EPISODE 09 | What if we stopped networking and built a community instead?
Networking doesn’t have to be awkward or exhausting. Allison Venditti shows how building a community of peers—not chasing mentors—can unlock real opportunities, connections, and career growth for women.
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Key takeaways
Most opportunities come from relationships, not applications. Up to 70% of senior roles are never publicly posted, and referrals drive a huge percentage of hires.
Networking isn’t transactional — it’s relational. The real value happens in follow-up and ongoing connection, not events.
Women don’t need more mentors — they need peers. Peership creates long-term career momentum because you grow alongside each other.
Consistency matters more than intensity. Small, regular acts of connection (“pebbling”) build stronger networks over time.
Networking is a long-term investment. It may not provide instant results, but it delivers the highest career ROI.
Community works better than traditional networking. Spaces designed for real connection — especially stage-of-life communities — create belonging and opportunity. The Collective is a great example.
Your network directly impacts your earning potential. Networked roles can pay significantly more than jobs secured through cold applications.
Join The Collective
An exclusive community that helps moms build their own boys’ club (but way better).
FAQs
What’s the difference between networking and community?
Traditional networking often focuses on transactions — who can help you right now. Community focuses on relationships built over time, where support, information, and opportunities flow both ways.
Why does networking feel harder for women?
Many networking spaces were not designed with women — especially mothers — in mind. They often reward visibility and self-promotion rather than relationship-building, which is where many women naturally excel.
Do I really need to network if I’m not job searching?
Yes. The most effective networking happens before you need something. Relationships built over time are what lead to referrals, insider information, and unexpected opportunities.
How much time should I spend networking?
Networking doesn’t have to mean events every week. It can include online engagement, coffee chats, reconnecting with colleagues, or small check-ins. Consistency matters more than volume.
What is “pebbling”?
Pebbling is the practice of maintaining relationships through small acts — commenting on someone’s post, sending a quick message, sharing opportunities, or checking in. These small moments compound into strong professional relationships.
Is networking really more valuable than courses or certifications?
For career mobility and compensation growth, relationships often provide a higher return than credentials alone because opportunities come through people.
Episode 09 Transcript
Hi, I’m Allison Venditti and this is the Moms at Work podcast. I’ve been an HR professional and a career coach for over a decade, and our team has helped thousands of women grow their careers. So whether you’re burnt out, underpaid, or just plain fed up, this podcast is here to fuel your fire, connect you to our movement, and help you take your career to the next level.
On today’s episode, we’re talking about what really drives Moms at Work: networking versus community. I’ve done other episodes on networking—how important it is for job growth, job hunting, and growing your business. But today, we’ll talk about how Moms at Work approaches networking differently, why it’s so important specifically for women, especially mothers, and why the right kind of connections matter.
Moms at Work exists because I hated networking. I hated networking in women’s groups. I’m not someone who presents well in a power suit—I’m currently wearing a Star Wars shirt, obviously. I felt like I didn’t fit in corporate, and I didn’t fit in networking events either. That’s why I started Moms at Work: I wanted a better way to network.
Not every networking group or method works for everyone. So today, we’ll explore options and how to approach networking in a way that actually works.
Here’s a key number: 70% of senior-level jobs are not posted publicly. LinkedIn surveys show that while only 7% of applications are referrals, referrals account for 40% of hires and have the highest conversion rate from application to hire. That’s huge.
But it’s not just about starting to network—it’s about maintaining connections. Fifty percent of people struggle to keep up with their networks, often due to being busy or other commitments. Millennials are said to have the hardest time maintaining connections, though I haven’t verified this.
People who credit networking for their success spend about 6.3 hours a week on networking activities. That may seem like a lot, but networking isn’t just attending events—it’s also online connections, social activities, and everyday interactions. You never know where your next opportunity might come from.
Networking is essentially about building relationships. And in today’s job market, where people no longer stay in one job forever, growing and maintaining networks—both inside and outside your organization—has the highest return on investment for your career. Not courses, not certifications, not MBAs. Networking matters more.
Here’s where women often stumble:
Hunting for mentors – Senior-level women are frequently approached for mentorship, and it’s not sustainable. Instead, focus on Peership—connections with peers at your level or slightly above. These are the people who will grow into leadership roles and help you advance.
Seeking tangible results – High-performing women often prefer measurable outcomes, like courses or certifications. But networking doesn’t give instant gratification; it’s long-term investment.
Networking only when needed – Waiting until you’re job searching is far less effective. Building your network proactively is key.
A networked new job typically pays about 30% more than a non-networked job. That’s an incredible return on investment.
When it comes to networking, think relationships, not transactions. Events aren’t where friendships happen—they’re just the tip of the iceberg. The magic happens in follow-up. If you meet one or two people and follow up, you’ve done very well.
Focus on industry-specific, local, and stage-of-life groups. Stage-of-life groups could be soccer leagues, hobby groups, or other communities with people in a similar life phase. These groups can connect you with people who truly understand your experiences.
One-on-one connections are also powerful. Reach out on LinkedIn, ask for coffee, or connect online. The most successful women combine broad networks with tight-knit circles of female peers. Research shows men benefit from being central in their networks, but women also need private information—insights about leadership, culture, and day-to-day realities—to succeed.
Events often fail women because they’re not designed for connection. Look for events that create space to interact, give access to organizers and speakers, and foster meaningful conversation. Meeting organizers and connectors—people who know everyone—can save you hundreds of hours of networking.
I call this pebbling: small acts of connection, like commenting on posts, sending notes, and maintaining relationships over time. Find connectors—they can help you navigate your network efficiently.
The world is online now. LinkedIn, Instagram, and virtual events make it easier than ever to meet people outside your city or country.
Think about networking like a course that guarantees a $30K salary increase. People would commit hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars for that. Networking is exactly that: a skill that can earn you money, make friends, and help you land better jobs.
I’m Allison Venditti, reminding you that you’re doing a good job.