How I Reinvented Networking for Women — and Why I Felt I Had To

Let me be honest with you. Previous to starting Women Inspired Network (WIN) I'd only ever been to one networking group. And I had picked a good one. I even started leading the events when there was a vacancy (mainly because nobody else would do it) but still, the networking I was doing was good. But I wanted it to be great!

I noticed that people would book to come and not show up, time and time again. And when people did come along, a huge number were so scared, they just sat in the corner of the room on their own.

I realised there was a huge number of wonderful, incredible business women who were avoiding networking because they were so overwhelmed and anxious so when I created WIN, that was exactly my focus.

I wanted there to be a space for every woman wanting to get their business out there, regardless of her personality type. I wanted there to be a safe space where people could come and ask for advice but also break down if they needed to.

Traditional Networking

Traditional networking has its place, don't get me wrong, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. It certainly isn't mine.

Most networking events are built around the same formula — stand up, deliver your elevator pitch, sit down, repeat. For a lot of women, that's their worst nightmare. Public speaking in front of a room full of strangers, trying to sound polished and professional when really you just want to have a proper conversation.

It doesn't work. And honestly? It doesn't need to be that way.

The connections that actually change your business don't come from a 60-second pitch. They come from a real conversation over a coffee, finding out you've got the same struggles, realising you can genuinely help each other.

That's where the magic is.

What Makes WIN Different

When I set up WIN, I had one goal: create a space where women could show up as themselves and leave feeling genuinely connected.

No public speaking. No pitches. No pressure.

Instead, we network in small groups — pairs, threes, fours. Proper conversations where you actually get to know the person behind the business. Where you can say "I'm finding this bit really hard" and someone else says "oh my goodness, me too."

I've watched women walk into their first WIN event looking terrified and leave with new friendships, new collaborations, and inspired to move their business forwards. That never gets old.

We also have an online directory so members can connect before and after events — browse faces, read about businesses, reach out without the awkwardness of a cold approach. It makes the whole experience feel more like a community and less like a room full of strangers.

Why Authentic Connection Matters for Your Business

Here's what I know to be true: when you drop the performance and just be yourself, the connections you make are so much stronger.

Women in WIN have gone on to collaborate on projects, refer each other and support each other through the tough times in business. That's not happening because someone delivered a great pitch. It's happening because they sat in a small group, had a real conversation, and actually liked each other.

Connection is the strategy. Kindness is the business model.

What's Coming Next for WIN

I'm so excited about where WIN is heading.

We've just launched our podcast — Women Inspired Networking Conversations — and I'll be sharing real stories from women in our community, talking honestly about networking, confidence, and building a business that works for your life.

Because every woman has a place in this community. Whether you're just starting out, been in business for years, or you're somewhere in the messy middle — there's a seat at the table for you.

Come and find your people. 💛

Want to join the conversation?

Come and find us over in our free Facebook community, or follow along on Instagram for daily inspiration, event updates, and a behind-the-scenes look at life running WIN.

📘 Facebook Community: Women Inspired Network: Networking For Women In Business

📸 Instagram: @women_inspired_network

🎤 Podcast: Women Inspired Networking Conversations