Let’s be honest: If networking were a competitive sport, women would be the ones running the show and passing out snacks afterward. We’re natural connectors, community builders, and conversation curators.
But networking today isn’t just about swapping business cards at bland luncheons or racking up LinkedIn connections like they’re frequent flyer miles. It’s about creating genuine relationships, nurturing them over time, and finding ways to lift each other up, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a business owner, a freelancer, a retiree with passion projects, or just someone who calls the Lowcountry home, networking isn’t just for salespeople or entrepreneurs. It’s for you. And trust me, you’re probably better at it than you think.
So, what exactly is networking and why does it make so many people cringe? Spoiler: It’s not about walking into a room and trying to impress strangers with your elevator pitch or handing out business cards like Halloween candy.
True networking is simply the art of building relationships. It’s making authentic connections that are rooted in curiosity, generosity, and – ideally – a little fun. It can happen at a coffee shop, a book club, a volunteer event, or on the pickleball court. At its core, networking is about planting seeds – not to harvest right away, but to nurture over time.
When we stop thinking of networking as a transactional exchange (“What can I get out of this?”) and start thinking of it as a relationship-building practice (“How can I support or learn from this person?”), everything shifts. Suddenly, it’s not awkward; it’s just being a good human.
Here’s the thing about women: We’ve been networking since the dawn of time. Long before business brunches and Zoom meetups, we were forming alliances in PTA meetings, organizing neighborhood potlucks, swapping tips in the salon chair, and watching out for each other’s kids. Women tend to approach networking with empathy, intuition, and a desire to connect rather than conquer. We listen more than we talk. We ask thoughtful questions. And we’re more likely to follow up with a “thinking of you” text or a recommendation that has nothing to do with business and everything to do with trust.
In fact, research backs this up: Women are often better at building and maintaining close-knit, mutually beneficial networks than men. We thrive on collaboration rather than competition. And in a world where relationships matter more than résumés, that’s a superpower.
Alicia Tetreault, CMO at Pro Shine, Photography by Lucy Rosen
It’s this relationship-first mindset that sets the stage for long-term success, especially in close-knit communities like the Lowcountry. Alicia Tetreault, CMO at Pro Shine, puts it simply: “Networking has been key to connecting with people across different industries. It allows your name to get out there in places you might not normally reach.” For Tetreault, effective networking isn’t about asking for favors, it’s about showing up to help. “It’s not just about taking referrals but about helping others first,” she said. “The more you invest in others, the more they’ll invest in you.”
That sense of mutual support, trust, and visibility is what transforms casual encounters into business growth – and friendships. It’s not limited to business cards and boardrooms. “Whether it’s at events, meetings, or even casual conversations,” Tetreault said, “I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to connect with others.” Networking, at its best, becomes a daily habit, one that pays off in both human and professional dividends.
Of course, networking doesn’t look the same for everyone, but the core value stays the same: relationships first. Just ask Pat Strimpfel, co-owner of Reclamation by Design, a premiere Lowcountry home builder with nearly five decades of experience. “The majority of my business comes from referrals,” she said. “Once you establish a relationship with a networking partner, you’re the first person that comes to mind when they meet someone who needs your service.”
Strimpfel, who has run her business for 47 years, attributes much of her success to staying connected – consistently and intentionally. From one-to-one meetings with fellow construction pros to attending continuing education workshops, networking
Pat Strimpfel, co-owner of Reclamation by Design, Photography by Lisa Staff
isn’t a once-in-a-while strategy. It’s part of her professional DNA. And her number one tip? “Listen more than you talk when you first meet someone.” Wise words from a woman who has seen it all, built it all, and still makes time to build relationships, too.
Sheri Moore, owner of Do It Best Services; photography by Lucy Rosen
For Sheri Moore, owner of Do It Best Services, networking wasn’t just a business tool, it was a turning point. “I sent out a ton of mailers to homeowners and got zilch,” she admitted. It wasn’t until she walked into a Business Network International (BNI) meeting that things started to change. “It felt like I had just met my entire company in one room.”
Since joining BNI, Moore’s property management business has flourished – not just because of direct referrals, but because her entire ecosystem of support (cleaning crews, pool techs, flooring pros, even IT help) has come through that same group. It’s a vivid example of how networking can do more than grow your client list, it can grow your infrastructure.
And yes, she believes women bring something extra to the table. “I do think women are more curious than men when it comes to networking,” Moore said. “We get right in there and ask questions. I think we’re always thinking of ways to help someone.”
Leah McCarthy, owner of Downtown Deli in Bluffton and Magnolia Café in Beaufort, photography courtesy of Leah McCarthy
Not every business starts with a packed Rolodex and a stack of referrals. Leah McCarthy, owner of Downtown Deli in Bluffton and Magnolia Café in Beaufort, built her thriving food empire the old-fashioned way – through quality, consistency, and word-of-mouth. “Honestly, I didn’t have time to network when I was starting out,” she said. “I was a young mom with only one employee, and Bluffton was a much smaller place then.” But what she did have was a commitment to service that sparked organic buzz, and loyal customers who became her first unofficial networking team.
Now, more than two decades into business, McCarthy sees the value of networking from a leadership lens. She connects through social media, attends chamber of commerce and national leadership events, and encourages her team to get involved in industry-specific circles. But her advice is clear: “I have to stress authenticity. Don’t just show up to sell. Show up to see if there’s a real connection. And if not, maybe you can still refer someone who can help.”
This mindset is a crucial shift for many people, especially those who equate networking with selling. The truth is, if you’re showing up to a networking event with a hard pitch and a stack of brochures, you’re missing the point. People can spot a sales agenda from a mile away and nothing shuts down a conversation faster.
Networking is not a cold call in cocktail attire. It’s a chance to be a human first, a business owner second. Instead of asking, “How can I sell you something?” a better question is, “How can I support you or someone you know?” That support might look like a referral, a collaboration, or just a thoughtful conversation that leaves a good impression.
When done well, networking isn’t about closing, it’s about opening – opening doors, opening minds, and opening relationships that can grow over time. As McCarthy pointed out, the most meaningful connections often come from honest, no-pressure conversations. Sometimes the biggest win is simply leaving someone with the thought, “I’d like to talk to her again.”
Of course, networking can take many forms. Sometimes it’s coffee and conversation, and other times, it’s policy meetings and big-picture planning. Heather Rath, founder of Heather Rath Consulting, built her business during the 2009 recession with one simple mission: to help others build momentum. She now works across the country with governments, nonprofits, developers, and grassroots organizations to move projects from concept to reality. Whether it’s workforce housing or preserving Gullah culture, Rath is usually the one connecting the dots behind the scenes.
“Nearly all of my business comes through relationships,” she said. “Many are long-held, others newly formed – but they all start with listening. Real listening.” For her, networking isn’t about small talk or self-promotion. It’s about identifying who belongs where, putting honest people in the right seats, and letting collaboration drive the results.
Rath believes women approach networking differently. “Women are relational-transactional. We start with connection. Men often start with the deal, and then connect.” Her advice? “Treat everyone you meet like they’re the most important person in the room, whether they’re the CEO or the person passing appetizers. It’s just good manners, and good manners make for good business.”
She also swears by handwritten thank-you notes – 365 a year. “Yes, I fall behind,” she said with a laugh, “but I catch up in batches. It matters.”
At the end of the day, networking isn’t a business skill – it’s a life skill. It’s about showing up for people, staying curious, and building bridges long before you need to cross them. Whether you’re trying to grow a business, find your people, or simply feel more connected in the community you call home, networking opens doors in unexpected and beautiful ways. And as we’ve seen from these remarkable Lowcountry women, when you lead with authenticity and generosity, the relationships you build will take you farther than any elevator pitch ever could.
Heather Rath, founder of Heather Rath Consulting, Photo Credit: Hilton Head Island Middle School
Ten Tips for Effective Networking
• Lead with curiosity. Ask questions. Be genuinely interested in the person across from you.
• Listen more than you talk. It’s not about the perfect pitch; it’s about real connection.
• Don’t sell – serve. Offer value before expecting anything in return.
• Follow up thoughtfully. A quick note, text, or email goes a long way.
• Be consistent. Networking is a habit, not a one-time event.
• Diversify your circles. Step outside your comfort zone. Meet new people, not just familiar faces.
• Come prepared. Keep a few open-ended questions in your back pocket.
• Lift others up. Make referrals, celebrate wins, and share opportunities.
• Be authentic. Show up as yourself. People connect with “real,” not rehearsed.
• Say “thank you.” Every time. And if it’s handwritten? Even better.
Lucy Rosen is the Chief Solutions Officer of SmartMarketing Communications, a Bluffton-based marketing and PR agency. She is the author of Fast Track Networking, Turning Conversations into Contacts, and is a frequent speaker on her favorite business subject, Networking for Success.
