When you attend a networking meeting—virtually or in person—how do you feel when you spot another woman in the same industry as you?
For many entrepreneurs, the first thought is: This won’t work for me. She’s my competition.
It’s a natural reaction. We’ve been conditioned by a masculine-energy model that frames business as survival of the fittest.
But here’s the truth:
She is not your competition. She may very well become your greatest collaborator, referral partner, and even friend.
Why She’s Not Your Competition
Let’s say you’re a health coach. At a meeting, you meet another health coach. Do you pack up your business cards and shrink away? No! Get curious.
Ask about her clients, her methodology, her energy. You’ll likely discover you serve different audiences. For example:
- You may help women in their 50s and 60s navigate menopause.
- She may focus on helping diabetics lower their blood sugar.
On paper you’re both “health coaches,” but in practice, you’re serving completely different markets.
And even if your ideal clients do overlap, you’re still two unique individuals with distinct styles and approaches. That uniqueness is what makes collaboration possible.
Your “Competition” Can Be Your Best Referral Partner
When you build a relationship with someone in your same field, you gain a trusted referral partner. If she meets someone who isn’t the right fit for her, she can refer them to you (and vice versa).
Referrals are trust transfers, and trust is the heartbeat of networking. By collaborating, you’re ensuring people land in the right hands for their transformation. That’s powerful.
The Gift of Friendship
Beyond business, these women can become your allies in the trenches of entrepreneurship. They understand your frustrations. They celebrate your wins. They can be sounding boards, mastermind partners, even lifelong friends.
The next time you see someone in your industry at a networking event, don’t see competition—see possibility!