Size Doesn’t Matter - Why Women Need Better Networking advice.

By now we're all likely familiar with the importance of networking, and the impact effective networking can have on your career trajectory and velocity. But here's the thing: a recent study conducted by the Harvard Business Review shows us that men and women need different types of networks to succeed.

The research showed that while men benefit from having large, broad networks in order for women to advance to upper levels of management faster, they required a smaller, women-centric inner circle in addition to a broad network. So the often prescribed advice of:

'build the biggest network you can' 

'make sure you're extremely well connected and attend at least 1 networking event per week' 

'you should be networking with the power players within your industry' 

while still good advice, isn't necessarily serving women. So as a woman, what can we do to ensure we're making the most out of our networking?

Leverage your existing network. Identify 2 or 3 successful women that you can communicate with frequently (at least once a month) and prioritize building these relationships. Make a habit to connect with them regularly to discuss opportunities, business and what's going on in your respective industries.

Pull a Cyndi Lauper. If you're feeling unmotivated about networking - girls just wanna have fun!! Seek out events, people and networks that align with your personal interests. It will be easier to actually make connections doing activities you enjoy with people you have common interests with. 

It's all about the follow up. Recognize that networking is more than going to an event, engaging in some formal pleasantries and collecting a stack of business cards. Seek out people whom you admire and can learn from. Ask for advice. And for the love of Beyonce follow up! If you don't nurture the connections you make you can't expect them to blossom into mutually beneficial relationships. Boy, bye!

Having a powerful network is key, but as women we also need to have an inner circle filled with women who inspire and support us. I have mine, do you have yours?