In celebration of Women's Entrepreneurship Day, we’re spotlighting insights on the journey of building connections as a female entrepreneur. When you’re totally new to a business and have very few connections, it’s crucial to work on meeting new people and establishing relationships. We recently spoke with climate venture entrepreneur melanie.keita.mariam about common networking challenges entrepreneurs face when starting out. Here’s what she had to say: Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, it’s important to attend events, even ones outside your comfort zone. The more you practice, the easier it becomes, and your connections will feel more authentic. When you enter a room or meet someone new, lead with curiosity, not self-interest. Ask questions, listen, and understand their needs first. Building genuine relationships is about connection, not transactions. Once you focus on others, opportunities come naturally. In her own words, “My three tips: don't take it personall...