This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman's Career Podcast, where we unlock real strategies to elevate your professional journey. Today we’re diving into how you can master networking—a key that opens doors for every woman’s career, whether you’re a bold extrovert or a thoughtful introvert.
Let’s start with a truth: networking isn’t about schmoozing at crowded cocktail parties or stacking up LinkedIn connections. It’s about building genuine, strategic relationships that support your goals and allow you to lift others as you rise. According to Deborah Gray from Central Michigan University, the heart of networking is quality connections, not just accumulating business cards or digital contacts. It’s about creating circles that inspire, mentor, and truly advocate for us.
If you’re an introvert, consider this your permission slip: you don’t have to become a social butterfly overnight. Preparation is your superpower. The Ellevate Network suggests having a clear elevator pitch and a list of topics or questions ready before attending any event. Use women’s groups or smaller gatherings where conversations flow more naturally—and remind yourself that real networking often happens one conversation at a time, not in a sea of unfamiliar faces.
For extroverts, amplify your energy by being strategic. According to the Center for Creative Leadership, volunteering for cross-department projects or organizing informal meet-ups can help you develop meaningful connections across your organization. But remember, fostering depth is just as important as breadth—ensure that each interaction adds real value to both sides.
Every woman should adopt a 360-degree networking approach. This means building not just one, but several different types of networks. Think about your idea network for brainstorming, your influence network for career movement, and your support network for honest feedback and emotional resilience. Experts at DDI World emphasize identifying who belongs in each circle and reaching out intentionally.
Be specific about what you ask from your network. Dana Theus from InPower Coaching says that vague requests rarely lead to real results. Asking for a five-minute call, a recommendation for a good vendor, or insight into a company culture makes it easier for others to say yes and reinforces your connections.
As you nurture your network, always follow up after meetings or introductions and keep your contacts organized. Tools like a simple contact spreadsheet can remind you to stay in touch and make your outreach intentional. And remember, reciprocity drives authentic networking. Give before you get—but never to the point of burnout. Share your expertise or make introductions, but learn to say no when needed.
Celebrate rejection as redirection. If someone doesn’t have time or can’t assist, it’s simply guiding you toward a better fit. Networking is a journey that’s layered, imperfect, and deeply personal, especially for women.
Thank you for tuning into The Woman’s Career Podcast. If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe and join us next time for more career-boosting insights. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
For more http://www.quietplease.ai
Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
