Entrepreneurs hear about the importance of networking to grow their business, but building a truly inclusive community goes beyond exchanging business cards.
Especially women entrepreneurs, who face unique challenges and barriers such as systemic barriers, gender bias, or lack of resources, this makes community-building even more crucial for their success.
We caught up with the team of Run The World, a fast-growing entrepreneurial event series and community for women, to give you the best insights and expert tips if you’re looking to grow your business and community.
Whether you’re a women-owned business that’s just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing network, these tips will empower you to take a few steps forward in growing your network and ultimately your business.
Zaina Moussa, Founder
1. Use storytelling to inspire: Encourage women to share their personal stories, successes, and challenges. Storytelling builds empathy and strengthens the sense of community through shared experiences.
2. Practice reciprocity: Make a habit of giving back before wanting to receive. By offering help, sharing resources, or making introductions within your network. Create a culture of mutual support.
Amanee Nasseredine, Chief Brand Officer
3. Be a reflection of the community you want to be part of: A community is only as great as the people that are in it. Embody the characteristics of a community you want to be a part of before you go in search of it because when you reflect that, you’ll attract that.
4. Do not be afraid to be bold: Slide into those DMs, pitch yourself in an elevator, go networking on your own, walk into a room filled with people and walk out with a few names and numbers. Sometimes you have to go the extra mile to stand out with confidence before you get to become what you aspire to be.
Rafaa Chapti, Co-Founder
5. Create or join exchange platforms: Set up or join shared online platforms like Whatsapp/Instagram group chats, Facebook pages or LinkedIn chats, where members bounce ideas, share valuable resources, give recommendations and intentionally connect.
6. Encourage inclusivity: Regardless of background or experience, make sure your community is welcoming to all walks of life. Create safe spaces for diverse perspectives and seek feedback to ensure everyone feels valued and heard.
If you’re interested in building your network you can check out the Run The World summit happening on October 5th. With events happening throughout the year, for a women-owned business, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and grow with a strong support system. —Farah Khan
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