The Power of Strategic Networking—Even When You Feel Too Busy to Breathe

I’ll never forget a moment in one of my recent programs. A participant—a talented, driven leader—confessed during a discussion:

“I just don’t have time for networking. Between my team, my projects, and my family, there’s nothing left to give. And truthfully, it just feels like a waste of time!”

Around the room, I saw heads nodding.

Every woman knew exactly what she meant.

But then, later in the program, this same leader shared how a natural conversation with a woman from her book club led to an introduction that opened the door to a career-defining opportunity.

One intentional, authentic connection reshaped her trajectory. Watching her light up as she described it reminded me: networking does not have to feel forced or like a waste of time. It just needs to be intentional.

Over and over, I see the same truth in the classroom: women who make even the smallest, most intentional investments in their network discover new possibilities, find unexpected allies, and often gain the confidence that comes from not walking the path alone. Networking isn’t an optional “extra.” It’s a lifeline.

And the good news? It doesn’t have to be awkward, complicated, or time-consuming. When we break it down, networking is less about a stack of business cards and grand gestures—and more about simple, purposeful actions you can take in the rhythm of your already-full life.

Here are three places to start this week…

Three Things You Can Do This Week to Build a Strategic Network

Evaluate Your Network

Our network is often broader than we realize. We may be connected to current colleagues on LinkedIn, but what about your friend from college, or that woman from your book club?

Too often, we restrict our reach by siloing relationships into “personal” or “professional” buckets. When we do, we miss opportunities for strategic connection—just like the participant who casually mentioned her dream role at her book club. She had never talked about work with this group, and as a result, almost missed a powerful connection.

Take a look across your LinkedIn connections and your wider network. Who is missing? Add those additional connections—friends, neighbors, alumni, vendors, community partners. By doing so, you exponentially expand your reach to relationships that could be critical to your career.

Get Clear on Your Goals

One of the most common hurdles leaders share about networking is not knowing what to ask. My colleague, Bryn Panee Burkart, introduced me to a simple but powerful framework: AIR—Advice, Information, and Research.

By asking yourself what advice you need, what information you’re seeking, or what research could help, you expand the purpose of your outreach. Networking isn’t just about landing a job interview—it’s also about learning, growing, and gaining insights that can better shape your goals.

Share Something Useful, Not Just Your Ask

The leaders who create the strongest networks are those who understand the power of reciprocity. As you enter any networking conversation, remember that you can be of service to your contact as well. What are their goals, and how can you support them?

When You Reach Out, Doors Open

Here’s what I’ve learned from years of teaching and witnessing women leaders in action: investing in your network doesn’t have to take hours you don’t have. It takes intention, clarity, and a willingness to reach out.

And when you do? Doors open. Confidence grows. And the path forward becomes clearer—not just for you, but for the women who will come after you.

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level and dive deeper into building networks, influence, and impact, I’d love to invite you to our Strategic Leadership Accelerator. This proven program combines a 360-degree leadership assessment, one-on-one executive coaching, and immersive learning on topics just like this. Our next cohort begins October 15—and it could be the spark that accelerates your own growth.

So I’ll leave you with this: Who could benefit tomorrow because you chose to connect today?