You Don’t Need More Networking—You Need a Better Strategy

I’ve spent years mastering networking strategies that work for women, and here’s what I’ve learned—most of what we’ve been taught is a waste of time.

You’ve been told to “put yourself out there,” shake more hands, book more coffee chats, and collect more connections like it’s some kind of numbers game. But let’s be real—traditional networking wasn’t built for you, and it’s probably not working for you.

The old-school networking playbook was designed for people with unlimited access, fewer competing priorities, and built-in advantages that fast-track their success. It wasn’t made for people who have to navigate limited time, competing responsibilities, and rooms where they have to prove themselves over and over again.

Yet, despite all of that, you’re still being told to “network more” as if the problem is effort, not access.

So, you squeeze in another virtual coffee chat. You show up to more in-person events. You collect more connections. And before you know it, networking starts to feel like a numbers game. Every exchange feels like a transaction. And then BOOM… you hate networking.

But here’s the secret:

Networking isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less—but with strategy.

When done right, networking is fun, easy, and effortless. It’s about showing up in the right spaces, making real connections, and creating opportunities that feel natural—not forced.

The problem isn’t that you don’t like networking. It’s that you’ve been taught to do it the hard way.

Why Traditional Networking Isn’t Working for You

?? It rewards presence over efficiency. The expectation is that you show up—to the late-night dinners, the golf outings, the casual power lunches where business supposedly happens. But if you’re juggling caregiving, business, career growth, or all of the above, “just being in the room” isn’t always an option. Access should be about your value, not your presence.

? It assumes everyone has the same 24 hours. You’re expected to network like you have unlimited time. But when you're balancing business, family, and the invisible load of a million other responsibilities, spending hours at networking events with no clear ROI isn’t just inefficient—it’s impossible.

?? It thrives on exclusivity. The most powerful networks still operate on gatekeeping and closed circles. The real deals aren’t being made in the breakout sessions of a conference—they’re happening in private backchannels where access is inherited, not earned.

?? It’s designed for transactions, not relationships. Traditional networking is about collecting business cards, not building trust. But if you actually want to grow, it’s not about how many people you know—it’s about who truly knows you.

So why would you network more when you already know it’s not working?

You Need a Smarter, More Effortless Networking Strategy

If you’re serious about creating real opportunities, stop forcing yourself to use an outdated approach. Instead, start building a network that works for you—one designed around relationships, not random connections.

Here’s what that looks like:

?? Leverage relationships, not just reach. Forget the traditional numbers game—relationship-driven networking isn’t about how many people you know, but who actually knows you and is willing to advocate for you. Your network should be built on depth, trust, and meaningful connection, not just visibility.

?? Make networking work for your life, not the other way around. You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be in the right places. High-impact networking should fit into your life seamlessly—whether that means curated, intentional connections or digital-first networking that removes the barriers of time and geography.

?? Prioritize high-value connections over high-volume ones. You’re over surface-level networking. Your network should translate into real power—whether that’s funding, leadership opportunities, or direct business growth. If an introduction doesn’t move the needle, it’s just noise.

?? Redefine influence. Traditional networking has always centered on power as proximity—who you know, who you can call in a favor from. But modern networking is about building ecosystems, not hierarchies. The best networks aren’t about status—they’re about shared success.

Stop Playing Checkers—Start Playing Chess

The right network isn’t about quantity—it’s about connecting with the right people, in the right spaces, at the right time. That’s where I come in.

You don’t need to network more. You need networking to work for you. That means creating spaces, strategies, and systems that reflect your life and business—not ones that force you to sacrifice your time, energy, and values just for access.

Traditional networking is like playing checkers—simple, repetitive, and based on quick moves that don’t require much strategy. But if you want to build real influence, real wealth, and real opportunity, you need to be playing chess—thinking ahead, making strategic moves, and positioning yourself for long-term success.

The future of networking isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, but with strategy.

And that’s a checkmate. ??

?? Craving more of the right connections? I help high-achieving women build networking strategies that create real opportunities—without wasting time on the wrong people.

?? Join my email list for exclusive insights, expert strategies, and high-value connections. https://dotconnectorconsulting.myflodesk.com/sign-up