What if growing your business wasn’t about chasing leads or perfecting your elevator pitch... but simply being more human?
 
In this inspiring episode of The Real Women Real Business Podcast, Shauna Lynn sits down with business relationship strategist Melissa Snow, founder of Powerful Women Rising, to reimagine everything you thought you knew about networking. After scaling two businesses, Melissa discovered that the most effective path to growth isn’t through rigid funnels or aggressive tactics - it's through authentic, intentional relationships.
 
Melissa shares her bold philosophy of “networking like a human, not a salesy weirdo,” breaking down how to connect in ways that feel natural, not transactional. She challenges common misconceptions about networking, offers thoughtful strategies for introverts and anxious entrepreneurs, and even introduces a unique planner to help you network with purpose. From grocery store conversations to finding your “fishing pole friend,” Melissa offers a refreshing take that will have you rethinking your next connection.
 
If you’ve ever dreaded networking, this episode will leave you ready to show up, start small, and do it scared - because the best business connections come from being yourself. Don’t forget to share this one with a fellow entrepreneur who needs a new way forward.
 
Time Tags:

• (00:01) - (00:02) - Introduction; Get to know Melissa
• (00:06) - (00:12) - What Networking Really Means
• (00:18) - (00:24) - How to Network Without Feeling Salesy
• (00:31) - (00:37) - Finding the Right Networking Format for You
• (00:42) - (00:49) - Intentional Networking and Measurable Impact 

Resources:

• Set up a free Introductory Business Planning Session with Shauna Lynn: AboutShaunaLynn.com/plan
• Learn more about the show: AboutShaunaLynn.com/podcast

Melissa Snow:
Learn more about Melissa: https://powerfulwomenrising.com/
Get your Networking Planner here: https://powerfulwomenrising.com/planner/
Follow Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerfulwomenrisingcommunity
Follow Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerfulwomenrising
Follow Melissa on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerfulwomenrising
Follow Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerfulwomenrising/
 
About Melissa: Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist dedicated to empowering women to thrive in entrepreneurship. After establishing and growing two successful businesses, she founded the Powerful Women Rising Community, which provides women with the strategy, connections and resources they need for real business growth.
 
Melissa is also a speaker and trainer on a mission to revolutionize networking, promoting authenticity and genuine connections over “salesy weirdo” tactics. She is the host of the popular Powerful Women Rising podcast and lives in Colorado with two dogs, a cat and any number of foster kittens.
 
She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she’ll never read.