Why You Should Join a Women’s Networking Group
Being exposed to an abundance of leaders and mentors of all generations, expertise and opportunities in a wide variety of fields, and a support system like no other are just some of the reasons why networking is such a necessary part of the entrepreneurial experience. However, women new to the professional world frequently encounter gender biases, increased scrutiny, micromanagement, and an overall lapse in equal opportunities.
Research has shown that women who have a close inner-network of other female professionals are far more likely to obtain success in their field, as they’re exposed to expertise and opportunities they would not get from the traditional, more casual, networking relationships that men rely on. Because of this, professional women’s networking groups have become a sought after option which can provide opportunities for growth and support that mixed networking circles do not.
Why is everyone talking about female professional groups?
Regardless of your gender, networking is, without doubt, a necessary step to advancing your career. It doesn’t matter if you’ve worked a corporate role for 30+ years, or just rejoined the workforce after years of full-time motherhood. You have probably already figured out that relationships and opportunities go hand in hand. Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Sciences, one of the world's most-cited scientific journals, published a study in 2019 that found while men benefit from building broad networks, successful women typically have a broad network and a smaller inner network where they develop closer relationships.
This study shows that it is that much more important for women to develop close professional relationships in order to achieve the same level of success as most men. In short, women do not reap the same rewards as men do when it comes to maintaining basic professional relationships. Some supplementation of basic professional contacts with closer and more meaningful relationships can greatly benefit the working woman. According to the authors of the study, these closer inner-network relationships aren’t just about exposure to new opportunities. It’s about the exchange of advice specific to the experiences and challenges that women face.
Despite what some critics claim, this trend is not about exclusivity. Moreso, the rising popularity of these types of female-centric groups speak to the reality that they offer things that typical networking environments do not. Let’s explore what some of those things are.
The informality makes networking much more approachable
Let’s face it. Even the word ‘networking’ just brings up feelings of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. The idea of having to sell yourself at all times while still being approachable and true to yourself is just easier said than done. It’s something that truly takes practice. What’s great about a professional women’s support group like the Long Island Center is that you are encouraged to be more than just a professional. You’re encouraged to be human, with all the vulnerability that being human entails.
Think of a professional women’s group as a type of “safe space.” Consider the issues of sexism or sexual harassment. In a traditional networking setting, it may be uncomfortable to bring up these topics and seek support. It can even have negative consequences for one’s career in some scenarios. But in a female-centered group like this, these issues are viewed as something that brings members closer together. It’s these shared experiences that connect women, professional or not, in a world that has only begun to realize the true potential of the working woman.
Overall, mixed networking environments can tend to feel overly formal and corporate in nature. And if you’re new to the world of networking as a professional, it can be downright intimidating. Women-only events can feel far more welcoming, making you feel more inclined to weigh in on important conversations you haven’t been able to have elsewhere.
Having common experiences makes for faster relationship building
According to a 2018 study by the Center for American Progress, renowned research thinks tank, women are far more likely (40% to be exact) to say that parenthood responsibilities have negatively impacted their professional aspirations. And according to a 2018 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org, 62% of manager positions are held by men, and that number only rises with higher-up positions within the c-suite. That same study found that women are less likely to have interactions with senior leaders and that they are twice as likely to be mistaken for more junior employees.
These findings are only the tip of the iceberg. When you take into consideration the frequency of sexual harassment in the workplace and the reality that women are far more likely to face discrimination and be questioned on their expertise by a male co-worker, the need for support systems for professional women is clear. Many women face similar adversity in their day-to-day lives. Whether or not a woman is a professional in an office or a stay-at-home mother, there is so much to be gained from making meaningful relationships with others who have faced the same challenges.
Inspiration is all around you
Stories and lessons to motivate women to rise the ranks, navigate and overcome moments of adversity, and encourage their peers to be the best version of themselves they can be - this is what being part of a women’s professional networking group can offer you. Belonging to a network like this where you are not just accepted for who you are but supported in all aspects of your life will surely help you build the necessary confidence needed to excel as a professional in today’s world. Through networking, mentoring, and knowledge sharing, you will be exposed to new ways of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and improved overall workplace satisfaction.
Events held by the Long Island Center feature guest speakers, 1-on-1 mentoring, discussion panels, and open conversations among the whole group, along with other types of quality opportunities for knowledge-sharing. Some of the Center’s past events include a speed networking session, wine socials, and a presentation on maximizing revenue opportunities. The power of learning should never be underestimated, and an environment such as a women’s networking group is an ideal setting for not only discovering new knowledge yourself but sharing your own expertise with women of different generations.
So much more
A networking group like the Long Island Center can lead you to quality job referrals, help you identify your next career goal, spark a new interest, and provide you with opportunities to give back to the community. We partner with Dress to Impress, a Nassau County Department of Social Services initiative, to provide gently used clothing to both men and women who are seeking or have already secured employment and cannot afford professional business attire. We have collected clothing donations at our annual fashion show fundraiser for the past two years, and aim to continue this tradition going forward!
What are you waiting for? Join the Long Island Center today!
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Are you ready to join a diverse group of individuals who only wish to see you succeed? Are you ready to be the best version of yourself you can be? The Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women will provide you with the necessary leadership skills, knowledge for business and professional development, and countless networking opportunities where you will develop meaningful relationships, not just professional contacts. Learn more about how to get involved by visiting our membership page today.