Networking shouldn’t feel forced or transactional—but for many interior designers, it does. If you’ve ever dreaded introducing yourself at an industry event or struggled to explain what makes you different too a vendor, this episode is for you.

I sit down with Rachel Rozen, a networking expert and connection coach, to talk about the biggest networking mistakes designers make and how to make networking feel effortless. We cover how to build relationships that actually lead to referrals, how to confidently talk about what you do, and how to follow up without it feeling awkward.

If networking feels icky, this conversation will change the way you approach it forever.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why networking feels awkward for many designers—and how to change that
• How to introduce yourself in a way that sparks curiosity and referrals
• The framework for building relationships that lead to real opportunities
• Why following up is crucial (and how to do it naturally)
• How to make networking work for you—even if you’re an introvert

Memorable quotes from Rachel:

🗣️ "Networking has such a negative stigmatism to it. So when you hear networking, that's where ickiness comes in, you feel like you got punched or that somebody is after something from you."

🗣️ "If people don’t know what you do, they can’t help you. So how do you talk about yourself when someone asks you, ‘Hey, what do you do for work?’ If you don’t have a good way to talk about it in a concise manner, people aren’t going to know how to help you."

🗣️ "You’re networking all the time, every day. You don’t have to necessarily go to an event to network. You’re doing it when you go to the grocery store. You never know when you're going to crack a conversation with somebody."

Key highlights:

• The #1 mistake designers make when networking—and how to avoid it
• How to craft a compelling introduction that makes people remember you
• A simple follow-up strategy that keeps relationships warm
• How to navigate industry events with confidence (no more standing in the corner!)
• Why specificity is key in networking—and how to use it to your advantage

Connect with Rachel

• Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with Masha

Need help with messaging strategy or copywriting for your interior design website? Connect with me, your host Masha Koyen, Messaging Strategist and Copywriter for interior designers:

• FREE GUIDE: 7 strategies to attract affluent clients
• Weekly marketing tips
• Masha’s Instagram
• Masha’s Website
• Book a call with Masha