Be your own hype woman: Networking lessons from the Tweak Summit 2024

If networking were a sport, everyone would aspire to be the Serena Williams of the game—acing first impressions, volleying banter with ease and finding cause for celebration even in rejection or defeat. But when you look for networking tips, most of the advice is either vague, overwhelming or bordering on cringe.

In her book When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn from Them, Julia Boorstin, senior media and tech correspondent at CNBC, examines the impact of gender differences in networking on the advancement of men and women in the workplace. “Women, researchers have found, have been less frequent and avid networkers than men,” writes Boorstin. The good old impostor syndrome (do you have it too?) tends to make an appearance right when we need to shine. That little voice that says, “Do I really belong here?” can make it seem impossible to confidently walk up to someone and introduce yourself.

Then there’s the problem of politeness. Society tends to applaud humility, and promoting yourself can feel like walking a tightrope between being confident and coming across as “too much”. Because let’s be real; women who network or seek to actively make connections are often labelled as pushy, and definitely not demure. Add to that the fact that women juggle multiple roles—partner, employee, mother, daughter, dog whisperer. Who can find the time to network when you’re busy holding everything together?

But at Tweak’s fifth anniversary celebrations, women leaders were front and centre—and they had plenty of wisdom to share. We marked this milestone by hosting the first-ever offline Tweak Summit at the stunning Luuma House in Juhu, Mumbai, where about 100 members of the Tweak Tribe gathered to toast five fabulous years of shaking things up and standing tall, with or without heels. The panel, moderated by Tweak founder Twinkle Khanna, featured an all-star lineup: producer, author and screenwriter Kanika Dhillon, Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, and director, writer and producer Tahira Kashyap Khurrana.

Incisive life lessons flowed freely, delivered with humour and laughter. From learning how to take up space and building your network to pitching yourself fearlessly and mastering the art of follow-ups—these women didn’t hold back when it came to spilling the tea on networking tips.

Tweak Summit 2024: Networking tips from Twinkle Khanna, Kanika Dhillon, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Tahira Kashyap Khurrana

Leverage connections for growth: Twinkle Khanna

According to Khanna, networking isn’t solely about meeting new people; it’s equally about nurturing and leveraging your current relationships. At the Summit, she highlighted the often-overlooked power of reaching out to your existing network and asking for help, even if it feels uncomfortable. Utilising your connections, Khanna believes, is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength of community and collaboration. Making that call or sending that message could unlock doors you never knew existed.

Key takeaway: Don’t hesitate to reach out—your connections can open unexpected doors and help you grow in ways you never imagined.

Use a shame-free sales pitch: Kanika Dhillon

Dhillon’s networking mantra embraces the art of self-promotion and ditches the shame. During the panel discussion, she opened up about how, early in her screenwriting career, she found herself holding back while navigating a competitive, male-dominated industry. It took a pivotal moment during the promotion of Manmarziyaan, a film that received critical acclaim, for Dhillon to realise that if she didn’t champion her own work, no one else would. Dhillon now recommends becoming your own hype person—don’t wait for someone else to validate your worth. Whether you’re pitching a story or showcasing your unique skills, remember that every “no” holds a valuable lesson in your growth journey. You may have to repeat the same pitch over and over again to different people at multiple levels, but each rejection (and there may be a few along the way) is an opportunity to refine your approach, gain resilience, and ultimately, make that winning pitch. Embrace the process, and don’t stop putting yourself out there.

Key takeaway: Networking involves owning your work and unapologetically showcasing your brilliance—because no one else will do it for you.

Follow-up is everything: Guneet Monga Kapoor

For Kapoor, effective networking is not limited to the initial handshake or exchange of business cards; it’s the art of follow-up and nurturing relationships over time. She emphasised how little gestures—like sending a quick thank-you email or checking in to see how someone is doing—can solidify connections. These thoughtful follow-ups transform casual meetings into powerful partnerships and lasting friendships. Another memorable lesson from Kapoor involves wearing your passion on your sleeve—quite literally. In order to champion The Elephant Whisperers, a touching documentary she produced, Kapoor would wear elephant-themed saris and accessories for every screening or event she attended. This quirky strategy sparked conversations and showcased her dedication and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on potential collaborators.

Key takeaway: Effective networking requires nurturing relationships long after the first hello—how you maintain connections is as important as who you know.

Break down doors for others: Tahira Kashyap Khurrana

Khurrana believes that a single act of courage has a ripple effect, changing not just your own trajectory but also paving the way for others to follow. Drawing from her own experience, Khurrana shared how, during a screening of her movie Sharmajee Ki Beti, the writer-director was filled with anxiety and chose to hide in the bathroom. That’s when she realised that everyone has experienced one of these bathroom moments. And while it can be scary to step out and face the music (whether it’s Mozart or Dhinchak Pooja) it’s a necessary move. Each act of bravery—big or small—can open doors for those who come next. In this case, it could potentially inspire a wave of female-driven narratives that enter the film industry. By breaking barriers and challenging the status quo, you help create a culture of empowerment that extends far beyond your personal journey. For her, networking is not just about personal gain; it’s about fostering collaboration and building strong community ties that benefit everyone.

Key takeaway: Your networking gains can spark opportunities for a whole community, creating a domino effect of empowerment and support.