One of the most powerful advantages of being part of eWomenNetwork is the opportunity to connect across industries—what we call cross-networking. Cross-networking means building relationships outside of your field, and this often-overlooked strategy can be a game changer for your business.

From fresh perspectives to unexpected collaborations, cross-industry connections create innovation and growth in ways that staying within your industry simply can’t.

Here are some of our favorite benefits of the hidden benefits of cross-industry networking for women entrepreneurs. 

You get new perspectives and fresh ideas.

Our business challenges aren’t exclusive to one industry….time management, customer relationships, and growing pains exist everywhere. When you connect with someone in a different industry, you get a new perspective and maybe even discover a solution you’d never thought of. 

Try It Out: Reach out to someone in a completely different field. Share one current challenge, and ask how they would approach it. You might find a fresh angle or solution you hadn’t thought of. 

You can borrow what works for someone else. 

Every industry has its own set of best practices and creative strategies. One amazing thing that happens when you cross-network is learning about what is working from someone else and figuring out how to use it in your business. For example, a brick-and-mortar shop owner might learn something about brand loyalty from a fitness coach, leading to a creative new customer engagement strategy.

Try It Out: Attend a workshop or event entirely outside your industry. Jot down any ideas that could work in your business. Check out the lineup at your local library, chamber of commerce, or coworking space. These places always host a wide variety of workshops and classes. 

You can collaborate and tap into new customer bases.

One of our favorite benefits of cross-industry networking for women entrepreneurs is discovering partnership potential.

Collaboration is a powerful tool because you can reach two sets of customers with one project, which allows you to introduce yourself and your business to an entirely new customer base. These collaborations can lead to co-promotional opportunities, affiliate programs, joint ventures, or even new products that bring together expertise from both fields.

Try It Out:  Identify an industry that complements yours and brainstorm a collaborative offer that adds value for both of your customer bases. Get creative with it—there’s always a way to reach new markets.

Cross-industry networking doesn’t just expand your contacts—it expands your thinking, your opportunities, and your reach. By stepping outside of your familiar circles, you’re opening the door to new perspectives, strategies, and audiences that can transform your business. These connections lead to ideas and collaborations you simply can’t find when you stay within your own industry.

Are you ready to increase your cross-industry networking? Join eWomenNetwork, the #1 Business Community for Women Entrepreneurs!