This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Today, we’re diving straight into one of the most important skills for advancing your career—networking effectively. Whether you light up at the thought of a packed room or cringe at the idea of small talk, you can harness networking to unlock opportunities, connect with other driven women, and truly thrive.
Let’s get right to it. When we say networking, we don’t mean simply collecting business cards or building a massive LinkedIn following. Networking is about building genuine, supportive relationships that can propel you forward. Deborah Gray, professor at Central Michigan University, calls it the art of building relationships through shared activities, mentorship, and meaningful conversations—not just self-serving exchanges.
So why do women, in particular, need to be strategic about networking? Research out of Harvard and organizations like the Center for Creative Leadership shows that women benefit uniquely from inner circles of other women. These groups provide more than just job leads—they offer candid advice, support, and those crucial introductions that can open doors. But here’s the twist: your network should be diverse. Yes, nurture your inner circle of women, but also look beyond—build connections with mentors, sponsors, and advocates from a range of backgrounds and industries.
Let’s talk practical tips. For introverts, networking can feel daunting. If crowded events exhaust you, start small. Seek out one-on-one coffee chats, join industry-specific online communities, or participate in shared projects at work. Focus on quality, not quantity. Prepare a few thoughtful questions ahead of time, and remember, listening can be more powerful than talking. Deborah Gray recommends keeping notes on your contacts—what motivates them, interests you share, or milestones you can acknowledge later. This helps deepen relationships without forcing constant interaction.
For extroverts, the challenge is often depth rather than breadth. You may feel energized by jumping into the action at conferences or networking mixers, but don’t let those fast connections fizzle. Follow up with personalized messages, connect on LinkedIn with a note referencing your conversation, and intentionally schedule time to reconnect, so your relationships grow beyond surface-level.
Regardless of your style, look for shared activities—think joining nonprofit boards, women’s professional groups, or community meetups. These offer natural connections, with opportunities for more authentic engagement. Identify what resources you need to advance—maybe it’s a sponsor to advocate for your next promotion, or a mentor who’s navigated the path you aspire to follow. Ask for help when you need it, but also offer support generously; networking is a two-way street.
And above all, be patient. Building a high-impact network takes time. Start today, be intentional about who you connect with, and nurture those relationships. You never know which connection could change everything.
Thanks for joining me on The Woman’s Career Podcast. Until next time—keep building, keep connecting, and keep rising.
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