The Networking Approach That’s Made the Biggest Difference in These High

By Hannah McCauley

Membership Manager at Dreamers & Doers

Networking can feel intimidating, but when it comes to unlocking career and business opportunities, nothing beats harnessing the power of meaningful connections. Best of all, networking can be an opportunity to step into alignment and integrity. Take it from these 29 high-performing women: From intentionally attending events to extending genuine support and empathy to others and joining aligned organizations, they’ve cracked the code to building authentic relationships and experiencing all the magic these professional connections can create.

Their candid advice and personal experiences provide tangible tools you can use to establish networking approaches that feel aligned for you. Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking to expand your network or just starting on your journey, try their strategies, and watch as your career reaches new heights through the power of meaningful connections.

Founder of Working Momkind, the largest community and online resource for moms in all walks of life.

My approach: Simply ending my calls or emails with a straightforward question: “Do you happen to know two to three people whose expertise complements what I’m doing or building?” This method has connected me with great prospects and exciting opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have uncovered and has also played a significant role in expanding my network. People are naturally inclined to share contacts, and you’ll be amazed at what you can uncover.

My advice: Try being a connector. Think of networking as a two-way street. Introduce people who should know each other, and then watch your network grow. When others see you making connections, they’ll want to do the same for you.

Founder and CEO of THR3EFOLD, a sustainable supply chain agency that helps apparel brands source ethical suppliers and humanize their sustainability.

My approach: Be the biggest cheerleader in any of your networks. Show up, comment, like, share, and engage with what your network posts. Support and celebrate the work they are doing. Think of people in your network who could help one another and offer to make introductions. Doing this has granted me meetings with very influential leaders at Fortune 500 companies and brands in my space.

My advice: If networking still feels icky to you, sign up for one to three networking events in your industry/city. Make it your mission to help three people at each of those events with something valuable for them. Keep in mind a few clear challenges and asks, so when people ask how they can help you, you have something simple and easy for them to deliver.

Creator of Find Your People Here, an online directory and searchable database spotlighting hundreds of professional organizations to help people tap into the power of community.

My approach: Brian Eno coined the term “scenius” to emphasize the importance of communal genius. Finding “scenes” that inspire me and adopting a community-first networking approach has enabled me to discover and cultivate spaces in which I can thrive and support others.

My advice: Explore joining a new professional community or become more involved in a professional community you already belong to.

Founder of Be Spotted, a pet marketing program that supports and guides pet entrepreneurs to grow via marketing and press.

My approach: I network with people who have complementary businesses to my own, such as pet business associations that host events for pet professionals. I’ve offered free workshops that teach their members a “quick win” in marketing that they could implement right there to grow their business. I always end the workshop with a link to book a call so their members can learn more. My average result in sales from these workshops range from $6,000 to $9,000.

My advice: A common thing I see when people try to connect with me is the message is about their needs and wants. Instead, I teach my students when they want to collaborate to position their message to the goals and needs of the person you’re writing to—they’ll be way more likely to engage with you.

Founder and CEO of Evergreen Activewear, a mission-driven maternity and postpartum activewear brand made for and by moms.

My approach: I started heavily networking in my first business in 2016 and realized how important it is for the success of my brand, community, and, honestly, mental health. Meeting new, like-minded folks has encouraged growth that I’ve never imagined, from new factory relationships to the very first assistant I’ve hired. When it comes to networking you have to be open-minded and respect that while someone may be competitive, you can probably learn a lot from them. Pre-pandemic/pre-kids, I went to a minimum of one networking event a week. My business was hugely impacted by this commitment to relationship building. The key is not only meeting people but keeping them engaged and growing the relationship long-term.

My advice: Commit to it, and build it into your schedule and your business/personal development. Networking can be extremely overwhelming, but I love it. Practice with your friends, family, partner, or colleagues. Knowing why you’re connecting with people will make the meeting and long-term connections more meaningful.

Founder of Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA), a national nonprofit that supports passionate student advocates who are committed to reducing the organ shortage.

My approach: While networking, I always try to minimize the amount of time I talk and believe the person I am talking to has something profound and impactful to share. This combination creates the space for them to share their perspective and opinions, and has led to extremely fulfilling conversations and connections.

My advice: Take notes. Write down a few bullets after each conversation to jog your memory next time you talk to the same person.

Accessibility Product Manager at Microsoft, a leading technological company, dedicated to advancing human and organizational achievement.

My approach: Connect on similar topics and passions and ensure you do your research prior to the event or meeting specific people. Additionally, making sure you are inclusive and empathetic in your approach is always a vital sign that you are being inclusive. My specific result from this approach has been extremely positive, as it has given me a chance to stand out from other people in the room. Thus, think of ways and approaches that will make you unique in those scenarios.

My advice: Don’t just always focus on your goal for that networking one-on-one session, but also ask, “How can I help and support you on your journey?” This goes a long way in establishing trust and a relationship where it’s not just about give and take—you truly form a bond and connection.

Principal Consultant at Diane Darling LLC, a company with over 20 years of expertise in providing exceptional keynote speaking and instructional services.

My approach: To conquer my fear of public speaking, I took acting and stand-up comedy classes. Embracing the unexpected, I found a way to boost my confidence and make networking fun.

My advice: Look for professional organizations, networking groups, or online communities specifically geared toward empowering women in your industry. Engaging with these communities can help you build a strong support system, gain insights from other experienced professionals, and create meaningful connections with other women who share similar experiences. We women need to team up, support each other, and empower ourselves.

Founder and CEO of Better Together, a Black woman-founded communications agency that galvanizes positive change for purpose-driven organizations.

My approach: I have built strong connections by choosing the events that align with my needs, committing to showing up with video on, and finding people who share my values. My approach has resulted in tangible outcomes, such as valuable collaborations, increased visibility, and access to new opportunities. At the events I attend, I focus on meaningful interactions by preparing beforehand. I nurture those connections by offering support, following up at least twice, and interacting across multiple platforms. With this approach, I have seen exponential growth and success.

My advice: Nurture your connections by consistently offering support and helping others reach their goals. By actively engaging with your network, sharing valuable resources, sending intro emails, inviting connections to events, and interacting across multiple platforms, you can cultivate strong relationships that can lead to valuable collaborations and new opportunities.

Fractional Chief People Officer at LMG HR Consulting, LLC, delivering scalable people strategy and processes to companies in startup or growth mode.

My approach: Shifting my focus to targeting the people who know and work with potential clients—instead of direct outreach—has been a game-changer. That way, I’m curating a one-to-many pipeline with each relationship. It also opens the door to a passive income stream on both sides where we can refer clients to each other and share in those wins. My newest client came this way. After joining a group of other fractional executives, another member reached out because the client they supported in a different capacity needed someone with a people and cultural background.

My advice: Don’t forget the power of your personal connections. For example, small talk at a cookout, daycare drop off, or a periodic cross-post about a career win on your personal social media can surprise you in the ways it may spark professional opportunities.

Founder of The Conscious Publicist, a PR and media concierge raising the awareness of conscious leaders and organizations.

My approach: I approach networking with the mindset of being intentional about who I want to connect with. Intentionality as my networking approach allows me to connect with like-minded individuals who share common interests, values, and goals, enriching these relationships for long-term alignment. By investing time and energy into intentional networking, I’ve attracted genuine connections that have enhanced collaboration and opened new doors of opportunities to pursue.

My advice: Take the time to think about who you want to connect with and be proactive in reaching out and building relationships with those people. By being intentional about your networking efforts, you can ensure that you are building mutually beneficial, long-term relationships. You’ll feel as if the time and energy you are putting into networking are more likely to attract the genuine, authentic relationships that you desire.

Founder and CEO of The Path, a meditation community.

My approach: I have met clients, future retreaters, and people who take our Meditation Teacher Training program everywhere. I am generally friendly and meet people swimming in pools when I’m traveling, at the next table when I’m out to dinner, standing in line for coffee, and more. I think bringing warmth, openness, and friendliness to your daily life can lead to exciting, unintended meetings of people who can change your life. This means looking up from your phone and actually engaging with the people around you.

My advice: I would lightly suggest not looking at your phone when you’re specifically working. Lift your head up, say hi, and give a warm friendly smile to the people around you. You never know who you will meet this way!

CEO of Belgian Boys, creating whole-ingredient foods with a European twist so families can prep less, smile more, and indulge better.

My approach: In 2020, my husband and co-founder at Belgian Boys encouraged our whole team to “go for it” in terms of partnerships; to dream bigger, and to ask questions even if we think the answer will be no. I took his challenge to heart and became a networker. I started dedicating time to reaching out to cool brands, founders, and leaders I admire to connect. At first, it was about partnership. I have also made a lot of friends and forged meaningful relationships as a result.

My advice: I always thought networking was shallow, but it doesn’t have to be. When a networking call goes well and I feel a vibe with someone, I make a point to keep in touch and make it more than a one-time thing.

Founder and CEO of Chapter tOO, LLC, an organizational and talent development optimization consultancy, leveraging data-backed people insights.

My approach: Being authentic and genuinely interested in people’s stories has made the biggest impact on my company and career. By prioritizing building relationships over personal gain, I have formed valuable connections that have enriched my life and brought unexpected business, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities.

My advice: Be clear and transparent about your networking goals and specific asks. Staying true to your authentic self means openly sharing your desire for genuine connections, shared interests, advice, mentorship, job opportunities, or introductions. This approach may increase the likelihood of receiving relevant support and opportunities that make a meaningful impact on your company and career.

Founder of Bliss’d Co, creating easy-to-use gratitude journals to help moms live more joyful, fulfilling and connected lives.

My approach: Joining aligned founder organizations has by far been the networking approach that’s made the most impact on my career and company. It’s been really helpful for me in both expanding my network for business opportunities, as well as not feeling so isolated on the path of entrepreneurship. Many of the people I’ve connected with have walked the path before, and it’s helpful and inspiring to see the other side. It’s also great if you don’t have many people in your circle in a similar space to you.

My advice: Finding the right organization can be overwhelming—there are so many out there—so start by narrowing down your needs and budget. Facebook groups are a great place to start because they’re free—you can poll the community to see what organizations others are a part of.

Co-founder and CEO of Rebel Nell, a women-owned social enterprise that provides employment, equitable opportunities, and wraparound support to women with barriers.

My approach: Going to networking events with decision-makers has been really helpful for me and our business. At Rebel Nell, we offer promotional items, corporate gifts, and experiences that have an impact. With corporate responsibility and sustainability at the forefront of importance, we offer a unique value proposition. Getting in front of people and explaining our company and our mission has grown our business tremendously.

My advice: Get up and go. This can be hard, especially for entrepreneurs who are so focused on their business and can justify every reason not to step away from their computers.

Founder and CEO of C|Louise, a passionate, creative, and innovative boutique marketing agency headquartered in Chicago with global clientele.

My approach: “Dig the well before you’re thirsty” is the networking mantra I live and swear by. I have always believed you should do things for your network without expecting anything in return. By taking care of those around you, you take care of yourself. Whether the karma comes back to you immediately or in the future, I am a firm believer in all the good this mantra can do!

My advice: Stay true to who you are, and be a good person. It sounds so simple, but it’s pretty powerful to take care of those around you.

Founder of IdeaShift, catalyzing female business owners with entrepreneurship coaching and strategic guidance.

My approach: You know when you meet someone whose energy you love but you don’t have a specific reason to stay in touch? I figured out how to harness these connections in my twenties by inviting every interesting woman I met to bi-monthly gatherings at my place. The invite list ended up at more than 250 fantastic women. We all squashed in tight and shouted over the noise of women vibing with other women. These parties generated life-long friendships, jobs, and much more.

My advice: One great connection beats thirty weak ones. So when you go to a conference, leave the needy pitching energy at home, and look for one person whose energy you connect with. And then just hang out and make friends. If you make a few deep connections like this every year—and stay in touch—it will change what’s possible for you and your business.

Founder and CEO of Dr. Claire Speaks! LLC, a human-centered advisory consultancy focused on thought leadership, training, and speaking engagements.

My approach: I’ve connected with all levels of people within organizations, and have never been concerned about titles. The primary title we all have is “human.” Seeking to find connections, understanding, and our shared humanity is what matters most. Through coaching, I was able to understand that I didn’t have to network the way it was often portrayed, and I could continue my approach of engaging people one-on-one, getting to know them, and seeing if they should be in my space. This has led to some incredible friendships, professional relationships, and, most importantly, me being more comfortable engaging in ways that honor who I am!

My advice: Don’t idealize people because of perceived status or position—we are all human. A perfectly crafted outward appearance could be the cover for a pained/challenging life. The person you think is so important could be a person whose values/morals/behaviors don’t align with yours.

Founder and CEO of The Refill Shoppe, an award-winning eco-awesome solution for everyday bath, body, home and beauty goods.

My approach: Focus on authentic connections. I tried out all the “proper” networking functions when I first started, but being B2C, they were neither very fruitful nor fulfilling. Nothing against “proper” networking, but finding your own path is okay. For me, that was as simple as getting to know my downtown neighbors. The community I have been able to find and cultivate has been monumental in creating an ecosystem that supports both my and my business’s growth.

My advice: Listen, both to yourself and to others, deeply, all the time. It ultimately all boils down to being present, being yourself, and being kind.

Founder of Inclusive Leadership Collective, an incubator for the next generation of fearlessly authentic leaders striving to rehumanize the workplace.

My approach: Build an authentic connection with the actual human beings versus prioritizing the opportunity, company, or industry—a more deep, meaningful, long-term view than a short-term, transactional approach.

My advice: Prioritize getting to know the person, open up, and make a human connection with them to understand more about how they got into the position they have and why the company they are at resonates with them/their intentions moving forward. Not only will that help you make a lasting impact that goes beyond one job opening/interview opportunity but you also will walk away with a more robust understanding of where your aspirations may match up within their broader network.

Founder and CEO of Leaves of Leisure, a luxury herbal tea and botanicals brand created to bring peace and pleasure to ordinary days without caffeine.

My approach: The first group I joined was Entreprenista and I saw an immediate change in my business. The women in the group bought tea, reached out to invite me to participate in events, shared resources and invited me to join giveaways, collabs and other partnerships that helped to grow the business early on. Since then, I have joined a few other groups including SelfMade, Business Class, and Dreamers & Doers. While not all groups are created equal and a few far outweigh others, each has provided support, knowledge or traction in some way.

My advice: Networking isn’t just about meeting someone new and getting something from others—it’s about what you can do for others. Always try to bring something equally enticing to the conversation and make yourself appealing. No one wants to feel like they are doing all the heavy lifting to help someone and getting nothing in return. Your exchange can be big or as small as following on social media and liking and interacting with content.

Experience Design Strategist at Hanna Ladell, a serial entrepreneur turned corporate designer aimed at encouraging businesses to thrive by focusing on human design principles.

My approach: I see networking as a way of learning what’s out there, learning how others create value, and gaining insight into how others have gone from A to B. It’s not just about learning what people do, but also who they are. By fostering a curious mindset, I use networking within my own company as a way of learning and building meaningful connections—ones I can lean on in the future for mentorship, coaching, or even a career change. When done well, the process of networking is a unique way of professionally being seen and seeing others.

My advice: Networking is a true career accelerator. It has helped me learn what’s possible by hearing from others’ experiences. I suggest going into a networking conversation with value-seeking questions. Focus the time on creating authentic connections rather than numbers. By doing so, you’ll get more out of networking than just landing your elevator pitch—you’ll make an impression. Remember, connectivity is power when it comes to amplifying your career!

Co-founder and CEO of Learn Grant Writing, helping those looking for more flexibility build a meaningful career in grant writing.

My approach: I will sing from the mountain tops a method I call the Organic Networking Framework. Through informational interviews, you bring curiosity to a conversation and draw out if they have any needs you can help address. The conversation has a unique arch to it that has resulted in hundreds of my customers getting paid freelance opportunities. I used this method to land jobs that never existed before the conversation and you can do it too!

My advice: Binge informational interview 20 organizations that you want to work with or learn from in 45 days or less. Prepare your questions ahead of time so you are listening 90 percent of the time. See an opportunity to help? Pitch yourself!

Founder and CEO of Em Dash Content Studio, a boutique team of expert writers and strategists helping small businesses establish themselves as thought leaders.

My approach: Many times on discovery calls I give a lot of advice, so I decided to create an opportunity with no strings attached. I offered free 30-minute one-on-one consultations to discuss SEO and content strategy. I’ve had over 25 meetings, signed four new clients, and met some amazing people.

My advice: Be generous with your time and expertise. It’s not “giving it away.” It helps you to make authentic connections with potential clients.

Co-founder of Pattern Brands, a family of purposeful brands providing the essentials to make, shape, and grow a home—the foundation of daily life.

My approach: Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone on LinkedIn and ask for what you need. For example, when I still lived in Sydney, I did a cold outreach out to an Australian who lived in New York on LinkedIn. I found that she was willing to take a meeting with me when I first landed, and she eventually introduced me to my co-founder. We’ve now worked together over a decade.

My advice: It’s crucial that you see this as building genuine, authentic connections with your network—not just a high-level rolodex of people. Ask questions, show vulnerability, get to know those around you on a human level—build a relationship.

CEO of Montie & Joie, an ethical home goods and clothing brand that focuses on financially empowering women around the world.

My approach: Firstly, I stopped wasting my time with fruitless networking efforts by casting a deep net instead of a wide one—quality over quantity. Secondly, I focused on giving instead of getting. People remember those who did something kind for them; they forget those who were after something for themselves from the beginning!

My advice: I have been working on taking a four-second pause before making decisions—this includes decisions on where I spend my time and energy. With these four seconds, you can decide if a networking opportunity is the right fit for you at this very moment. If it doesn’t feel right, just wait until something that feels great comes along. You can never get your time back!

CEO of Thigh Society, the leading direct-to-consumer brand of size-inclusive long-leg undergarment solutions to sweating, chafing, and modesty.

My approach: Reaching out directly as the company founder to editors, journalists, bloggers, and influencers has always had a positive effect on Thigh Society. There’s an authenticity to sharing the brand’s mission and my founder’s story directly as opposed to hearing from a third-party PR agency. I always make it a point to tailor my emails/DMs to the person I’m reaching out to so that I don’t sound like I’m spamming them. I’m interested in showing them that I want to make an authentic, genuine connection, and am not just reaching out to “get” something from them.

My advice: Keep an ongoing list of who you want to be networking with and why, and figure out how to reach out to them. DMs are easy to send and with a bit of online sleuthing, you can usually find most people’s email addresses. Do your research about them, whether that’s reading recent articles or posts, and make sure to tie that into a compelling pitch about why they should care about what you have to say. Then write it and hit send, and don’t forget to follow up.

Founder and CEO of OSSA COLLECTIVE INC., an AI-powered podcast advertising marketplace that connects brands with untapped audiences.

My approach: My experience has shown that attending podcast industry conferences is essential. I make it a priority to participate in conference panels. Additionally, we typically have an exhibitor booth. Speaking and exhibiting are great ways to meet relevant industry professionals. I’ve met great podcasters who are now using our platform and have linked up with new tech suppliers that we now work with to provide additional value.

My advice: Participate in all relevant industry conferences and events. Additionally, it is an excellent way to elevate your company’s industry presence and advance your career.

All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.