Tracy shares networking know-how at national event

By Tracy Heatley Limited

06 Apr 2023

Tracy Smiling Mid Flow.jpg.jpg

Tracy Heatley, a networking and small business marketing expert from Rossendale, supported an event in Birmingham organised to help motivate women to further their careers and businesses in the tech industry or enter the tech industry for the first time.

Digital Women Live events invite prominent female business experts operating within the tech industry to share their expertise on operating and excelling in this lucrative and rapidly growing industry. 

Making a difference in the tech industry

The events offer women the opportunity to see how to include themselves in the jobs and skills available in the Tech industry. They aim to close the gender gap and ensure women can fully participate in the digital economy. Data from 2022 has shown that if the slow pace of change continues in the tech industry, a 50/50 gender split will not be achieved until 2060.

The average tech salary is higher than the average for most vacancies in the UK, and it is steadily increasing at a time when the average wage for most other jobs on the market has decreased. Whilst due to a lack of skilled workers in the UK, many positions are left unfilled.

In order to tap into these opportunities, women need to learn how to network more effectively. “Women sometimes struggle when it comes to networking to find the opportunities that are out there.” says Tracy, “When I started networking, I was the rare woman in a group, things are different now, but 51% of the population is women, and in networking the balance is still off!”

Why networking like a Spice Girl is key 

Tracy spoke to the audience on how to build connections and a support network around you to help you excel. How to network like the Spice Girls so that you get what you really really want - something she has mastered throughout the years. 

“Specific is terrific,” says Tracy, when it comes to networking in order to get the most out of your time, energy and resources.

According to Tracy, who has been training people in the art of effective networking since 2012, knows that many people network without an aim in mind and actually do not know what to do to maximise networking opportunites. They often think networking is about getting business or a job opportunity that day from the people in the room rather than what it’s really about, finding your support network. Something Tracy describes as your ‘Vibe Tribe’. 

Also, many people are unaware of the different kinds of networking which exist; from causal or open networking groups to the more committed or formal groups. 

“What you are really looking for when your networking is a group where you feel included, comfortable and supported as an individual. Your networking roadmap is really important. I honestly believe that your network is your GPS to success,” says Tracy.

Tracy’s approach to networking

Tracy shared the 4 C’s of networking, Competence, Credibility, Clarity, and Connectivity, which she has used since starting her own North West BoB Clubs networking clubs in 2007 to guide and support her members in the right direction. 

She now manages eight groups in total throughout the North West, which all meet fortnightly on weekdays for breakfast and connection at 7 am.

There’s is a network for everyone

“You need to find the right kind of networking for you. If you do not feel comfortable, keep trying until you find one that you do like. They are all different.” 

Tracy spoke about how introverts, and other personality types who might ordinarily describe themselves as being incompetent and awkward when it comes to networking are actually misjudging their worth and abilities. In her experience, introverts make great networkers as they are generally brilliant listeners, and in networking, listening is a crucial skill. 

A number of audience members who connected to Tracy’s advice and supportive words who ordinarily struggle or avoid networking for various reasons thanked Tracy at the end for helping them find the strength to get back out there to find their connections. 

Latest news

1

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs Manufacturing

PM urged not to retaliate over tariffs

03 Apr 2025

2

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer Matthew Ratcliffe CMAC

CMAC Group appoints Matthew Ratcliffe as chief operating officer

03 Apr 2025

3

For sale signs at The Villa Villa Wrea Green has been brought to market (Image credit: The Villa Wrea Green)

For sale signs at The Villa

02 Apr 2025

4

Montane group expands with new Lancashire hub Anthony Rae Scott Murcott And Adam Lee

Montane group expands with new Lancashire hub

02 Apr 2025

5

Trio of wins for Lancaster brand and digital consultancy Tom Grattan MD and Daniel Wallace

Trio of wins for Lancaster brand and digital consultancy

02 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Lancashire Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880395853-4862066883-1-original.20241022-091152-2.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
04 Apr 2025 - 04 Apr 2025

Lancashire Business Expo 2025

Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

National Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine Conference 2025
Remote and Rural 3.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
05 Jun 2025 - 05 Jun 2025

National Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine Conference 2025

North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Penrith, CA11 8QT

09:30 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin