Networking is key for entrepreneurial women

I definitely think Ann hits the nail on the head with this one. Based on my (male) experience, women aren't as naturally comfortable making friends with new people, and I've noticed that in general women aren't as comfortable being outgoing or asserting themselves in new groups. Promotion is not always based entirely on talent, it is often based on "who you know".
It's unfortunate for women that if they ask a male co-worker/boss out for a drink after work (in an attempt to network / build social capital) it's automatically assumed she's asking him on a date. That's unfortunate but that is the reality.
It is amazing how many times in my career I've seen benefits in terms of job opportunities / clients based on years of effort into cultivating a relationship.
Regardless of gender, everyone needs to get better at realizing who can help you achieve the goals you have, and work hard to develop relationships with those people.

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As an aside, I was wondering one reason why (according to this article) women aren't as comfortable making relationships with new people. I definitely had one hypothesis: In general, men spend much more effort pursuing women than vice versa. Men are the ones asking women to dances in high school. Go to any bar on a Saturday night and you're much more likely to see men approaching new women than vice versa.
As a result of all this work cultivated over 10-20+ years, men are simply more comfortable meeting and making friends with new people, even if the intent is simply to advance a career, and not something more salacious.

Thoughts?

As a time coach and trainer, I know the importance of using time effectively to get work done. But after almost four years as a business owner, I can attest that this article is absolutely true. Networking--in person, over the phone, or through social media--is essential for the success of my businesses. You never know when a connection will lead to a new client or opportunity. www.ScheduleMakeover.com

Also as a follow up to your question Andrew, I do believe that many women have been conditioned to hold back and allow people to approach them instead of vice versa.

The problem is that the behavior that works well for attracting men to date you is the exact opposite behavior that is required to network professionally. Being open, outgoing, and willing to make the first move are essential for networking success.

Fabulous article and the truth is spoken! I think one reason is this: there are more introvert women than men. Networking is an extroverting activity and unless you can do it with an introvert re-energizing style it's difficult to maintain the momentum.

And you and I are in total agreement about this: Networking is NOT an event, it isn't even a process - it IS a way of life.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Elizabeth, very good point as to "works well for attracting men". I hadn't thought of it that way before but it's definitely true. Men don't generally approach the loud woman in the center of the room, they find themselves drawn to the quiet mysterious one in the corner.

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As a relatively recent college graduate, I can say that except for people that get involved in "business clubs", students are never taught about networking and don't realize how vital it is to career success.

Andrew wrote:

As a relatively recent college graduate, I can say that except for people that get involved in "business clubs", students are never taught about networking and don't realize how vital it is to career success.

I agree Andrew! That's why I speak on: "High Heels: How to Advance in Business Without Losing Your Skirt(tm)" to college women throughout the country. As a 26-year-old women with experience as a corporate employee and a business owner, I help college students understand the transition into the business world, including:
-Being true to themselves
-Presenting themselves professionally
-Working effectively with women
-Working productively with men

My goal is to help women know they can succeed and still be ladies ;o)

Do you know of any colleges that might benefit from this talk?: www.RealLifeE.com/speaking

Gotta tell ya, at age 26 I'd say you're still a little wet behind the ears. How long have you been out of school? Four years tops? Oh well, maybe you matured more quickly than I did (definitely a possibility).

As for "being true to [yourself]," if you follow that guide you will last in the corporate or professional world about 3 days. You have to play the game or you will be eaten alive. It's a fact of life.

As for "presenting [one's self] professionally," -- agreed, that is a trait that is sorely lacking in a lot of people. The smart ones catch on right away that they need to dress for the job they want -- and continue to dress that way after they get it.

Hi Ralph--
I am constantly learning and growing and look forward to gaining even more experience in the coming years.
But as someone who just turned 27, I actually do have quite a bit of experience in how to be successful in the "real world." I worked for three corporations, a small business, and a non-profit before starting my first business just one year out of college.
Over the last four years, I've supported myself as a full-time entrepreneur, including saving for retirement each month. My writing, photostyling, and editing work has been featured in over 45 different publications (www.gracecommunicationsinc.com/work ), and I have spoken to thousands of individuals around the country (www.RealLifeE.com ).
You can be true to yourself and be successful in the business world. I've proved it, and I surround myself with others who live out that philosophy and achieve phenomenal success.
"You have to play the game or be eaten alive" is a paradigm based on your experiences and beliefs not an absolute rule or undeniable fact that applies to everyone who wants to be successful in the business world.
Take heart! There is another way to work and live!

Ralph wrote:

Gotta tell ya, at age 26 I'd say you're still a little wet behind the ears. How long have you been out of school? Four years tops? Oh well, maybe you matured more quickly than I did (definitely a possibility).
As for "being true to [yourself]," if you follow that guide you will last in the corporate or professional world about 3 days. You have to play the game or you will be eaten alive. It's a fact of life.
As for "presenting [one's self] professionally," -- agreed, that is a trait that is sorely lacking in a lot of people. The smart ones catch on right away that they need to dress for the job they want -- and continue to dress that way after they get it.