This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast. I’m so glad you’re tuning in because today, we’re diving right into the heart of professional growth: networking effectively. Whether you find yourself energized by new people or more comfortable one-on-one, you’ll find actionable advice here tailored for both introverts and extroverts, each rooted in strategies that empower women to make meaningful, lasting connections.
Let’s start with the fundamentals. Real networking is not just about handing out business cards or collecting LinkedIn connections. Instead, as the Center for Creative Leadership highlights, it’s about building, maintaining, and leveraging authentic relationships that support your long-term growth. Women like Weiping Wang have shown that introductions are powerful when you go beyond just your name and title. She shares her passions, accomplishments, and opens space for a genuine exchange—making it easy for others to see not just what she does, but who she is and why it matters.
For extroverts, large gatherings and industry events are a stage for discovery. Use that energy to introduce yourself confidently, making eye contact, and sharing a relatable story. Think about Kayla, who frames her marketing expertise as helping small businesses find their unique voice, immediately inviting curiosity and further conversation. Remember to keep your business card ready—or even better, have your LinkedIn profile polished and handy—because a strong first impression paired with seamless follow-up builds momentum beyond the room. And don’t forget, your professional brand extends into the digital world, so keep social media profiles current and reflective of your strengths and mission.
Now, introverts, networking does not mean becoming someone else. Embrace your preference for depth over breadth. Smaller, industry-specific events or women’s professional groups like CCWomen or the LI Center for Business and Professional Women can be less overwhelming environments that foster more personalized connections. Volunteer for projects or assignments that introduce you to new collaborators in your day-to-day and allow you to build rapport naturally. Prioritize quality over quantity and seek out people who align with your values, not just your résumé needs.
No matter your personality type, everyone benefits from revisiting existing connections. Sometimes, your next opportunity lies with a former colleague or mentor—someone who knows first-hand what you’re capable of. Don’t overlook the value of these relationships; rekindling them can lead to surprising new paths and collaborations.
Follow-up is where many women can stand out. After meeting someone, send a personalized message or request a virtual chat. Not only does this demonstrate genuine interest, but it also transforms a fleeting interaction into the foundation for long-term support.
Finally, let go of the myth that networking is self-serving or inauthentic. As inPower Coaching suggests, it’s time to rewrite the script: asking for help, sharing your journey, and being specific about your goals are acts of strength. Reframe rejection as redirection, not personal failure, and remember—giving back creates a network that supports everyone involved.
Thank you for joining me on The Woman’s Career Podcast today. I hope these insights energize your next networking step, wherever you might begin. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an empowering discussion. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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