Learn some effective ways to create and maintain meaningful connections in your career development as a woman of color. Discover how to network with purpose, authenticity, and reciprocity.

Ich habe mit zwei Freundinnen vor circa 10 Jahren ein kleines Managerinnen Netzwerk gegründet, da es aus meiner Sicht das optimale Netzwerk noch nicht gab. Das macht natürlich mehr Arbeit, aber es bietet die Möglichkeit genau das Netzwerk zu bauen, das man sich wünscht für einen Austausch zu Themen, die uns beschäftigen . Das bedeutet aber mehr Zeitinvestment und Engagement. Unser Kreis ist inzwischen auf über 40 Frauen angewachsen und wir in gewisser Weise zusammengewachsen . Ich kann diesen Weg sehr empfehlen.

Es ist von grossem Vorteil sich vorher zu überlegen, was man mit Networking erreichen möchte. Networking kostet Zeit und die ist bekanntlich ein knappes Gut. Daher erst das Ziel bestimmen und danach die Networkgelegenheiten aussuchen.

Es gibt inzwischen viele Netzwerke, vor allem auch weibliche. Neben dem beruflichen Zweck, habe ich immer darauf geachtet, dass ich persönlich mit dem Menschen dieses Netzwerkes eine gute Zeit habe und mir der Austausch Spass macht. Ich mich auf die Events freue und sie nicht alleine als zweckveranstaltung zur Karriereplanung betrachte .

I find it incredibly sad that the color of skin still matters when we ask these kinds of questions. It really shouldn't, but it does in this context because women of color may face unique challenges in the workplace. Building a network that acknowledges and addresses these challenges is essential for professional growth, mentorship, and a sense of community. Networking within a diverse community allows for shared experiences, understanding, and the creation of a supportive professional ecosystem.

What are the most effective ways to build a professional network for women of color?

As a woman of color, you may face unique challenges and opportunities in your career development. Building a professional network can help you overcome barriers, access resources, and advance your goals. But how do you create and maintain meaningful connections in a diverse and competitive world? Here are some effective ways to build a professional network for women of color.

1 Identify your purpose

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Are you looking for a mentor, a sponsor, a peer, or a collaborator? Are you seeking advice, feedback, referrals, or opportunities? Your purpose will guide your networking strategy and help you target the right people and platforms. It will also help you craft your personal brand and pitch, which are essential to make a good impression and communicate your value.

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Tina Mueller

CEO at Weleda AG | Strategy, Transformation, Leadership
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Es ist von grossem Vorteil sich vorher zu überlegen, was man mit Networking erreichen möchte. Networking kostet Zeit und die ist bekanntlich ein knappes Gut. Daher erst das Ziel bestimmen und danach die Networkgelegenheiten aussuchen.

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2 Leverage your existing connections

You don't have to start from scratch when it comes to building your professional network. You already have a network of people who know you and can support you, such as your colleagues, classmates, alumni, friends, family, and community members. Reach out to them and let them know your goals and interests. Ask them for introductions, recommendations, or information. You can also join or create groups and events that cater to your specific identity, industry, or niche. For example, you can join a women of color professional association, a LinkedIn group, or a local meetup.

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Mia I.

Career Advisor @ Pepperdine | Operations @ Girls Who Listen | Arts for LA: ACTIVATE Delegate |
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Joining a network that uplifts talent of your identity, industry, or niche can be a great support system. Below is a list of BIPOC affinity groups in creative fields: 💼 General Job Boards: Jopwell, HelloHive 🎥 Film: National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), ColorCreative, LA Collab Org, Asian American Collective, International Radio & Television Society Foundation, The Handy Foundation 🏈 Sports: Minorities in Sports Business 🎵 Music: Diversify the Stage, Asian American Collective, Black Music Action Coalition, Live Out L!ve, Music Forward 🎭 Theater: Wingspace 👾 Gaming: Latinx in Gaming, Latinx Games Festival, Black In Gaming 🧸Toys: Mattel Future Leaders Innovating Play (FLIP) Leadership Program

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3 Expand your horizons

While it's important to nurture your existing connections, you also need to branch out and meet new people who can offer different perspectives, insights, and opportunities. You can do this by attending or hosting events, workshops, webinars, or podcasts that relate to your field or passion. You can also use social media, blogs, newsletters, or online forums to showcase your expertise, share your opinions, and engage with influencers and thought leaders. Be proactive, curious, and respectful when you reach out to someone you admire or want to learn from. Follow up with a thank-you note, a comment, or a question.

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Mia I.

Career Advisor @ Pepperdine | Operations @ Girls Who Listen | Arts for LA: ACTIVATE Delegate |
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Documenting your learning journey is a great way to passively connect with a larger network. When you attend an event, workshop, or webinar, consider drafting a LinkedIn post to share some key takeaways and a note of appreciation for the speakers. 💡 This will show your audience that your are being proactive in developing a network and taking an effort to learn from others industry professionals.

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4 Be authentic and reciprocal

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. It's about building trust and rapport with people who share your values and vision. To do this, you need to be authentic and reciprocal. Be yourself and show your personality, passion, and purpose. Don't pretend to be someone you're not or hide your identity. Be honest and humble about your strengths and weaknesses. Be generous and helpful to others without expecting anything in return. Offer your support, feedback, resources, or referrals. Celebrate their achievements and acknowledge their challenges.

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5 Maintain and grow your network

Building a professional network is not a one-time event. It's a continuous process that requires time, effort, and commitment. You need to maintain and grow your network by staying in touch, providing value, and seeking feedback. You can do this by sending regular updates, sharing relevant information, asking for advice, giving recommendations, or requesting referrals. You can also invite them to join or collaborate on projects, initiatives, or causes that align with your goals. You can also seek opportunities to meet them in person or online, such as coffee chats, lunch meetings, or virtual hangouts.

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Tina Mueller

CEO at Weleda AG | Strategy, Transformation, Leadership
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Es gibt inzwischen viele Netzwerke, vor allem auch weibliche. Neben dem beruflichen Zweck, habe ich immer darauf geachtet, dass ich persönlich mit dem Menschen dieses Netzwerkes eine gute Zeit habe und mir der Austausch Spass macht. Ich mich auf die Events freue und sie nicht alleine als zweckveranstaltung zur Karriereplanung betrachte .

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Tina Mueller

CEO at Weleda AG | Strategy, Transformation, Leadership
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Ich habe mit zwei Freundinnen vor circa 10 Jahren ein kleines Managerinnen Netzwerk gegründet, da es aus meiner Sicht das optimale Netzwerk noch nicht gab. Das macht natürlich mehr Arbeit, aber es bietet die Möglichkeit genau das Netzwerk zu bauen, das man sich wünscht für einen Austausch zu Themen, die uns beschäftigen . Das bedeutet aber mehr Zeitinvestment und Engagement. Unser Kreis ist inzwischen auf über 40 Frauen angewachsen und wir in gewisser Weise zusammengewachsen . Ich kann diesen Weg sehr empfehlen.

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Jasmin Guthmann

Experienced Marketing Executive with a proven track record in SaaS and Digital Transformation. MACH Alliance Executive Board Member. Executive sponsor of Women in MACH.
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I find it incredibly sad that the color of skin still matters when we ask these kinds of questions. It really shouldn't, but it does in this context because women of color may face unique challenges in the workplace. Building a network that acknowledges and addresses these challenges is essential for professional growth, mentorship, and a sense of community. Networking within a diverse community allows for shared experiences, understanding, and the creation of a supportive professional ecosystem.

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What are the most effective ways to build a professional network for women of color?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your purpose

2 Leverage your existing connections

3 Expand your horizons

4 Be authentic and reciprocal

5 Maintain and grow your network

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development

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What are the most effective ways to build a professional network for women of color?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your purpose

2 Leverage your existing connections

3 Expand your horizons

4 Be authentic and reciprocal

5 Maintain and grow your network

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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