Networking is More Than Business It’s About Empowerment for All
Good morning, Elevate! Today, as we recognize International Women’s Day, which happens on March 8th we celebrate the 25 incredible women in this very group; leaders in industries ranging from technology, real estate, health and wellness, beauty, legal services, marketing, finance, PR, and beyond.
But today is about more than just women, it’s about all of us. Networking is not just a women’s strategy or a men’s strategy; it’s a success strategy. Strong, intentional networking lifts everyone up, opening doors, creating opportunities, and strengthening businesses.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on a story that highlights the power of networking.
Coco Chanel, one of the most influential designers in history, didn’t come from wealth or privilege. She was an orphan who worked as a seamstress before turning her name into a global fashion empire. How did she do it? Through relationships, bold networking, and strategic partnerships, many of them with men who championed her ideas.
She understood something powerful: Who you surround yourself with matters. She aligned with entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries who helped her gain visibility. With strategic partnerships and meaningful connections, she transformed from a small-town hat maker to a global icon.
Her story reminds us that success is never built alone. It happens when we create networks that support, uplift, and advocate for one another, regardless of gender.
Networking is Different for Men and Women: But We Can Learn from Each Other
Studies show that men and women network differently:
Men often focus on fast, transactional exchanges, leveraging broad but less personal networks.
· Women often prioritize trust in networking, fostering relationship-driven connections, and then business follows
Neither approach is better, the magic happens when we combine both. The best networks are built on trust, strategy, and generosity.
At the heart of networking is the belief that “When you win, I win., givers gain!” Success is meant to be shared, not hoarded.
Let’s ensure that every entrepreneur, women and men, has a voice that is heard, valued, and amplified. Because when we strengthen our networks and support each other, we all rise together.
So, Elevate, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, I leave you with this:
“Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
