This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s the gateway to new opportunities, powerful connections, and genuine support for women everywhere. Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast, where today we are diving directly into one of the most transformative tools for professional growth: networking, and how both introverts and extroverts can make it work for them.
Anna Radulovski, founder of WomenTech Network, puts it simply: networking is essential not only for advancing your career but also for building the support system you need to thrive. Recent research shows over 80% of women managers, directors and above use networking to gain board seats, break into the C-suite, and secure higher salaries. That’s why it’s crucial not to leave your network to chance or let self-doubt get in the way.
If you’re an extrovert, you might feel energized in events, confident striking up conversations at professional associations, conferences, or summits. Use this as a strength—introduce yourself, offer your help, and ask thoughtful questions to deepen every conversation. Remember, the goal isn’t just quantity of contacts but quality: seek diverse connections across industries and levels, not just those already in your immediate circle, and actively participate in formal groups like WomenTech Network or local leadership meetups.
But what if you’re an introvert, and the thought of walking into a crowded room makes you anxious? Solange Lopes, founder of The Corporate Sister platform, has a few strategies. First, prepare ahead by defining your message and crafting your elevator pitch—this lets you enter any conversation with confidence. Start small: attend events with a buddy, or join smaller women’s networking groups where the atmosphere is often more supportive and less overwhelming. If possible, research attendees and choose in advance who you’d like to connect with. Even in day-to-day interactions, use shared interests as bridges, whether it’s a project at work or a chat in the elevator.
Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, networking is most effective when it’s habitual. Don’t wait for formal events—make relationship-building part of your daily routine. Invite someone new for coffee, volunteer for a cross-department assignment, or simply follow up after a meeting with a LinkedIn connection or a thank-you email. According to the Center for Creative Leadership, simply asking for introductions or referrals, volunteering for new projects, and even mentoring others can broaden the reach—and depth—of your professional relationships.
One common hurdle, shared by many women, is hesitation to leverage their networks out of fear of seeming self-serving. InPower Coaching reminds us that success comes from owning your value: asking specific questions, celebrating every experience—even rejection—and not overextending by giving more than you can. Your network thrives on authenticity, not perfection.
To sum up: prepare for every interaction, embrace your natural style, be intentional, and remember that networking is a skill—one you can develop at your own pace and in your own way. Whether you’re making your first contact or joining your tenth conference, every connection is a step forward for yourself and the women who will follow.
Thank you for tuning in to The Woman’s Career Podcast. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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