This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast, where we empower women to level up their careers with practical advice and real inspiration. I'm your host, and today, we’re diving right into a topic that can feel intimidating, exhilarating, or maybe a bit of both—networking effectively. Whether you light up at the thought of connecting with others or shudder at the idea of small talk, this episode is packed with strategies to help you thrive.
Let’s get real: networking isn’t just about trading business cards at events. It’s about building a network that supports your ambitions and celebrates your wins. Research from DDI and Harvard Business Review shows that women benefit uniquely from close-knit networks of other women—circles where you can share candid advice, champion each other, and open doors together. So, think about not just expanding your contacts, but nurturing meaningful connections, especially with other women who understand your journey.
To structure your network for maximum impact, consider these six types of networks: the idea network for brainstorming and creative sparks, the influence network to move your ideas forward, and others focused on providing support, guidance, resources, visibility, and advocacy. You might find some people overlap in these circles, and that’s perfectly natural. The key is to reach out intentionally, thinking about your specific career goals.
Now, what about those of us who are introverts? The secret is preparation and authenticity. Before any networking event—virtual or in-person—craft your elevator pitch and have a few conversation starters up your sleeve. Try researching the attendee list and carrying a couple of personal stories or questions in your back pocket. Remember, you don’t need to work the whole room. Sometimes one or two genuine conversations are far more valuable than a dozen surface-level interactions. Giving yourself permission to take breaks and recharge can also help you stay centered.
For extroverts, the challenge often isn’t starting conversations, but making sure those connections last. Focus on following up. After every event, send a short note, a LinkedIn connection, or even a quick message to say you enjoyed the conversation. Refresh your network regularly; don’t let your contacts fade away. Check in, offer help, and leverage your natural energy to bring people together.
Whichever side of the spectrum you land on, remember: networking is a daily habit, not a once-a-year affair. Stay visible, attend women’s groups or industry meetups like Ellevate Network, and support others as much as you seek support. The goal isn’t to get a bigger piece of the pie for yourself, but to help make the whole pie bigger for everyone involved.
That’s it for today’s episode of The Woman’s Career Podcast. Let’s reclaim networking as something that lifts us all, and remember—your connections can be your superpower. Until next time, keep building, connecting, and leading with purpose.
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