Why Networking Is Your Fastest Career Accelerator
Why Networking Is Your Fastest Career Accelerator
Sonya Barlow x Greenwich Enterprise Challenge 2025
A few months ago, I officially entered my Dragon’s Den era. I had the honour of judging the Greenwich Enterprise Challenge 2025, hosted by the University of Greenwich. Out of 300 applications, I reviewed the final 12 entrepreneurs. Their talent, drive, and ambition were impressive, but it was how they showed up that really stood out.
Many weren’t just pitching business ideas, they were telling stories, making connections, asking for feedback, and learning in real-time. That’s when it hit me:
Your network is your greatest career accelerator.
It’s the people who vouch for you when you're not in the room. The conversations that spark ideas. The connections that turn into clients, collaborators or even co-founders.
Sonya Barlow x We Are Tech Festival 2025
Business Is Built on Relationships
After five years of building LMF NETWORK (Like Minded Females), I can tell you that success is less about what you know and more about who you’re building with.
I’ve learned that behind every opportunity, whether it’s a speaking gig, a new client, or a book deal, there was a conversation that came first. Someone who believed in the mission, or who passed my name along, or who simply asked, “Have you met Sonya?”
Your network helps you:
Learn faster through shared experience
Get into rooms you wouldn’t be in alone
Build confidence by showing up consistently
Networking Isn’t Just for Extroverts
Let’s bust the myth that networking is only for loud, outgoing personalities. You don’t need to be the most charismatic person in the room , you just need to be curious, kind, and consistent.
The best networkers ask questions, listen well, follow up, and build trust over time. They give value before asking for it. And they show up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
What Stood Out at the Greenwich Enterprise Challenge
At the Greenwich Enterprise Challenge, I wasn’t just listening for polished pitches or perfect business plans. I was paying attention to how each entrepreneur showed up:
Were they learning from their mistakes?
Did they show resilience and adaptability?
Were they open to feedback and growth?
Because real success, whether in business or career, comes from how you evolve through challenges and how you stay committed, even when it’s tough.
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the idea — it’s about your mindset, your network, and your ability to grow through the journey.
Final Thought: Build Your Circle Before You Need It
If you’re at the start of your career or shifting into something new, don’t wait to “feel ready” before building your network. The truth is, no one ever really feels ready, but every connection you make now lays the foundation for your future.
Show up at events.
Comment with intention.
Reach out with curiosity.
Ask good questions.
Offer value without expecting anything back.
And always follow up.
Because behind every opportunity is a person and behind every person is a potential connection waiting to be made.
Key Takeaway
Your career will grow at the speed of your relationships. The stronger and more intentional your network, the more doors will open, including ones you didn’t even know existed.
Key Advice
Networking isn’t about collecting contacts, but about building meaningful relationships. Be intentional, be human, and keep showing up. You never know where a conversation might lead.
📩 Want more business advice or want to work with me? Let’s make it happen. Email me: hello@sonyabarlow.co.uk
Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, presenter and author with over 100K followers. She hosts her self-titled YouTube show "The Sonya Barlow Show", authored the business book "Unprepared to Entrepreneur" and runs a business inclusion consultancy and careers app, the "LMF Network". You can work with Sonya for campaigns, content and conversation. Connect via email 📩 - Hello@SonyaBarlow.Co.Uk.