This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Today we’re cutting right to the heart of what accelerates a woman’s career more than nearly anything else—networking. Whether you light up a room as an extrovert or quietly observe first as an introvert, your network is more than a list of contacts. It’s your bridge to opportunity, mentorship, and supporting other women as you go. According to Anna Radulovski, CEO of WomenTech Network, more than 80% of women in management say networking was essential to their career success—and that’s not just for joining a board or reaching the C-suite, but for building the confidence, support, and resources we all need.
The reality is, for generations women were often left out of those influential “old boys’ clubs” and industry circles. But now, we can own our space and design our own networks. Sallie Krawcheck often says, “Networking is the #1 unwritten rule of success in business.” But it’s not just about business cards—it’s about meaningful relationship-building.
Preparation is everything. Before a networking event or conversation, craft your elevator pitch. Solange Lopes, author and founder of The Corporate Sister, urges women to define their expertise, unique value, and aspirations, not just their current job title. That way, whether it's a conference or the coffee line at work, you’re ready to introduce yourself powerfully. Knowing who will be at an event or even preparing a few topics to discuss can calm nerves—especially for more introverted women.
Speaking of introverts, if the word “networking” makes you tense, you’re not alone. The trick is to start with smaller, more comfortable environments like women’s groups or professional associations. Or bring a buddy to your first event. Focus on deep, one-on-one connections. Ask genuine questions, listen, and remember that even saying, “I’m a little nervous about networking—how do you like these events?” is a great opener.
If you’re an extrovert, harness your natural confidence—but make each interaction meaningful. Shift from collecting contacts to building relationships. Go beyond brief chats and look for ways to offer help or information. Build network karma, but don’t overextend yourself. As many women leaders note, quality always beats quantity: it’s the depth of your connections—not just the number—that matters.
Some of the most effective networking happens outside formal events. Volunteer for projects with new people, ask existing connections for introductions, or simply invite someone for coffee. Anna Radulovski emphasizes the importance of proactive networking—attending summits, executive events, and tapping into mentorship programs. Studies show women with mentors are twice as likely to reach senior leadership and, as a bonus, more likely to mentor other women.
Follow up after every introduction with a brief note or LinkedIn message. Keep your network alive, not dormant. Don’t hesitate to ask for something specific—like an introduction or insight on a company—because specificity is your superpower.
Lastly, networking is a skill, not a personality trait. Every conversation, every connection, is a step forward for you and for the women coming after you. Thank you for tuning in to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Subscribe for more tools, stories, and inspiration to empower your next move. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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