Strategies for Busy Women Entrepreneurs

​You’ve been holding off building your network because you’re “too busy.” But you must make sure that you’re keeping in touch with your network circle and make time to build new relationships. We got to admit that connections are one of the key pillars to a successful entrepreneurship.

Below are 6 networking strategies for the busy woman entrepreneur and get introduced to quality and sincere people.

1. Create your target list.
Save time and narrow down on who you want to network with. Make a targeted list to identify who you want to connect with. Being a busy fempreneur, we all want to make every second worthwhile and we want to make sure that each connection will be a benefit to our  professional network. 

2. Take advantage of social media & make LinkedIn your best friend.
Social media is your free platform to advertise yourself. As businesswomen, we know how important it is to utilize every platform given to us. Build your online presence by simply sharing and resharing on your profile - share updates about you or your business or repost relevant articles of your interest. 
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Don’t forget about LinkedIn. It’s the default destination of many professionals and make it yours too. This major networking platform with over 500 million users from CEOs to other professions is the best place to find new networks that fit in your targeted list. Much like social media, your LinkedIn profile must also be continually updated to keep your connections in the loop and have prospect connections get interested in you. 

3. Leverage personal connections.
You just might meet new connections through old ones.
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​#HACK: Ask them if they could introduce you to more people in your network. They might know the most recent intimate networking event joined by your target connections, ask them if you could tag along. This time, keep your friends closer. 

4. Asking can go a long way.
It sometimes can be as easy as asking “Would you like to join my network?” or asking a common friend to introduce you to a new connection. People, business women, like you know the importance of networking and over time they’ve become open to connecting with complete strangers. Just ask. 

5. Find monthly networking events 
Make sure you squeeze in your schedule to join a monthly networking event once a month. Women Empowering Women Now (WEWN) hosts monthly online and in-person networking sessions open to all women, not just our members! We also have in our plans WEWN retreats, conferences, socials, and fundraisers. If you’re a member, you could enjoy the different classes hosted by the members each month and so many other activities that will surely fit in your schedule because we meet you where you’re currently at.

6. Make it easy for people to reach you.
Never miss a potential connection and make it easy for people to reach out to you and know who you are. In one LinkedIn profile or your business card, mention your name and title and all the ways your network can reach you. If your schedule is packed, let them know your availability by making use of an automated calendar or scheduling software that lets them in on your available days. It’s much easier to connect virtually these days, so take advantage of it.

We all know that time is of the essence and you’ve got tons more to do than just meet other entrepreneurs. Include networking in your business’ to-dos. You’ll not only be the one benefitting from it but your business overall.