This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast. Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Today we’re diving right into one of the most transformative skills for your professional journey: networking—how to make it truly effective, whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or anywhere in between. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or showing up to crowded mixers in a stiff suit. At its best, it’s about building authentic connections—those relationships that open doors, offer support, and provide both inspiration and opportunity. Sallie Krawcheck, the founder of Ellevest, calls networking the number one unwritten rule of success in business. But while women have often found themselves sidelined from traditional networking circles—think the infamous old boys’ club—the landscape is quickly changing. Professional women everywhere are building their own circles, tailoring networking to fit our strengths, goals, and values. The first rule: prepare, prepare, prepare. Start with your elevator pitch—not just your job title, but what you’re passionate about, the value you bring, and what lights you up professionally. If you’re attending an event, look up the speakers and guests ahead of time. Having a sense of who’s in the room helps you target meaningful conversations and minimizes that wandering-lost feeling. For the extroverted among us, lean into your natural ability to jump into conversations, but don’t underestimate the power of listening. Ask people about their projects and really tune in. Being a connector—introducing two people who can help each other—is a power move. Volunteer for projects and get out of your comfort zone. Stanford Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab highlights that volunteering for assignments, even outside your core team, expands your network quickly and makes you visible across your organization. But what if networking feels more terrifying than transformative? That was my experience for years—networking as an introvert can be exhausting, sometimes paralyzing. Here’s what works: Start small and strategic. Leverage your writing superpowers by connecting ahead of time on LinkedIn or email. Thoughtful comments, a well-crafted email, or a shared article can break the ice before a formal meeting. Hosting small gatherings or virtual coffee chats with just a handful of people also puts you in control and creates an environment that’s far less overwhelming. As Brittany Berger, founder of Work Brighter, points out, the most valuable connections often come from more intimate, meaningful interactions—not giant pitching sessions. Don’t forget online communities. Join industry groups, alumni networks, or professional associations. Engage by sharing your expertise or simply supporting others’ work. Many women find their strongest business relationships begin in these digital spaces. When you grow your power network, don’t just focus on leaders—think strategically about those in your industry, adjacent teams, or even outside your immediate field. Most importantly, networking doesn’t stop when you leave an event or close a browser tab. Follow up. A quick “thank you” message, a shared article, or a simple check-in can nurture a connection for months or years to come. Revisit your network regularly, keeping it fresh and mutually beneficial. And pay it forward—mentor someone just starting out, introduce connections to one another, and be the rising tide that lifts all boats. Thank you for joining The Woman’s Career Podcast. If you found today’s episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an empowering career conversation. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
