Networking isn’t fast

I’ve written quite a few articles about networking over the years, and each time I write one, it feels a little more true, a little more grounded — because with every year that passes, I see more of what can really grow when you show up consistently and authentically as yourself.

I hear lots of reasons why people aren’t networking — and honestly, I get it. I used to think that you turned up to an event, told everyone what you do straight away, and boom! They’d all follow you and pay for your service. Perfect, right?

But networking isn’t like that.

The reality is, it can feel really hard at first to talk about your business, blow your own trumpet, sell your services, or make new clients — especially if you’ve only been to one or two events and don’t really know anyone yet.

So when does it start to feel different?

That bit takes time. And I’ll be honest — quite a bit of effort.

But is it worth it? Absolutely.

Let me tell you how my events work, so you get a sense of how this could work for you.

At the most basic level, my networking events are about connection and making new friends. The women who come are all remarkable in different ways, and they’re all at different stages in life.

Some are on maternity leave, expecting their first baby, not yet realising how life is about to shift — but already searching for connection with others who’ve been there, who are in it too, or who might have some gentle guidance to offer.

Some have had their children and are now in the “middle space” — not quite sure what’s next or how to get back to where they were before (if that’s even the goal). The beauty is: there are always women in the room who’ve been there too. Some went back to their old careers. Some didn’t. Either way, the inspiration, support and encouragement you’ll receive at one of our events will leave you with either more clarity — or at the very least, feeling less alone.

Then there are the women who’ve made it to the next stage. They’re running their own businesses — some just starting out, others already successful — and they’ve found their rhythm in the beautiful juggle of motherhood and entrepreneurship. For them, a networking event is a great place to share what they do and who they’re hoping to connect with.

This doesn’t always happen from standing up and giving a full-on business pitch. Sometimes it’s just a conversation that leads to a coffee, which leads to a connection. You discover someone’s not happy with their current service provider, and they’d love to try what you offer. Some businesses will see results sooner than others — but many of you will need to nurture relationships over weeks or even months before someone’s ready to work with you. That’s just how trust is built. And that trust? It’s gold.

Here’s how the event itself flows:

We start with a bit of mingling. I welcome everyone who walks through the door and make sure to introduce new members. People grab a coffee, have some relaxed chats, and settle into the room. Once we’re seated, we kick things off with a quick intro and a fun icebreaker — nothing deep, just a way to start those little sparks of connection.

Then we move into the main topic and hear from our guest speaker.

I love choosing guest speakers for our events — I always choose women whose passion and energy shines through, because I know how contagious that is. Everyone who comes is looking to learn something, meet like-minded women, and feel less alone. And when we hear someone speak with real authenticity, it sticks with us.

After the speaker, we usually give a local woman a short slot to share her business and how we can support her. This part always works best when we already know her — when we’ve seen her at past events and are suddenly surprised and inspired to learn this new thing about her. That authenticity, that realness — it’s magnetic. You don’t need a slick pitch. You just need to share why you love what you do, and we’ll lean in. If you believe in it, we’ll probably believe in it too. We just need to hear it through your eyes.

Of course, speaking can be nerve-racking. But if you’ve been before, the room doesn’t feel full of strangers — it feels full of friends.

Let’s talk about collaboration. I didn’t get it for a long time. I wondered why people were forming partnerships and I wasn’t. But now I understand — collaborations take time. Trust needs to build. You don’t always realise right away that you’re meant to work with someone. But once you get to know them, something just clicks — we need to do something together. And from there, the magic happens.

And finally — friendships. I’ve seen so many friendships bloom in this group. And yes, they take effort too. No one’s going to randomly knock on your door and ask you out. But sharing your number, your Instagram, or your Facebook link — even just asking “Fancy grabbing a coffee sometime?” at the end of an event — that’s where it starts. It’s brave. But I promise you, someone will be glad you did.

There’s never a perfect time for a networking event. Someone always can’t make it. But mornings seem to work best for most — after school drop-off and before the afternoon rush begins. For many of the women who attend, this morning is just for them. A space to feel seen, heard, and held — especially because for many of us, Gran Canaria isn’t our first home. Feeling connected matters.

Some women have told me they schedule this day off work every month just so they can attend. I can’t describe how much that means to me. Pride is probably the best word. That this community we’re building is important enough to carve out space for — that’s everything.

So if you’re still unsure whether networking is for you, I get it. It’s not for everyone.

But I can only share what I’ve experienced in this group:

New friends.

Collaborations.

Clients.

Support.

Encouragement.

And I want that for you too.

Networking isn’t fast — it’s slow.

But so is personal growth.

So is building a business.

So is raising a family.