Why Are Women's Networks Important?

Women's networks allow you to build solid relationships with like-minded businesswomen. What's more, building the right network will open new doors and help you to build a successful business.

Why Women's Networks?

There are lots of networking opportunities out there and the majority are a mixture of men and women. So, why as a businesswoman should you choose a female-only network?
The answer put simply is that women network in a different and ultimately more successful way than men.

A Different Approach

Millions of business transactions take place every day in the UK and many of these transactions take place between people who know each other.

Whether it's a bunch of flowers bought from a local florist recommended by word of mouth or a new deal struck between two businesses introduced via networking, successful businesses succeed and grow by building solid connections and there is no better way to build connections than networking.

And this is where women excel as building connections is a skill that comes naturally to many women. Women don’t start with a sale when they are introduced to a new businesswoman. Their conversations begin and develop more organically and will naturally progress to talking about work and business.

Furthermore, when a woman does talk about her business she is more likely to present it in a way that is easy to understand and isn't 'pushy'. Women are also natural problem solvers and will seek to help others more than they look to solve their own problems.

Building Women's Networks

Successful women's networks are fluid and savvy women know how to manage their network to welcome new connections.

When you’re at a turning point at work or are looking for new business, you need to think about your goals and who will help you reach them. This is where it is important to look at your existing network and change it or look for new contacts. This is a balance between maintaining long-known contacts and consistently initiating new connections. Women also understand that connections don’t grow overnight. Connections are built over a number of conversations and built over time.

Women's networking is very social and involves reaching out and talking, which women often find easier to do than men. This builds strong relationships that grow over time and become stronger.

"People buy from people"

Women buy from other women that they admire and trust.

Women's relationships with their female peers are also 'stickier' than men. This results in strong, loyal networks of females who support and work together to build each other up.

Striking A Balance

The highest female performers are seen as the most energising people in their networks, setting themselves apart by demonstrating a balance in their energy.

They do this by displaying both competence and warmth, intelligence and emotional intelligence. “The most successful women don’t downplay their skills and accomplishments, neither do they brag nor put others down. They show that they can do things, but they also use humour and small gestures to signal caring and positivity. And, they have listening skills to spur creative thinking. That's why Women's networking is so successful.

Collaboration

Studies show that top-performing women shape their professional networks by managing collaborative demands in the workplace better than their male peers.

Women form stronger relationships with their peers and connect with people in a wider variety of business functions, geographies, and roles than their male peers. Forcibly pushing opinions on others is something that women don't tend to do. They are more likely to present an idea in a way that will be well received by their contact. They do this by taking other's points of view into consideration and looking for a good outcome for everyone, not just themselves.

A Supportive Network

The majority of people make a purchase based on a recommendation and the best way to spread the word about your amazing business is to let other people do it for you. A referral from a woman in your network to a new client is worth its weight in gold. These referrals come very naturally when you have built strong relationships with the other women in your network.

"Networking is about who you know and more importantly, who knows you."

The more time you spend building relationships and reinforcing your ability to help others, your credibility and your friendly attitude the more opportunities will come your way. It's not just the business referrals that will support you and your business. Women's networks are a melting pot of experts ready to exchange for their advice, knowledge, or contacts. Many businesswomen are happy to share their enthusiasm, ideas, tips and advice.

The Women In Business Network (WIBN)

As one of the UK’s first all-female networking franchises, the WIBN brand, now in its 16th year, is growing from strength to strength.

WIBN is owned and managed by women, for women! Each one of the women who head up our WIBN groups either owns the franchise for their area and run it as their own business or chairs the group for a local franchisee. This means that they have lots in common with their members and are on hand to offer advice and support.

Here at WIBN, we have a range of local face to face networking events, as well as online UK wide groups. You are more than welcome to visit us with no obligation to join up. Why not come along and see if networking with WIBN is for you?  Find your local group.