Emma Grede’s take on networking that every female business owner should hear

Yesterday I saw a clip of Emma Grede on a talk show.

Now, up until last year I had no idea who she was — but she’s actually the business mind behind some of the most successful global brands, including Skims and Good American, partnering with several of the Kardashian sisters.

During the interview, she was asked about networking, and her response really struck a chord with me — because it’s something I often talk about with my clients.

You see, I love a good chat and meeting new people, but I also know how much time can be eaten up by travelling to events, chatting, and following up. And while I absolutely agree that your network is hugely important in your business journey, you also have to be mindful of whether the rooms you’re in are actually the right fit for where you are in your journey.

Emma’s take was that networking needs to be purposeful and meaningful — and that we should prioritise what we say yes to based on our values and principles, not because everyone else is doing it.

She explained that while building your network is crucial, it doesn’t have to happen in the traditional “networking” environment.

It can be the professionals who already support your business, other business owners you’ve connected with, or small groups of like-minded women who genuinely want to grow together.

That’s exactly why I created the Glasgow Women’s Growth Collective — an exclusive space for my 1-1 clients and group coaching graduates. Not as a place to sell to one another, but as a space for meaningful connections — where we grow our businesses alongside one another, not in competition.

So, as we head into the weekend and you start planning the week ahead, here’s a little thought:

If you’re planning on attending a networking event — pause for a moment and ask yourself,
👉 Is this purposeful?
👉 Is it meaningful?

Because the right connections will move your business forward.
The wrong ones will just take up your time.

Have a great weekend,
Speak soon,

Cherie