As a working mom, you have a lot on your plate. Between juggling work, home life, and all the other responsibilities that come with motherhood, there's very little time or energy left for anything else. And yet, if at some point you want to advance your career or make a career shift, one of the most important things you can do is networking.

But let’s be real: networking can feel intimidating, time-consuming, and sometimes even downright uncomfortable—especially when you're trying to balance family life alongside your career. The good news is that networking doesn’t have to look like the traditional, “Mad Men”-style corporate events where you’re shaking hands and trading business cards. Instead, you can approach networking in a way that fits into your busy life and works for you.

Rethinking Networking: It’s All About Visibility

When people think about networking, many picture corporate mixers, speed networking events, or working the room at a conference. Maybe you think of the post-work happy hours that seem to be an essential part of professional life in the traditional 9-to-5 world. While these events might be effective for some, they aren’t realistic for most working moms, especially if you have young children at home and a tight schedule that includes picking up from school or daycare at a set time each day.

But here’s the thing: networking doesn’t have to look like this. At its core, networking is about being visible—making sure that people remember who you are, what you’re doing, and what you have to offer. When you keep yourself top of mind with others, you increase your chances of being considered for promotions, new opportunities, or job offers when they come up.

Visibility doesn’t have to require hours spent at networking events. In fact, it doesn’t even have to require any “traditional” networking at all. It’s about creating connections and staying in touch with the people who matter to your career, even in small, manageable ways. The goal is to ensure that when opportunities come up, you’re one of the first people someone thinks of.

Simple Ways to Stay Top of Mind

You don’t need to devote hours each week to networking. In fact, some of the most effective ways to stay visible take just a few minutes, and they can easily be integrated into your already busy life. Here are a few simple strategies to help you stay top of mind:

Leverage LinkedIn
Whether you love it or hate it, LinkedIn is still one of the most powerful professional networking tools available today. You don’t have to post long articles or update your profile every week, but you can stay visible by liking, commenting, or sharing other people's posts. You’d be surprised how powerful this can be. When you engage with someone’s post, your name and profile photo appear next to it, which increases the chances that they’ll think of you the next time an opportunity arises.
Reach Out Thoughtfully
Take the initiative to send a quick message or note to someone you’ve worked with in the past. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. A simple message like, “Hey, I was thinking about you today. I really appreciated working together on that project a while back. Hope you’re doing well!” can help keep you on their radar without taking up too much time.
Share Articles and Resources
If you come across an article, podcast, or resource that you think someone in your network would find interesting, send it their way. A short message like, “I thought you might find this interesting. Hope you're doing well!” shows that you’re thinking of them and keeps you in their mind without much heavy lifting.
Stay Active in Industry Conversations
You don’t have to be a prolific poster to stay visible in your industry. A simple way to stay engaged is by commenting on or sharing industry-related news and updates. If someone in your network sees your comment or post, they’ll be reminded of your skills and your professional presence.

Overcoming the Fear of Networking

A lot of working moms hesitate to network because they worry about what it might lead to. What if they get promoted but don’t have the time or energy to handle the increased responsibility? What if they change careers, but it’s too overwhelming? It’s understandable to have these concerns, and it’s important to remember that networking doesn’t force you to do anything you’re not ready for.

Networking is simply about staying visible and open to opportunities, without feeling obligated to take on more than you can handle. If you're worried about managing a bigger role or a career change, it’s okay to pause and take the time you need to assess your readiness. Networking can be a way to explore options and find out what feels right for you—whether that’s a promotion, a career shift, or even stepping away from work for a while to focus on family. But you are making no commitments. You're simply gathering information and potential ideas for when you're ready - now or in the future.

How to Make Networking Work for You

The idea of networking might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a huge lift. The key is to make networking work for your specific lifestyle. Here are a few ideas to help you incorporate networking into your day-to-day routine:

Get Creative: If traditional networking events don’t fit into your schedule, think outside the box. Could you schedule a Zoom coffee chat with a colleague or mentor? Can you connect with someone during your lunch break or before work starts?
Be Intentional: Choose to network when it makes sense for your career goals. If you’re happy where you are, networking might just be a way to stay connected. If you’re looking for a promotion or career change, make sure your efforts align with those goals.
Consistency is Key: Networking doesn’t require big efforts. Just make a habit of staying in touch regularly—whether it’s engaging on social media, sending a quick message, or simply letting someone know you’re thinking of them.

The Long-Term Benefits of Networking for Working Moms

One of the best things about networking is that it pays off in the long run. By staying visible, you’re building a network of people who can help you when the time comes to make a career move—whether you need a reference, a recommendation, or advice.

Networking doesn’t only benefit you when you’re actively looking for a job or promotion. It helps you create a network of support and mentorship that can sustain you throughout your career. Plus, when you’ve built these relationships over time, you won’t have to worry about scrambling to network when you need something. The connections will already be there.

What Are You Waiting For?

Networking doesn’t have to be a big, stressful task. In fact, it can be a fun and simple way to stay connected to your professional world, even when life feels chaotic. Regardless of where you are or what you want for your career, small, consistent actions can make all the difference.

By thinking of networking as a way to stay visible—not a chore or obligation—you’ll create opportunities for yourself without feeling overwhelmed. So, start small. Get creative. Stay visible. And remember, networking isn’t just about what you can gain—it’s about building a community of support that can carry you through any season of life.