The Power of Networking for Women Entrepreneurs

Highlights

Learn how networking can transform your business and personal growth
Discover practical ways to build meaningful, lasting connections
Understand how to follow up, stay connected, and maintain relationships over time

Read time: 7 mins

Building a Circle That Fuels Growth and Lasting Connections

Behind every thriving woman entrepreneur is more than just a great business idea. There is a circle of women who believed in her, challenged her, and opened doors she could not access alone. Your network is not just about contacts. It becomes your support system, your sounding board, and sometimes the very thing that keeps you going when the journey gets tough.

For many women, building a business can feel isolating. But it does not have to be. The right community brings clarity, confidence, and shared understanding. As an African proverb reminds us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” With the right people by your side, you don’t just go further, you go stronger, wiser, and with more impact. And in entrepreneurship, that truth shows up every day.

At the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative, we believe deeply in the power of women connecting. That is why networking is not treated as an add-on, it is built into the program’s experience. Women in our program learn by engaging with one another. They work together in peer sessions, give and receive feedback on their assignments, collaborate on team projects, connect with mentors, and meet consistently through monthly peer learning sessions. Over time, these interactions grow into real relationships that support both business growth and personal well-being.

According to a World Bank report, women entrepreneurs who access online networking groups see clear business gains. Within a year, they are 25% to 31% more likely to innovate by introducing new products and marketing strategies, while also strengthening key practices like advertising, financial planning, and setting sales targets.

Over the years, we have seen how important this is. When we recently reviewed applications for Cohort 9, one thing stood out clearly - 98% percent of applicants were looking for opportunities to build meaningful connections. A space to be seen, heard, and supported by women who understand the journey. This raises an important question: what does it really mean to network well? Networking goes beyond exchanging business cards or collecting LinkedIn connections. It’s how you position yourself, build genuine relationships, and create mutual value. Good networking is a skill that requires intention, presence, and a willingness to engage.

To bring this to life, we spoke with two women from our very first cohort: Saudat Salami, a certified entrepreneurship coach and founder of the Saudat Salami Foundation, and Hon. Chief Adenike Olumide-Emmanuel, founder of Adenike Selah Foods and Products Limited, who shared their experiences. As part of our founding cohort, they have remained closely connected over the years, showing just how lasting and impactful these networks can be.

For women entrepreneurs, networking is a gateway to open doors and partnerships. It means connecting with the right people, building trust, and giving value rather than only seeking it. Networking is the art of growing alongside people who walk the journey with you. It shapes confidence and resilience. For many women entrepreneurs, connecting with like-minded peers provides encouragement, motivation, and a sense of belonging. As Saudat reflects, “Being part of a circle that understands your drive gives you the courage to take risks you wouldn’t take alone.”

Networking Is a Skill And a Strategy

Adenike reminds us that success rarely happens in isolation. As a Nigerian entrepreneur managing multiple ventures, her journey shows the power of the right connections. “Your network is your net worth. If you cannot network, you cannot grow your business. You are your business’s first marketer, so start the conversation today.”

Many entrepreneurs attend events but fail to build from them. Adenike and Saudat break networking down into practical, actionable steps:

Start small: Speak to the people on your left and right. A polite hello is all you need to break the ice and get the conversation going. Before joining AWEC, Adenike had two products. After the program, she expanded to five and continues to grow. One of her most defining business moments came from a simple conversation at an event, rather than a formal pitch. While seated at a business roundtable, she introduced herself to the people next to her. That conversation connected her with a shea butter entrepreneur and opened an unexpected opportunity. She became a distributor, bought 500 units on the spot, and later acquired the business. “If I had kept quiet, I would have missed that opportunity.” Her story reminds us that networking works through presence, curiosity, and the courage to start a conversation.
Set clear goals: Aim to meet 5, 10, or even 20 people in a meeting, don’t just go in without any agenda. Saudat recommends setting small, achievable goals for networking at events, like talking to five new people or exchanging five business cards. These little steps build confidence and create meaningful interactions without feeling overwhelming. “Start small and focus on quality connections. Even as an introvert, you can build a strong network by being intentional and genuine.”
Be intentional: Introduce yourself with confidence and warmth. Smile, give a compliment, and be kind to the people around you. Many entrepreneurs focus only on the keynote speaker or the “big name” at an event. Saudat advises a different approach: don’t overlook the people next to you. “Walk the room, introduce yourself to people, congratulate speakers, exchange ideas. You might find common interests, collaborative opportunities, or friendships that matter more than the person you came to meet.”
Be genuinely interested in building connections and let conversations flow naturally. Listen actively, engage thoughtfully, and avoid oversharing about yourself. For Saudat, networking has been more than a business strategy. When she joined AWEC, she connected with women who shared her drive, values, and ambition. Together, they created a ‘sister circle,’ a supportive network where they hold workshops, collaborate on projects, and celebrate each other’s milestones. “The women I met through AWEC shared the same values, ethics, and goals. We became accountability partners, supporting each other and growing together. Over time, it became more than networking. We became real friends. Our husbands know each other, our children are friends, and our circle has grown beautifully.”
Don’t be intimidated: Networking can feel intimidating, especially for introverts or those new to entrepreneurship. Fear of rejection, lack of time, or uncertainty about what to say often holds women back. Saudat advises starting small and being consistent with the few people you meet.

The Fortune Is In The Follow-Up

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to build too many relationships too quickly and then failing to sustain them. Both Adenike and Saudat agree that the real power of networking comes from following up, staying connected, and consistently showing up. These actions turn casual introductions into lasting, meaningful relationships.

Adenike keeps it simple. Send a message or an email within 24 hours, check in periodically, and keep communication warm even if responses are delayed. Over time, these small touchpoints grow into strong, lasting relationships. Some will span years.

Saudat, who identifies as an introvert, has built an impressive network across industries. She starts with associations, programs like AWEC that meet her business needs, and alumnae groups.

“Join associations where the people and the mission align with your goals. If the energy feels right, stay. If not, move on. It’s the people, not the title of the association, that make it worthwhile.”

She emphasizes the importance of being intentional. You have to contribute, volunteer, and genuinely engage. Whether you’re at an industry event, a workshop, or a small meet-up, approach it with curiosity and openness.

Give Before You Ask - #GiveToGain

In a world where receiving is often the default, building genuine relationships starts with giving. True networking begins with curiosity, attention, and intentional support for others before expecting anything in return. By investing in people first, you create a foundation that can lead to great opportunities and lasting collaborations.

Adenike introduces a powerful analogy: “Networking is like a bank account. Without deposits, there can be no withdrawals.” Before asking for support, referrals, or business opportunities, you must invest in the relationship: Offer value, show genuine interest, support other people’s work, and build trust over time. Whether it’s attending someone’s event, making time for a meeting, or simply staying in touch, these ‘deposits’ create a foundation for future collaboration.

One of Saudat’s most important lessons is the law of equivalent exchange. “I believe that to get something from someone, first find a way to give and offer value.”

She shares a story of meeting someone in the shipping sector. Instead of immediately asking for favors, she listened, learned about the person’s work, and offered to support them with on-ground research and market understanding. Weeks later, the connection turned into a speaking opportunity and a potential collaboration. “Always think about what you can give before asking for what you want. You might not see the impact immediately, but your efforts often come back in unexpected ways.”

"Networking is like a bank account. Without deposits, there can be no withdrawals."

Hon. Chief Adenike Olumide-Emmanuel

Networking Etiquette for Women Entrepreneurs

1. Be open-minded – Saudat emphasizes engaging with a variety of people, not just those who seem immediately useful. Diverse connections often lead to unexpected opportunities. “That’s why I network through associations. I don’t chase parties. I go where there is structure, purpose, and people I can grow with.”

2. Listen more than you speak– Show genuine interest in others’ work. Ask thoughtful questions and engage actively in conversation. Meaningful networking comes from curiosity, pay attention to people’s needs, stories, and challenges. By listening first, you often discover ways to add value that can spark collaboration or opportunities.

3. Follow up – Send a polite follow-up message after meeting someone to maintain the connection and build trust. Saudat believes that consistent touchpoints, whether a short note, sharing a helpful resource, or checking in periodically, turn casual introductions into lasting relationships

4. Look people in the eye and show genuine interest - In conversations, Adenike emphasizes genuine attention, making eye contact, listening carefully, and responding thoughtfully. People remember sincerity more than sales pitches.

5. Keep the doors open online by showing up consistently. When networking online, it’s not enough to just send a connection request or wait for someone to notice you. Start by liking posts, commenting thoughtfully, and sharing content that aligns with your values or business. Saudat says, “I learned early in my journey that engaging with people’s work even without asking for anything builds trust and visibility over time. Months later, those small gestures turned into speaking opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. Networking online is about being present, adding value, and nurturing relationships so that when the right opportunity comes, the door is already open.”

6. Give before you ask – “I believe in sowing before I draw. I give, support, and add value first. If you want something from someone and don’t know what to offer, then find out. Study them, understand their business, and sow into that relationship. And even if it doesn’t come back from them, it always comes back.”

7. Be intentional and respect boundaries online. In today’s digital world, networking goes beyond physical rooms. On platforms like LinkedIn, be intentional when connecting, respond to messages and DMs promptly, and engage respectfully. Adenike shares, Adenike found that in the online space, you can’t ask for anything before giving value. She started by engaging with posts, leaving thoughtful comments, sharing helpful resources, and celebrating milestones. ‘’Respect boundaries by not over-texting or pressuring people for favors. Over time, those small deposits create trust and open doors for meaningful opportunities and collaborations.”

8. Stay consistent – Saudat believes that networking can not happen without consistency. “I have learned that networking is like planting seeds. Early in my journey, I kept in touch with people I met at events and online, even without immediate benefits. Over time, those small gestures of checking in, offering help, and celebrating their milestones have grown into business coaching opportunities.

Every connection begins with a single step. Say hello, follow up on a conversation, or reach out to someone you admire this week with a text message, a valuable resource, or even an invitation to have coffee. Networking isn’t limited to boardrooms or formal events. It happens everywhere, from webinars and workshops to LinkedIn posts and casual meet-ups. The key is to show genuine interest, contribute value, and stay consistent. Each small, intentional interaction builds trust and opens doors to opportunities you might never have imagined. Over time, these moments grow into strong, lasting relationships that not only support your business goals but also enrich your personal growth. By approaching networking with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to give, you create a strong, interconnected web of connections that can carry you forward in ways you never thought possible.

Networking is woven into the fabric of the AWEC program. Trainings through the AWEC Community Champions Initiative are kicking off across Africa for women to connect and build sustainable businesses together.

Staff Corner

Real connection isn't just about collecting contacts; it's about building a supportive community where giving comes first. When you focus on what you can give, the growth you’re looking for follows naturally. Here are 5 practical things you can offer:

Information: Share a relevant article, tool, or podcast.
Introductions: Connect two people who could help each other.
Presence: Offer your full attention and ask thoughtful questions.
Support: Volunteer your skills or give feedback on a project.
Visibility: Recommend their work or highlight their wins to others.

Modupe Adeloye / Program Manager, Alumnae & Advancement and Senior Program Advisor, AWEC

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