Mapping Your Network: How to Build and Strengthen Your Support System

Whether we like to admit it or not, decades have passed — and we still haven’t become part of the “men’s club.” No matter how successful we are, women continue to face invisible barriers, missed opportunities, and social expectations that shape how, with whom, and how easily we network. And no — it’s not because we lack skills or ambition. We’re navigating structures that were never fully designed for us or even open to us. So the question is: is this truly the reality — and is there a solution?

Is networking really harder for women?

A UK study, Gender Differences in Networking (2020), showed that although men and women build networks of similar size, the benefits they gain from them are far from equal. Another study, Why Women Build Less Effective Networks Than Men, explains why: structural and social factors consistently limit women’s networking outcomes. In simple terms, men tend to keep women out of power centers, women receive fewer opportunities to build instrumental connections, and societal norms still view women who network assertively with a degree of disapproval.

So what can be done?

The answer is intentional and strategic: consciously build a network big enough — and diverse enough — to give you both mentorship and sponsorship. This is your first step.

What is a contact map and why do you need one?

A contact map is a simple yet powerful tool that helps you clearly see your full circle of connections. In everyday life we often forget how many people we actually know. When you place all your contacts onto one visual map — from family and friends, to colleagues, neighbors, mentors, and acquaintances — you get a realistic picture of the network that supports you.

It also becomes a visual reminder not to neglect meaningful relationships and to nurture the ones that could open new doors at the right moment.

A contact map also reveals the weak spots in your professional network. Maybe you have a strong personal circle but lack professional connections or a mentor. When you see this laid out clearly, it becomes much easier to set goals and intentionally strengthen the areas that need support. In your career, this map is especially valuable — it speeds up access to information, opportunities, and recommendations. It’s a strategic tool that helps you manage relationships wisely, build credibility, and progress faster in the direction you want.

How to Create Your Contact Map

The good news? This isn’t complicated — and it doesn’t require any special skill. Simply follow the steps and the graphic we provided.

Step #1 — Identify all areas in which you interact with people

These aren’t just work relationships. Maybe you’re a familiar face at your gym. Maybe your whole neighborhood knows you. Perhaps your hairdresser’s regular clients are practically your acquaintances. Every area of your life gives you contacts that belong on your map. Identify these groups and assign each one a circle — just like in our visual example.
Avoid the common mistake of leaving out entire categories.

Step #2 — List the people in each category

Write down the individuals you are currently in touch with — or have been in the past six months — in each area you identified.
Which former colleagues are you still connected with? Who is active in your school-parent Viber group? Who do you grab coffee with after the gym? Fill each circle with the real names from your life.

Step #3 — Identify people you’ve lost touch with

Now take a step back and rethink each category:
Who have I lost contact with, but who could be significant for my career or growth?
Add these names to the map and give yourself the task of reconnecting with them over the next month.

Step #4 — Evaluate the strength of your connections

Start with three simple labels: strong, moderate, and weak ties. Mark them with different colors if you wish. This step shows you how much support, influence, or opportunity each connection can realistically provide.

Step #5 — Put your map to use

Don’t expect networking magic to happen overnight — but you’re now on the right path.
Choose a time each week dedicated to nurturing your connections. It doesn’t have to be a conference or formal business lunch — it could be coffee with a friend, a chat with a colleague you haven’t seen in a while, or a quick message to someone important in your circle.

Make time for people. Listen to them. Be open when you need help.
At some point, you’ll notice that the “magic” happened naturally — and it all began with one simple graphic.