Building a strong network takes time and effort, but it's worth it. These tips will help you get a good pool of people you can connect with for your ventures and adventures:

1. Get involved in your industry. Attend industry events, join trade associations, and volunteer for committees. This will help you meet people who can help you further your career.

2. Develop relationships with people you admire. These could be people who are already in positions of power or people who are up-and-comers like you. Either way, they can introduce you to other influential people and help you get your foot in the door.

3. Be a resource for others. When you become known as someone who is helpful and provides value, people will be more likely to want to help you in return.

4. Keep in touch with your network. Stay in touch with the people you meet, even if you don't see them often. Send them articles or information that might be helpful, invite them to lunch, or just drop them a note to say hello. According to research by LinkedIn, people who stay in touch with their network are 3 times more likely to get a job than those who don't.

Did you know:  In2016, women made up only 5 %(27) of executive officers at S&P 500companies.

5. Get a mentor. A mentor is someone who can guide you, give you advice, and introduce you to important people. If you don't have a mentor, look for someone who can fill that role. For instance, you might ask a more experienced colleague to be your mentor. A mentor can be incredibly helpful in advancing your career. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, people with mentors are more likely to get promoted and earn higher salaries. Even CEOs!

6. Be a mentor yourself. As you become more successful, pay it forward by mentoring someone else. This is a great way to give back and help others while also expanding your own network. For instance, you might mentor a younger colleague or a woman starting her own business. Mentorship can be a mutually beneficial relationship. Not only will you help someone else, but you'll also learn from them and gain insights into different industries and fields.

7. Give referrals. When you refer someone for a job or opportunity, you're not only helping them, but you're also helping yourself. The person you refer will be grateful, and they'll be more likely to return the favor in the future. Referrals can help you meet new people and expand your network. According to a study by Forbes, referrals are the best way to build your network.

Bonus tip: Use social media. Social media is a great way to connect with people, even if you're not in the same room. It's also a great way to stay up-to-date on industry news and developments. LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are all great platforms for networking. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of adults use social media to connect with others.

8. Join an online community. There are many online communities for women in business. These can be great places to connect with other like-minded women and get advice and support. Some popular online communities include She Worx, Lean In, and Ellevate Network.

Bonus tip: Be authentic. When you're networking, it's important to be genuine and authentic. People can spot a phoney from a mile away, so don't try to be someone you're not. Be yourself, and people will be more likely to want to connect with you.

9. Give back. Once you've achieved success, don't forget to help others who are just starting out. Pay it forward and help them build their own networks of powerful friends. How can you give back? Well, you might:

10. Share your expertise. When you share your knowledge, you're helping others while also building your own credibility. For instance, you might give a presentation at an industry conference or write an article for a trade publication.

11. Connect people. Use your network to connect people who can help each other. For instance, you might introduce a job seeker to a potential employer or connect two businesses that could benefit from working together.

12. Volunteer for or join professional organizations: These are great places to meet like-minded people who can help you further your career. For instance, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is a great organization for women entrepreneurs. As per a study by the Center for American Progress, professional networks are one of the most important resources for women in business.

Bonus tip: Make networking a habit. Networking shouldn't be something you only do when you need something. It should be a regular part of your life. When you make networking a habit, it will be easier and more natural, and you'll be more likely to meet people who can help you achieve your goals.

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