Written by Vicky White, Founder of White Communications & Leader of COCO Women Founders

Drawing on over 14 years of running my digital marketing agency, White Communications, and my experience building and growing COCO Women Founders, here’s a breakdown of the key lessons I have learnt.

From One Conversation to Building Two Businesses

My journey into self-employment started when I was 28, with a four-month-old baby and a lot of uncertainty about what was next. My first networking event was a 6am breakfast meeting. Not glamorous, not easy… but pivotal. That one decision led to my first client.

Since then:

• I’ve spent 14 years running White Communications, my digital marketing agency 
• I recently acquired COCO Women Founders, a community supporting women in business 
• COCO now runs events across High Wycombe, Amersham, Beaconsfield, Marlow and Thame, running masterminds, workshops, social events and 90-day planning sessions 

But the thread running through everything has been the same: networking. Not in a forced or transactional way, but through showing up, building relationships, and staying connected over time. And interestingly, it was never about “getting business” for me. That’s why it happened naturally. Your next opportunity really can start with one conversation.

What Is COCO Women Founders?

COCO Women Founders exists to bring ambitious women together in a supportive, collaborative environment where they can genuinely grow their businesses. It’s not just networking. It’s community.

We offer:

• 90-day planning sessions 
• Online mastermind groups 
• Monthly workshops 
• In-person networking meet-ups 
• Social events 
• A space for accountability, support and collaboration 

The goal is simple: to create meaningful relationships that lead to growth, confidence, and opportunities.

Why Networking Really Matters

Networking is often misunderstood as something you do to “sell yourself”. But the real value is much deeper.

Networking is about:

• Building trust 
• Increasing visibility 
• Learning from others 
• Opening doors to opportunity 
• Finding collaborators and supporters 
• Building confidence in yourself and your business 

As I was always taught (and still believe today): People buy from people they know, like and trust.

The Biggest Networking Myth

One of the biggest misconceptions is this: “I need to be confident to network.” The truth? Most people walking into networking events feel nervous. Even the experienced ones. The difference isn’t confidence - it’s connection.

The best networkers:

• Ask questions 
• Listen properly 
• Stay curious 
• Focus on helping others 
• Build relationships over time 

Networking isn’t a performance. It’s a conversation.

Before the Event: Preparation Matters

Networking success often starts before you even arrive. A little preparation goes a long way.

Before attending:

• Be clear on what you want from the event 
• Prepare a simple introduction 
• Think about who you might want to meet 
• Have a few conversation starters ready 
• Set realistic goals for the session, for example:
  • Meet 3–5 new people 
  • Have one meaningful conversation 
  • Make one follow-up connection 

It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality.

Your Introduction (Without Overthinking It)

One of the biggest blocks people face is their “elevator pitch”. The truth is - you don’t need a script. You need clarity and natural conversation.

A simple structure:

1. Who you help 
2. What problem you solve 
3. Why you love doing it 

For example: “I run a boutique digital marketing agency helping businesses improve visibility online and generate leads through strategic content and campaigns. I love what I do because I enjoy helping small businesses and solopreneurs thrive."

Simple. Clear. Human.

Conversation Starters That Actually Work

Great networking doesn’t start with pitching, it starts with curiosity.

Easy conversation starters:

• What brought you here today? 
• What kind of business do you run? 
• What are you working on right now? 
• How did you get into your industry? 

And here’s the most important tip: People will remember how you made them feel far more than what you said.

How To Build Real Connections

The goal of networking is not to “work the room”. It’s to build relationships.

To stand out:

• Listen actively 
• Remember people’s names 
• Introduce others to each other 
• Share opportunities where you can 
• Follow up thoughtfully afterwards 
• Show up consistently online and in person 

And most importantly, don’t rush it. Not every conversation leads to immediate business. Some of the best ones take time.

The Follow-Up Is Where The Magic Happens

If networking is the seed, follow-up is where it grows. Most opportunities don’t happen at the event, they happen after it.

Within 24–48 hours:

• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Send a short message or email
• Reference your conversation 
• Offer something useful if relevant 
• Suggest a coffee or follow-up call 

A simple message is enough: “It was lovely meeting you yesterday. I really enjoyed our conversation about your business journey. Shall we arrange a coffee to talk further”

That’s it. Keep it natural.

What NOT To Do

Some common networking mistakes:

• Talking only about yourself 
• Trying to sell too quickly 
• Collecting contacts without following up 
• Staying only with people you already know 
• Comparing yourself to others 
• Expecting instant results 

Networking is not a pitch event. It’s relationship building.

The Power of Community

The right community can completely change your business experience.

It can:

• Build confidence 
• Create accountability 
• Lead to collaborations and referrals 
• Reduce the feeling of isolation 
• Support personal and professional growth 

Community creates momentum. And momentum creates growth.

Key Takeaways

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

• You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room 
• Focus on genuine conversation 
• Relationships take time 
• Follow-up is essential 
• Support others generously 
• Opportunities often come unexpectedly 

And most importantly: One conversation really can change everything.

Final Thought

Your network is one of your most valuable business assets. So, start conversations. Stay visible. Keep showing up.

Written by Vicky White, Founder of White Communications & Leader of COCO Women Founders

If you would like to join COCO Women Founders, we are offering BBF members their first months' membership free - and no upfront cost. Saving over £60!