In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin shares her five-step play process that flips networking from “ugh” to actually fun. If the thought of walking into a room full of strangers makes you want to hide by the snack table, this is your permission slip to try networking a whole new way. Instead of dreading it, Erin shows you how to treat networking like an improv game: playful, curiosity-driven, and connection-first. With tips that blend practical strategy and improv magic, you’ll learn to leave a lasting impression without feeling salesy, stiff, or stuck in small talk. Inside This Episode:
- Reframe the Room: Collect stories, not just business cards, by shifting from anxiety to curiosity
- Play the Yes And Game: Use improv’s golden rule to keep conversations engaging and flowing
- The Silly Name Game: A memory hack to help you remember names and make people feel seen
- Become the Compliment Fairy: Spark joy and build trust with genuine compliments
- Set a Fun Networking Goal: Turn events into a scavenger hunt for laughter, stories, and shared interests
Who This Episode Is For:
- The professional who feels awkward or drained at networking events
- The leader who wants to connect with authenticity, not pretense
- The team player who loves building relationships but hates small talk
- Anyone ready to turn networking into something fun, human, and actually energizing
Tune in to learn how to network with curiosity, creativity, and confidence—and if you know someone who dreads networking, send this their way. Let’s make connection playful again. Feeling awkward, overthinking your small talk, or wondering if you should’ve just stayed home? Grab our free
Networking Without Feeling Weird toolkit. It’s your two-part confidence boost for before and during the event, packed with simple, human strategies that help you walk in clear, grounded, and ready to connect. Download it now and turn “Ugh, networking…” into “That was actually… fun?” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
- Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy.
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Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.
Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.
Loved this episode?
If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
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