While it can feel awkward for some, it doesn’t have to! In my book, networking is about building meaningful relationships. Listen for six simple, powerful networking strategies to help you connect authentically, deepen relationships, and create opportunities that actually lead somewhere. Whether you're attending a conference, industry event, or meeting someone new over coffee, these practical tips will help you network with confidence and intention.

The truth is, the best networkers aren’t the people working the room or talking the most, they're the people building real relationships.

In this episode, I’m sharing 6 practical networking strategies that have helped me build genuine connections, create opportunities, and stay top of mind with the right people.

Here’s three of the tips below: 

1. Show interest. Ask questions. Be curious.

People remember how you made them feel. Instead of thinking about what to say next, focus on learning about them. Ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply, and get genuinely curious about their story, work, and goals.

2. Be of service.

One of the best networking questions you can ask is:
“How can I support you?” or “Who can I connect you with?”

3. Take a picture + save their number immediately.

This may sound unconventional, but it works. Take a quick photo together so you remember who they are, put their contact information into your phone right away, and send a quick text while you're standing there. This makes follow-up easier and increases the likelihood that the connection actually continues.

Key Takeaway:

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who wants to build stronger relationships and bigger opportunities through authentic connection.

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Some resources for you:

Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.

Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos

My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial 

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

About me:

Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."

Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?

That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.

I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.

Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.

This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!

Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.

Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial 

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: 

https://karenlaos.com/book/