This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman's Career Podcast. I'm your host, and today we're diving straight into networking effectively—the game-changer that opens doors, builds your inner circle, and propels your career forward, no matter if you're an introvert savoring deep chats or an extrovert lighting up the room.
Networking isn't about collecting business cards or forcing small talk. As marketing professor Deborah Gray from Central Michigan University explains, it's building meaningful, strategic relationships that lift you from where you are to where you want to be. Think of Sheryl Sandberg, whose casual Christmas party chat with Mark Zuckerberg led to her role as COO of Facebook. That's the power of one right connection. For us women, it's even more potent when we lean into our strengths: supporting each other, sharing resources, and creating circles where we all rise. Research from Harvard Business Review, highlighted by Jacqueline V. Twillie on the Winning Season podcast, shows women with strong female networks are far more likely to land executive positions.
Start with intention. Set a clear goal: Do you want a promotion, a pivot into tech, or a mentor in finance? Career coaches on The Career Change Maker Podcast stress that defining this makes every step empowering, not random. Craft your elevator pitch—who you are, what you do, and your next big interest. Practice it with warmth and confidence. Check event lists for WomenTech conferences, local Chamber of Commerce meetups, or your company's women's employee resource group.
Introverts, this is your superpower moment. You don't need to work a crowded room. The HiHello networking blog notes women excel at deeper connections, and you're often the best listeners. Opt for one-on-one coffee chats via LinkedIn, professional workshops, or book clubs. Focus on quality: After meeting someone, send a thoughtful email like, "I loved your insight on leading in male-dominated teams." That follow-up turns a moment into a bond. Jacqueline V. Twillie calls this the AHA method from her book Dear Resilient Leader—Attitude of mutual growth, Habits of small consistent actions like sharing a podcast or negotiation tip, and Actions that create spaces for others to rise.
Extroverts, harness your energy to connect. At industry conferences or volunteer task forces, be the introducer—link three women who need each other's expertise. The Center for Creative Leadership emphasizes diverse networks crossing age, function, and background. Don't just expand; nurture with check-ins and shared articles. Quality trumps quantity every time.
Universal truth: Follow up relentlessly. Thank them, share a resource, or connect peers. Pay it forward—offer advice, mentor rising stars. Your brunch buddy or Slack friend can be your engine to the top. Small actions, like RSVPing to one event or messaging a LinkedIn contact, build careers.
Listeners, own this: Your network is your career infrastructure. Step into it authentically, lift others, and watch doors fly open.
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