12 networking tips from successful women who aren’t nepo-babies

Yet, Danielle, now 30, ended up launching her own business at 25 and recently won “the one to watch” trophy at the It List Awards. She says knowing your purpose is the best way to approach networking. 

“You can’t be any more than what you genuinely are in your life, your body or your soul. It is important to really understand your values and purpose before putting the energy into driving yourself forward,” she says. 

“Once you know what your purpose is then it’s much easier to network and progress your career. Feeling that vision allows you to intuitively find the right path for you. You can stop doing the things that don’t serve you and focus on what does.”

Get out of your comfort zone

Growing up as the child of a single, working-class mum, Hollie Murtagh says this made her ambitious and independent as she knew she wanted to make a change for her family. 

After working in the recruitment sector for 20 years, Hollie is now the managing director at Simply Education and won the SME business woman of the year award in 2022. She says that when it comes to networking, getting out of your comfort zone is key. 

“Reach out to influential people and be willing to start at the bottom!” she adds. “My biggest bit of advice is learning from your peers and mentors and don’t be afraid of making mistakes, they will help you in the future. I have had a personal and business mentor for the past 3.5 years and they have changed my whole perspective on business.”

Research the people you want to talk to at an event

When Laura Gibson joined the world of property PR in the 2000s, she quickly realised that it was then both a man’s world and a place for upper class people. Being neither of these, she says she had to work harder to get ahead. 

“I was made the youngest director ever in my role as head of marketing, communications at a property advisory firm and then I had a very supportive CEO who wasn’t afraid to champion me as a senior female leader,” she adds. 

Now the co-Founder and director at Calvermont Ltd, a property and destinations focussed PR, Laura says one of the best ways to network is doing your research on people before an event.

“Research the targets you want to talk to at an event in advance and find common ground – this could be sports or literature or something else,” she says. “But, most importantly, know your subject matter intensely so you can converse on an intellectual level on subjects that will ultimately win you business by demonstrating your insight and expertise. 

“Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions – the right ones will demonstrate intellect and keep a conversation moving in the right direction as well as providing you with the right information to follow up with opportunities to take a fledgling relationship forward.”

It’s all about doing the groundwork

When Rebecca Barr was four years old, her father died while serving in the Navy, which resulted in her, her mum and her sister being evicted from their Navy quarters and “forced into an unsettled life”. 

Rebecca ended up homeless when she was 15 and was taken in by her friend’s family – but says her upbringing meant that she faces a lot of prejudice along the way as well as roadblocks. 

Now working as a wealth activator and business growth strategist, Rebecca is known as The Femalepreneur Coach, and says doing the groundwork can be a good way to meet people.

“It’s about doing the groundwork and signing up for everything, you’ve got to put the work in and you’ll never know who you might meet,” she advises. “I signed up to my local chamber of commerce, I joined online business support programmes, coaching programmes, you name it. I did it just to get myself out there and meet new people. 

“Now with the online space, join a network that you feel aligned to. There are so many opportunities out there and it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and throwing yourself into it head first.”