If you’ve ever felt like the new kid at school clinging to the walls at a networking event, you are absolutely not alone. Building community as a female entrepreneur is a topic that comes up over and over in business circles, often with a heavy sigh and a little bit of dread. Why does it still feel so daunting, even when we know how important it is? Let’s dig into what it really takes to find (and foster) your kind of entrepreneurial community, based on some refreshingly honest conversation from someone who’s been in the trenches—and is all about holding the door open for everyone else.
Why Building Community as a Female Entrepreneur Feels So Overwhelming
First things first: the reality is that stepping out solo—especially after years in corporate where the community is basically served to you on a platter—can feel like you’re paddling upstream in the dark. The phrase “community building” gets tossed around like confetti, but what does it actually look like day-to-day? You join a bunch of Facebook groups. You show up (awkwardly) to in-person mixers. You pay for things like a Chamber of Commerce membership, hoping maybe this is where you’ll find your tribe. And way too often… it falls flat.
Why? Often, these spaces aren’t really invested in your personal growth. Maybe the people there don’t look like you, haven’t walked your path, don’t get where you’re at in your business. It can take a while (and sometimes too many wasted membership fees) before you realize: there are communities out there that get it, and you deserve to be part of one.
Community Is Connection, Not Just Collection
Here’s something that’s often missed: real community, the kind that lifts you up and makes you want to show up, is about actual connection, not just network-collecting. As one advocate for authentic networking puts it, “If it’s not in person connection, you need to be able to feel connected to the individual in some way, shape, and form.” Yes to that.
It’s not enough to just be in the same Zoom room. The heart of real community-bonding is simple, human attention. People remember if you get their kid’s name right, or if you know what they’re secretly struggling with. “I aim to get to know every single one of my members. I get to know every single thing about them,” she says—and that’s the bar we should set as we choose (or help shape) our own spaces.
Networking Tips for Female Entrepreneurs Who Feel Invisible
Okay, so what about those of us who aren’t the front-row, never-miss-a-hand-raise types? The “wallflowers,” as one woman described herself, who want community but aren’t sure how to make themselves seen? Here are a few gentle but solid tips that came up:
- Know your intentions. Before joining any group, ask yourself: Why am I here? Is it to find clients? Collaborators? Just to practice talking about what you do out loud? There’s no wrong answer, but your goal should shape where you show up.
- Be honest about your bandwidth. There are free and paid communities, but all require a time investment. “Are you just here to be here? Then you have to lower your expectations about what you’ll get out of it,” was the blunt advice.
- Start with your values. Don’t just chase the biggest or most popular group. Who’s leading it? Do you feel seen in their feed, their events, their vibe? If not, give yourself permission to walk away and try somewhere else. “If you can’t align with the leader… or they’re leading a lifestyle you’ll never want, it’s always a no-brainer for me. No, thank you.”
- Small gestures matter. Even if you’re not posting all the time, respond to one person’s share, DM someone after a call, or just show up (camera off if you need to!). Consistency builds trust, not perfection.
Community that Grows with You (Instead of Leaving You Behind)
Here’s the thing: “The community quite often mimics the leader.” If your networking group has an inclusive, curious, supportive leader? That attitude ripples down. If it’s all performative connection, you’ll feel it. And if the group doesn’t fit anymore, you don’t have to “earn” your spot there or feel guilty about moving on.
Look for diversity in backgrounds, meeting styles, and ways to connect. The best groups welcome you fully—whether you’re glammed up for a pitch or just there in sweats, hoping for a little encouragement. You deserve to be in a room (real or virtual) where people see you.
Ready to Start Building Community as a Female Entrepreneur?
If you’re hungry for connection and sick of feeling like a lurker, just know: the right kind of entrepreneurial community does exist for you, and your people might be one DM, one awkward “hello,” or one brunch away. Give yourself credit for putting yourself out there. Get clear about what you want (and need) from a group. And don’t hesitate to ask for advice or introductions—that’s what these communities are for.
Most of all, ditch the myth that you have to be someone else to network well. Building community as a female entrepreneur isn’t about hustling or selling all the time. It’s about mutual support, real conversation, and spaces where you (and your business) are allowed to grow—messily, courageously, beautifully.
So find your people. Or be the person who welcomes someone new in. That’s how we all win. Building a business is powerful—but building it alongside a supportive community? That’s unstoppable. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, remember: you don’t have to go it alone. Surround yourself with women who get it, share your wins, and hold space for the hard stuff too.
Stay connected. Stay inspired. Stay bold. You don’t have to build your business alone. Finding your people—those who see you, support you, and grow with you—is one of the most powerful moves you can make. Ready to cultivate real connections that fuel your purpose? Start today. Visit The Gal Project for community-centered resources that empower bold women building bold businesses.