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 powerful tools for professional growth: networking—and how you can do it authentically, no matter if you thrive in a crowd or prefer deep one-on-one connections. Because the right network doesn’t just open doors; it hands you the keys to unlock them yourself.
Let’s break the myth that networking is just exchanging business cards at crowded events or pitching yourself to strangers in power suits. Deborah Gray from Central Michigan University reminds us that true networking is about building relationships—not just amassing contacts on LinkedIn or Facebook. It’s about getting curious about people, finding ways to help one another, and creating a circle of trust. For women, this has unique challenges—and opportunities. Research from the Academy of Management Journal highlights that women are about one-third more likely than men to form high-status connections through introductions, rather than cold outreach. That means being intentional about asking for connections and nurturing those ties is a strategy, not a weakness.
Now, let’s talk introverts and extroverts, because both can be brilliant networkers. If you’re an introvert, start by keeping your network small and focused. According to the HiHello blog, women often see more career benefits from deeper, more genuine connections rather than wide, superficial ones. Lean into this strength. Prepare ahead: know your elevator pitch, bring up topics you care about, and set yourself the goal of making just one meaningful connection at every event. It’s not about quantity, but quality.
For extroverts, your energy fuels you in group settings—use it to be a connector. Volunteer for assignments, join committees or business resource groups, and get outside your comfort zone. According to the Center for Creative Leadership, embedding networking into your daily routine—like inviting colleagues for coffee or offering to introduce peers to each other—turns networking into a natural and powerful habit. And don’t forget to listen as much as you talk; extroverts who are generous listeners build deeper credibility and trust.
Regardless of your personality, specificity is your superpower. InPower Coaching says vague requests rarely get traction. When you reach out, ask for something clear—a quick introduction, industry insight, or feedback on your resume. This empowers others to say yes and reinforces the strength of your network.
Don’t hesitate to seek out women-centric networks, either. The Kellogg School of Management finds that women who network with other women see stronger career gains, especially when seeking advice and mentorship from those who understand your lived experience. Join groups like Ellevate Network or Women in Leadership circles. Support and champion one another—there’s room for everyone’s rise.
One last tip: celebrate rejection. If you get a “no,” remember InPower Coaching’s mantra—rejection is direction, not a dead end. Use it to clarify your next move.
Thank you for tuning into The Woman’s Career Podcast. If today’s episode gave you tools or inspiration, subscribe for more insight and real-world strategies to own your career story. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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