This Ancient City

“It’s not what you know, but who you know.” So goes the adage. Networking has proven itself a powerful tool that fuels career growth. Northeast Florida is home to scores of women in business who leverage the power of strong networks. It is also home to an organization that outlines steps needed to build robust networks.

Women With Vision (WWV) is a Council of the St Johns County Chamber of Commerce. Their mission is to empower white-collar women through mentorship. They host speakers who expound upon topics germane to women’s leadership. This encourages members to embrace their vision, purpose and value. WWV averages upwards of 40-50 in attendance at their quarterly meetings. For a decade, Isabelle Renault has served as President and CEO of the Chamber. Under her tenure, WWV was launched in 2019. When it comes to St. Augustine’s networking culture, Renault knows the impact of face-to-face meetings - even as videoconferencing proliferates. Says Renault, “Even though we’re a growing community, people like to meet people in person.” When gathering, it is important to establish common ground. “See what you can do to help that person,” Renault advises. She refers to this process as “netweaving” - a holistic experience whereby providing value makes a person and her services memorable enough to subsequently articulate them to other parties with ease. St. Augustine remains a “small town” at heart despite a booming backdrop of development. Reputation is everything. You might say your name enters the room before you do.

Jennifer Howard is a CPA who has been a member of WWV since 2023. She is a colleague of Renault’s with a harmonious vision of effective networking. Says Howard, “I’ve found that building strong relationships happens when you offer value first—whether that’s sharing expertise…or simply being present to listen.” Adopting a genuine approach with routine follow up also plays a vital role.

Research published in Social Networks suggests that women surpass men in their ability to map informal networks. The potential to leverage this “superpower” cannot be overstated. Enter the advantage of shared connections.

The Academy of Management Journal distributed a study which found that women are approximately one-third more likely than men to build high-status networks via third-party mutual connections. We might think of this as degrees of separation woven with credibility. By bridging the gap between a female professional and a member of a high status network, otherwise out of reach connections are holistically forged. These negotiated links hold special advantage for women. Their edge is driven by transcending a connection with a wholesale endorsement - bundling with it favorable character testimony. The trust baked into these networks implies consistency in referring only high quality, scrutinized professionals. Such recommendations can level the playing field - opening up otherwise inaccessible inner circles colored by bias.

When authenticity, value propositions and inclusivity align, all can rightly celebrate the resulting success. Female business owners continue to be a force for good in our first coast community.