If you’ve tuned into our recent series on networking, you’ve likely reconsidered what fits under the umbrella term “networking,” reflected on your mindset and goals, and considered opportunities outside of traditional networking events.
Today, we’re going a step further and in considering the value of women’s networks, specifically. Women’s networks provide unique opportunities to connect with other women with similar goals across various industries and catalyze our ability to share learnings, expertise, and insights.
Anat Baron, Futurist and Keynote Speaker, shared her resistance to the idea at first. “For most of my career, I refused to join women's networks because I didn't want to be subsegmented. I wanted to join networks relevant to my industry where I had access to power players, and often, especially early on, they were almost all men. I finally relented around 2016 when friends introduced me to a few impressive women who were running women's networks. I made new friends, developed business relationships and realized that now that more women were in senior positions, we could actually help each other.”
Lynn Harris, Founder and CEO of GOLD Comedy, echoes the point. “It’s an imperfect analogy, but it resonates for me: I used to play on a recreational women's ice hockey team. We played only other women's teams. Occasionally we'd do co-ed scrimmages. But then, all of a sudden it was like we had to ‘prove’ that women could play hockey, and the men had to prove how supportive they were by passing to us even when that was a dumb play, or… the opposite. So for me, [there is value to] an all-women's team. When it's just women, it's just hockey.” Lynn continues the metaphor. “The world is an all-gender scrimmage, so ... I think you see where this is going. One benefit I've gotten from joining (and founding!) networks for women and non-binary folks is one of focus. You get to clear out so many—though for sure not all—distractions, calculations, and frustrations, and just skate with your team.”
Anat continued to share, “I think that joining a women's network can be especially helpful if you focus on developing relationships instead of merely making it transactional. Women tend to use ‘asks’ and ‘offers’ as a way to help each other but I believe that really getting to know women who can not only be helpful but also mutually supportive provides that extra layer of community.”
Gaining a true sense of broader community was an oft-repeated refrain in our conversations with womens’ network members. “My women's networks have helped me feel less alone in my lows, have raised the bar for me for what I think is possible for myself for more highs, and have also reminded me how much value I have to offer when I can easily provide a resource or perspective for another woman at the exact time she needs it.” Janna Meyrowitz Turner, an angel investor, strategist and President of Synastry Capital, explained. “That exchange of energy is powerful beyond each of us individually.”
Mary Lemmer, Creative Entrepreneur and Founder of Improve, agrees. “If you want to be part of a community of people to confide in, support, and ask for support. Life can be lonely, and it's so nice to have a group of people to turn to… There are so many benefits I've experienced from joining a women's network. First, there are the easy-to-see benefits. For example, I found an apartment to live in, got to attend inspiring and educating events and workshops, and learned about opportunities. But the best benefits, to me, are that I've made some of my best friends and biggest supporters.”
Anat advises being selective and making sure the networks you join will be a good fit for you. “Prior to joining a women's network, women should ensure that they believe it's a good fit for their needs. If they're [joining] to get business, they should ensure that not only are pitches welcome, but that the ratio of service providers to non service providers as members is such that there is room to be successful. If women are joining to meet peers or for career development, they should try to understand the internal culture and makeup of the network.”
Janna offers further advice on clarifying what your goals are and whether a certain network can help you advance them. “When you're curious about joining a network or looking for one that may work for you, remember that it completely depends on what you want and need right now, as well as how you're looking to show up for that community. What are the top three things that you're needing from a network right now? Yes there are friends and business contacts, but also think about other things that will enhance your life, like intellectual stimulation, humor, and movement, and also think about what bandwidth and resources (time, attention, energy, money) you have to bring yourself fully into the community.”
So, what makes for a healthy women’s network? Anat answered, “Less quid pro quo and more actual support. Be able to get to know the other women in the network, whether in real life, or virtually. Live the network’s values.”
Mary reiterates the importance of support and genuine involvement, “Look for engagement! How often are women engaging with one another and is the group filled with women that will think about you in a room full of opportunities? Do members actively support other members as much as they're asking for support? Also, I recommend paying attention to the content of the network. Is it just for work related topics? Or are life questions and conversations encouraged?” Mary also encourages keeping an eye out for participation by women from many walks of life and work, as well as the provision of a forum for members to connect and communicate. “For me, I find the most benefit to groups that go beyond work and where members are invited and supported in bringing their whole selves: work, life, health, relationships, hobbies, and global perspective.”
Lauren Lyddon has helped people and organizations to tell their stories for more than a decade. Having tested her love of the creative through the pursuit of an MBA and undergraduate business degrees, she is a writer, editor, and lover of fiction in all its forms (especially theatre, well-written television, and novels). A West coast resident often operating on an East coast schedule, Lauren uses her business background and love of story to serve clients in writing, editing, PR, and more. You can visit her online at L2crtv.com.
