Every now and then, we all need a little help. But, as it turns out, we aren’t always likely to seek it out – especially when it comes to professional problems.

A new study conducted by Hyve Group, an organisation that hosts networking events, explored our attitudes towards networking. After polling around 2,000 UK workers this August, Hyve found a gender divide in our approach to using our networks. Men (35%) are far more likely than women (27%) to use their professional networks for salary awareness. Almost a quarter of the women surveyed claimed that they had no use for their networks, while only 14% of men made the same claim. And while 66% of men claimed they would lean on their network in times of need, only 43% of women said the same.

“The data shows that there is still some way to go in helping women feel empowered to network and lean on their professional connections in times of need,” said Jo Rabbett, chief of staff at Hyve. 

In other words, men use their networks more than women. Could it be that women are missing a trick? We spoke to Laura Cloke, a career coach, about the benefits of using your network and how learning to lean on your peers can be a career game-changer.

Why do women tend to be less likely to lean on their network for professional help?

According to Cloke, it’s not always a case of women not using their networks when they need help – rather, she believes that women are simply more likely to lean on personal networks instead of professional ones. 

“My first thought is, are women using their personal networks for this sort of support?” she asks. “I’ve seen various articles about men not really having as many strong groups of friends as women do, so perhaps when they need support they don’t have that personal network to turn to.” 

Cloke added that her own tendency would be to lean on friendships rather than professional connections if she needed help at work.

However, there is another reason why women may not lean on their professional connections in times of need: our old friend imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome has been shown to affect around two-thirds of women. If women feel a lack of confidence in their role, they may be less likely to reach out to colleagues and other professional peers for support.

Finally, women may simply feel a bit ‘icky’ about networking. “I think we often think of networking as a room full of people all talking about what they can sell you,” says Cloke, “but it is so much more than that.”

Why is networking a vital part of work and career progression?

While you may shy away from building a network and then leaning on those professional connections, if you can push past the barrier (whether it be imposter syndrome or merely an icky feeling), you can unlock a new and very useful support system.

“I think networking offers you so much potential to learn and grow in your career,” Cloke says. “I see networking as a chance to work on my personal brand and build my reputation, a chance to learn from people who are doing the things I want to do, and making connections with people who might be able to support my career in some way.”

Cloke is part of three official networks. 

“WIBN Kent (Women in Business Kent) is where I meet fellow business owners over lunch to share our work, learn about topics such as cyber security and finances for small businesses and, most importantly, build relationships with other women in the area,” she tells us. “I only joined a few months ago but I’m already feeling like I have a great group of women who are supporting me.”

She’s also part of Women On Boards, where she meets women who are “at various stages of their board journey”. This group has given her new opportunities to learn from women who are more experienced and further along in their careers.

“I’ve made some great connections with people who are in a similar position to me and we support each other through sharing articles, being each other’s cheerleader when we get a rejection and generally supporting one another to get a great board position,” she tells us.

Finally, in AllBright Business Breakfasts, an online group, Cloke has made connections and found new career opportunities.

What tips would you offer a woman who is anxious about networking for any reason?

Networking (and following up with your connections for support) can be intimidating and might even feel downright awkward.

However, give it a chance – and remember, not every networking event is the same. Although you might imagine a room full of suits and handshakes, making new professional connections can be far more personal and down-to-earth.

“My main bit of advice would be to remember that term networking covers a huge range of activities, and there will be events and opportunities out there that suit you,” Cloke says. 

If you’re interested in building a network, the first step is to think about what you can gain from this support system. 

“It’s not all about getting something from other people; it can be an opportunity to showcase your expertise, build your personal reputation or make connections with people who will inspire you in your career,” she says. “Of course, there are times when having a connection you can call on can be really helpful, but the other benefits are just as important.”

Once you know why you want to expand your network, Cloke says, showing up to events becomes a lot easier.

She adds, “I also think that sometimes it is worth having an open mind and seeing what happens when you just allow yourself to have a chat with other people and see what you talk about.”

So, open your mind, get out there and don’t be afraid to call on your network when you need it.

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Images: Getty