Unofficial networking challenges for women

Every time I walk into a cybersecurity conference networking session, the same thing happens: Step 1: Scan the room. Out of 500 people, I spot the 5 women instantly like we share some kind of radar. Step 2: Beeline. I head straight to them. Within minutes, we’re swapping career stories, laughing about conference coffee, and comparing notes on which talks are overhyped vs. which are must-attends. Meanwhile, I’ve barely said more than “hi” to many of the others. It’s not that I don’t want to network broadly, I really do. But here’s why I (and many women I’ve talked to) often end up sticking to that safe zone: A. It feels like walking into a group of men mid-discussion might mean interrupting or being ignored. B. Sometimes I think, “Will this be taken the wrong way if I approach one person alone?” C. And, there are times I just feel tired of being the only woman around and would rather connect with someone who gets it. Here’s the hard truth: networking should not feel like breaking into a locked room. It’s part of growing, learning, getting opportunities and right now, for many women, it’s not that. What I think could help: For conference organizers: Build formats where people don’t have to force their way in. Think small roundtables, structured networking, pre-event meetups where introductions are facilitated. For everyone else: When you see someone alone, pull them in. Invite them into your group. It costs almost nothing, but it matters a lot. Here's what I hope: That next time I walk into a networking room, I won’t need to scan for the few familiar faces first. Instead, I’ll feel like every circle is one I can walk into. Because the goal isn’t to create separate tables it’s to make sure every table has a seat for everyone. I’m curious what you think: Do you see any of this happen in your networking journey? Did someone do something that made networking more comfortable for you? Let’s make these rooms truly open. #NetworkingTips #WomeninCybersecurity #InclusionMatters

I watched her all evening at the conference. Brilliant. Accomplished. Had solutions that could transform businesses. But she spent the entire networking session standing against the wall, scrolling her phone, waiting for someone else to make the first move. Here's the networking mistake I see keeping talented women invisible at professional events: We're waiting to be discovered instead of stepping forward to be seen. You show up prepared. You have the credentials. You know your worth. But then you wait for someone to notice you, ask the right questions, or invite you into conversations that could change everything. Sister, that's not networking: that's hoping. Real networking requires you to: → Walk up and introduce yourself first → Ask thoughtful questions that showcase your expertise → Share your story with confidence, not apology → Follow up within 48 hours with genuine connection Stop waiting for permission to take up space in rooms you belong in. Your voice matters. Your perspective is needed. Your expertise can solve problems people are actively discussing. The woman against the wall? She left with the same connections she came with. The woman who stepped forward? She walked away with three potential collaborations and a speaking opportunity. Which woman will you choose to be at your next event? Your calling is too important to stay on the sidelines. Step forward. Speak up. Be seen. #WomenInLeadership #NetworkingSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #WomenEmpowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessNetworking #Visibility #PowerHouseCoach #ChristianWomen #ProfessionalDevelopment

"𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗘?" This is the response a woman I met this week received from someone she reached out to. She shares, "So, I'm attempting to shift from operational-level relationships to strategic ones. I've noticed that when you invite someone for coffee, the immediate question often is, "What do you want from me?" Networking, at its core, should be straightforward, yet many women, including myself, find ourselves caught in the web of overthinking. 👉 Women often ponder the "𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁" way to network. 👉 Fear of being seen as "𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱" can deter women from making the first move. 👉 The worry of "𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵" in return can unnecessarily complicate networking intentions. 👉 Concerns over the "𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴" for outreach lead to missed opportunities. 👉 Misinterpreting a '𝗻𝗼' as personal rather than a matter of circumstance. 👉 The quest for the "𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲" overshadows the importance of genuine interaction. Embracing simplicity and direct communication can significantly unburden the networking process, making it more effective and less stressful. For example: "Hello [Name], I've admired your recent contributions to [specific field or project] and see a great opportunity for my own growth by learning from you. Understanding your schedule may be tight, I'm flexible and would appreciate it if we could find a convenient time for a 30-minute coffee discussion to explore your experiences. When might it be feasible for you?" One woman asked how she could reconnect with a sponsor after having not spoken to him for over a year without sounding transactional. I suggested she write something like this: "Hello [Sponsor's Name], I recently reflected on the pivotal role your sponsorship played in my success, especially after attending an enlightening event on sponsorship. It's been over a year, and I'd truly value the chance to reconnect and share how your support has been instrumental to my growth. Could we find 30 minutes to catch up at your convenience? Receiving this message would likely make a sponsor feel deeply appreciated and genuinely surprised. Let's infuse RAW leadership into our approach to networking. Let's be 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 in our intentions, 𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 in authenticity, and 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗬 of trust and respect. How do you overcome nervousness when networking?

Me: Male dominated networking events can be hard for women to navigate. A male attendee at the networking event: No, they are not. TLDR; Please do not invalidate a woman’s (or anyone’s experience for that matter) when they voice it especially if you do not belong to that group. Chances are that if you do not belong to that group, you are not as familiar with what they experience. Being 5 ft tall, walking up to a group of 6 ft or so men is intimidating for me despite all the confidence I otherwise carry. Either I end up talking to women or people standing alone which is not optimal as anyone you’d really want to speak to is usually someone other people also want to talk to. Hence, they’re always surrounded. Recently, at OPEN Islamabad’s event Shehryar Hydri observed my hesitance of walking up to the group he was speaking to and excused himself to speak with me. These are the kind of gestures that can make these events more beneficial for all genders. Other things one can do: - If you are influential, consider making it a point to speak to a few women — they’re usually few any way - If you are organizing the event, structure it so that disadvantaged groups can get exposure to the relevant parties e.g. 5 min one-on-ones with a few individuals