The Problem with Most Women’s E-Networking Groups
There’s no shortage of support for the importance of networking - particularly for women in business. We know from research conducted by the Harvard Business Review and Facebook that women who belong to a community/network are more likely to ascend to higher levels of authority and pay and twice as likely to forecast growth within their business ventures, but there’s a harsh reality facing women’s networking groups that no one talks about:
They are too often ineffective.
I’ve recently joined several online business communities/networks for women. Here’s what I’m seeing:
An overwhelming focus on emotional support vs practical support
Clumsy plugs and sales pitches
Too many offers for “free consultations/strategy calls”
Lots of inspirational quotes that aren’t backed up by tips or advice which we can implement within our businesses
A lot of discussion about cultivating an abundance mindset and positively affirming our way to success
While emotional support, inspiration and a positive mindset are important components of what it takes to run a business, it’s been training, intelligent conversation and practical how to’s that have gotten me the biggest leaps and bounds within my business.
So what can we do to elevate our networking? Thought you’d never ask :)
DO improve the quality of contributions within your existing e networking groups by sharing your own practical tips and how to’s
DON’T immediately offer a strategy call or free consultation the second anyone posts a question looking for support. This is a clumsy attempt of lining up a sales call masquerading as providing value and support. We all know it.
DO seek out groups that focus on education and discussion vs opportunities to plug products/services/businesses.
DON’T expect above average results from below average effort when it comes to networking. What do I mean? Don’t post a link to your website and services in an online group/community and call that ‘networking’ or ‘exposure’. It’s not. It’s a passive method that doesn’t yield as many results as actually engaging in conversations, providing valuable information in the form of tips, best practices and personal experiences.
DO be generous - with your time, your offering and your content. The reality of networking is that most people are tuned into their favourite station WIIFM - What’s in it For Me? If you want to network successfully (both online and in person) you must be providing your connections with value - consider facilitating introductions where appropriate, providing thoughtful insights and comments to requests for help/advice. The golden rule of networking is ‘She who gives, gets’.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a woman in business is bearing witness to the degree of help and support women want to provide each other with. It’s humbling and it’s powerful, and it’s high time we structure it in a more effective way.
