If there’s one thing I’ve learned as an entrepreneur, professor, and connector, it’s this: no woman builds a business alone. Behind every success story is a network — of mentors, peers, friends, and sometimes even competitors — who make the journey not just possible, but sustainable. For women in business, community is more than “nice to have.” It’s a growth strategy. Research shows that women are less likely to have access to traditional power networks compared to men, which can directly impact opportunities for funding, leadership positions, and visibility. Yet when women come together to build their own networks, the effects are transformative — both for individual careers and the business ecosystem as a whole.

Why Networking Matters — Especially for Women

Networking has always been a cornerstone of business growth. The old adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” still holds true, though today we might update it to: it’s who knows you, and how they advocate for you. But here’s the catch: the “old boys’ club” remains very real. A Harvard Business Review study noted that men’s networks tend to give them direct access to leadership and promotional opportunities, while women are often excluded from these inner circles (Ibarra, Carter & Silva, 2010). As a result, women are left navigating business and career advancement with fewer insider pathways.That’s why women’s networks — from small mastermind groups to global communities — are so powerful. They don’t just replicate traditional networking; they reinvent it.

The Ripple Effect of Women’s Communities

Access to Resources and Opportunities: Women’s networks create intentional spaces where information flows more openly — from funding leads and client referrals to practical know-how like negotiating contracts or scaling operations. A report by McKinsey & Company found that companies with greater gender diversity were 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability (McKinsey, 2020). Stronger networks help women get into — and thrive in — these positions.

Collaboration Over Competition: A powerful shift happens when women see each other not as competitors, but collaborators. This mindset opens doors to partnerships, co-created projects, and shared audiences. In my own work with

LUX WMN, I’ve seen women connect at a breakfast event and later launch joint ventures or mentor one another through business challenges.

Emotional Support and Confidence: Entrepreneurship can be isolating. Networks provide not just business connections, but also a sense of solidarity. A 2022 Deloitte survey on women in leadership highlighted that burnout is significantly lower among women who report having strong support systems at work and outside it. I often see women who are afraid to share their business or business idea leaving a networking event beaming because they were validated and inspired by so many other women.

Challenging Systemic Barriers: When women gather, they bring visibility to systemic challenges — from access to capital to biases in design and workplace culture. Collective advocacy often drives more change than individual voices can. Think of the way global women’s business organizations have lobbied for equal parental leave, funding equity, or board diversity.

Real Stories from the Ground

In Luxembourg, the power of community shows up in tangible ways. At LUX WMN breakfasts, workshops and other events, I consistently see women:

1. Pitch their businesses and walk away with warm leads or their first customers.

2. Meet collaborators to co-host events, build products, or cross-promote services.

3. Find mentors and advisors

4. Land job opportunities or freelance contracts through introductions made in the room.

5. Gain the confidence to finally launch — turning a long-held idea into a real business with accountability and support.

That’s the multiplier effect of a women’s network: one conversation can unlock customers, collaborators, and courage.

How to Make the Most of Women’s Networks

Joining a network is the first step. Leveraging it for growth requires intention. My top tips include:

Show up consistently. Relationships don’t build overnight. Make attending events or contributing to online groups part of your routine.

Give before you ask. The most successful connectors are generous — they share contacts, resources, or encouragement without immediate expectation of return.

Be specific. When you tell others what you need — whether it’s an introduction, advice on scaling, or feedback on branding — you make it easier for the community to support you.

Think long-term. Networking isn’t just about quick wins. It’s about building a circle of trust that will sustain your growth for years.

The Future of Women’s Networks

The rise of women’s communities marks a shift in how business gets done. Instead of relying solely on hierarchical, exclusive structures, women are proving that inclusive, collaborative models can drive growth just as effectively — if not more. As the business world faces rapid changes — from digital transformation to new definitions of leadership — networks that emphasize adaptability, diversity, and support will only grow in importance. Women are leading that charge.

The truth is simple; when women come together, businesses grow stronger. Community isn’t just a feel-good bonus; it’s a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and impact. So the next time you attend a networking breakfast, join a mastermind group, or even send a supportive LinkedIn message to a fellow woman in business, remember: these small actions compound into collective strength.

Want to experience the power of community for yourself? Join the LUX WMN Club and sign up for our newsletter — your next connection could change everything.

References

• Ibarra, H., Carter, N. M., & Silva, C. (2010). Why Men Still Get More Promotions Than Women. Harvard Business Review.

• McKinsey & Company. (2020). Diversity wins: How inclusion matters.

• Deloitte. (2022). Women @ Work 2022: A Global Outlook.