You Can’t Rock Up Once and Expect Magic: Why Networking is a Long Game
Let’s talk about something I see all the time...
You go to a networking event (maybe one of ours), chat to a few fab women, sip a cuppa, leave feeling pretty chuffed... and then wonder why no one’s messaged to work with you the next day.
And look – occasionally, someone does strike gold on their first go. Right place, right time, new client locked in. Love that for them. But for the rest of us? That’s not the norm. Building real business relationships takes time – especially when you are your business.
In the world of service-based businesses, it’s not just about what you do – it’s about who you are. People don’t just buy your services. They choose you. And they can’t choose you if they don’t know you.
The power of being known
We’ve all heard the saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” But let’s take it a step further – maybe it’s actually about who knows you.
You could attend 20 different networking events in a month and still not feel like you’re building any traction. Why? Because you’re spreading yourself too thin. You’re dipping in and out, meeting loads of new faces, but never sticking around long enough for anyone to remember your name – let alone what you do or how they can help.
If you want your networking efforts to actually work, you’ve got to pick your places and show up – regularly.
Choose your spaces wisely (and don’t half-arse it)
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with trying a few different networking groups and communities to see what fits. In fact, I recommend having 1 or 2 that you love and feel excited to go to. The kind of events that don’t bring you dread and where you have to give yourself a pep talk just to get out of the car (been there, done that).
But once you’ve found your spaces – commit. Not to all of them. Just the ones that feel good.
Because when you’re trying to be everywhere, you end up being... nowhere. You’ve got limited time and energy (especially if you’re working around school hours or other commitments), so be strategic with where you show up and who you show up for.
Consistency builds trust
The thing about business relationships is they mirror real-life ones. Would you expect a solid friendship with someone you met once at the gym? Nope.
Trust is built over time – through showing up, contributing, supporting others, and being your lovely, brilliant self. When you keep popping up in the same spaces, people start to recognise you. They start to like you. And when someone needs what you offer? You’re the one they remember.
Even better? When they know, like and trust you – they’ll shout about you to their network too.
Give first, then receive
Networking isn’t a vending machine where you insert your business card and a client pops out. It’s a long game built on mutual support.
Instead of going into a room wondering what you’ll get out of it, flip it. Ask yourself:
Who can I support here?
What value can I offer?
How can I help make someone else feel seen or heard today?
Because here’s the magic – when you focus on being helpful and genuine, opportunities start to flow back. It might take a little time, but it works. And it feels so much better than being in constant hustle mode.
Let yourself be seen
If you’re a quietly ambitious woman who’d rather hide at the back of the room than shout about your services, I get it. I am you. But I also know that visibility matters.
You don’t have to be the loudest or the slickest. Just be present. Be consistent. Be yourself. That’s enough.
And trust me – when people know you, they want to support you. That’s the beauty of community-style networking.
Proof it works? Just ask our members.
We’ve seen it time and time again in the Pink Coral Community – the members who get the most out of it are the ones who show up.
The women who attend regularly, contribute in the WhatsApp group, hop on coworking sessions, and make the effort to connect with others outside of our events... they’re not just growing their confidence, they’re getting real results. New clients. Collaborations. Business besties who become sounding boards and supporters.
Want to see for yourself? Take a peek at our Community Success Stories to see what’s possible when you show up and get involved.
Let’s ditch the scattergun approach and start building proper business relationships – the kind that lasts, and the kind that leads to real growth (without the ick).
Want to feel like people actually know you and are rooting for your success?
Join the Pink Coral Community - a business network and community that helps you stay visible, supported and consistent.
