5 Networking Tips for Women of Color Entrepreneurs
How to connect, show up, and network as your authentic self.
Ten years ago, I immigrated from my home in Bali, Indonesia, to the United States to build a business with my now-husband. In my early 20s with zero connections and business experience (I am a digital designer, mind you), I climbed each rung of the career ladder to create the network I needed to establish the digital agency I co-founded, Chykalophia.
Though networking itself presents a set of challenges, I faced more than I expected — a fact I attribute, in part, to being a minority — a woman of color (WOC), to be precise.
The number of minority-owned businesses represent 18 percent of the population. Women-led tech startups received only 2.3 percent of venture capital (VC) funding in 2020. Data also shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, firms owned by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) were more likely to report experiencing financial challenges. Though the reports are not women-specific, they point to the challenges WOC entrepreneurs face in growing their businesses overall.
In addition to balancing personal and professional lives, lacking support systems and mentoring opportunities, and encountering inherently biased social expectations, WOC and BIPOC entrepreneurs face challenges when it comes to raising or borrowing money to grow their businesses, according to research by the grassroots organization, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.
So, what does this mean?
Venture capital and social bias won’t change overnight, so WOC and BIPOC entrepreneurs need to be extra creative in finding ways to grow their businesses. One foolproof method is networking.
Below are five networking tips for WOC and BIPOC entrepreneurs — like myself — that I use even today.
1. Start online
The first tip doesn’t require you to step out of your home. Open your computer and search for terms such as “entrepreneur network groups near me” or “small business support for women of color.” Or add areas you may want to learn more about — for example, “women-friendly accelerators.” You get the idea.
Let’s not forget social media platforms (like Facebook and LinkedIn) have tons of groups you can search for as well. And if it is a real-time dialogue you crave, download the app Clubhouse. There are real-time conversations happening day and night.
Since there are so many to choose from — here are the WOC groups I’ve found useful. Most of these groups are based in the United States, although some are global. In full disclosure, I have no affiliate relationship with any of these groups, but they have helped me on my journey.
National Associations:
Facebook Groups:
LinkedIn Groups:
Once you join a group, it’s essential you be proactive.
Introduce yourself.
You need to grab the other group members’ attention with your first post. Pick the best picture of you or your company, tell them who you are and what you do, and don’t forget to thank the group moderator for accepting your request to join. Also, be sure to read and follow the rules of the group. Most are similar, but the last thing you want is to get kicked out.
When you introduce yourself, make sure your post looks and sounds professional, and approachable. And, if appropriate, let others know what pain point of theirs you can help solve. Less is more, so read your post out loud before posting it, and run a spell check on it. Adding a gentle call to action is also recommended — something like, “I’d like to get to know you, too. Please introduce yourselves in the comment so we can connect!”
Join the conversation.
When other group members post on a topic that interests you, leave a comment, and press that like button. Give members a sincere compliment and let them get to know you through you expressing your opinions and experience.
Remember, when you have something to say, don’t shy away. Write a post and let the group members engage.
Reach out to individuals.
After engaging with a group for a few weeks, you may notice people who actively join conversations. Add these people to your network if you can learn from them or offer a barter of services down the road.
2. Attend one-on-one meetings
Big networking events can make you feel anxious if you’re an introvert, even more so if you’re an early-stage entrepreneur.
At some point, consider attending an in-person panel or meeting. Maybe for your first few, listen and build your confidence, but set a goal that you will meet X people during the event. Even if the connection seems only tangentially related to your area of expertise, you never know when it might help you or someone else in your network down the road.
If the image of you striking up a conversation gives you chills, I recommend you opt for one-on-one meetings — at least at the beginning of your networking journey. In fact, you can prep for the meeting ahead of time by looking at the list of attendees and reviewing who they are on LinkedIn, so you can prioritize who you want to meet in the time you have.
Once you have connected with a few people from either online groups or local Meetups, consider inviting them for a coffee or brunch where you can talk more freely about business and life. If they are not nearby, Zoom or Google Meet is also an option.
If you are more confident talking to a group, consider hosting a Meetup if you can find a space. You benefit as the host by meeting a group all at once, learning more about their business, and introducing your business to them.
3. Refrain from hard-selling yourself
So, you’ve picked a date, and now you’re in the same room, with refreshments and snacks to break the ice — awesome! You’re building the first of your many network(s) and it’s natural for you to want to tell them all your business ideas (or struggles).
Hang on. Don’t dominate the conversation. Ask your new colleagues about their businesses and if you can help. Learn what they’re trying to achieve and add value if you can, or find a colleague in the group who may be able to help them. Ensure the group has a format where everyone has a chance to participate.
Let business talk flow naturally, and remember building friendships is also valuable.
4. Take a course or master class
Once you’ve honed in on where you need support, consider joining a course or a master class. LinkedIn offers many courses for free. Master classes often charge people, but may agree on payment plans.
In these courses or master classes, you will be with people who share your interests and are likely at the same level as you. You will also gain knowledge and be able to ask questions. Some of these groups also keep you accountable.
Choose classes that suit your goals, your schedule — and your budget.
5. Find a mentor
Having a mentor can boost your career and help you find your way forward. A mentor does more than just teach you — they will guide you when you’re at crossroads and help you course-correct if you are on the verge of going off track. Entrepreneurship requires both confidence and humility. Your mentor will hopefully see the forest through the trees when you become myopic.
Plus, a mentor will connect you to others, as your mentor likely has other mentees. Ensure you both understand what you are giving and getting in the relationship in terms of times and goals. If your mentor guides those in a similar field as you, there may be an opportunity for collaboration.
During my career, I have worked with powerful female mentors who helped turbo-boost my network and career. I realize today how mentorship is a gem for any woman — or anyone ready to learn. I have also begun mentoring women in business and design. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and send me a message if you’re looking for a mentor. If I am not the right fit, I may be able to help you find someone in your field.
I’ve been in your shoes. The best part of mentorship is paying forward to what my mentors gave me.
This expert produced this original thought leadership piece free of charge to SheVentures. This expert values educating female entrepreneurs and the SheVentures community. SheVentures is not receiving affiliate compensation from the author/expert. Questions? Contact social@sheventurespodcast.com.
