This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Today we’re getting straight into how you, as a woman in the workplace, can network effectively in a way that fits who you are, whether you recharge alone or light up a crowded room.
Let’s begin with what networking really is. Networking is not collecting business cards or adding random names on LinkedIn. Marketing professor Deborah Gray from Central Michigan University describes networking as building meaningful, strategic relationships that help you learn, grow, and move your career forward. Think of your network as a living ecosystem: the mentors who guide you, the peers who collaborate with you, and the sponsors who speak your name in rooms you’re not in yet.
Now, let’s map out this episode together. First, we’ll define your networking goals. Then we’ll dig into strategies tailored for introverts, followed by strategies for extroverts. After that, we’ll talk about shared best practices: how to follow up, stay visible, and nurture your connections over time.
Start with intention. Ask yourself: What do I want my network to help me do in the next year? Maybe it’s landing a promotion at your current company, pivoting into tech, finding a mentor in finance, or joining a nonprofit board. Clear goals shape where you show up and who you seek out. Career coaches like those on the Career Change Maker Podcast emphasize that when women are intentional, networking feels less random and more like a focused, empowering project.
If you’re an introvert, this part is for you. You do not need to become the loudest person in the room. Your superpower is depth. Choose smaller, structured settings: a breakfast meetup, a company resource group, or a virtual coffee chat with one person at a time. According to networking experts interviewed on The Search Bar with Deborah Gray, shared activities—like serving on a committee, joining a professional book club, or volunteering on a board—create natural conversations without forced small talk. Prepare a short, calm elevator pitch so you’re not scrambling: your role, your strengths, and what you’re interested in next. Then, lean on follow-up. A thoughtful email the next day saying, “I appreciated your insight on X,” is often more memorable than a flashy first impression.
If you’re an extrovert, your strength is energy and reach. Industry conferences, women-in-leadership events, and meetups hosted by groups like WomenTech are your playgrounds. Before you walk into a room, set a simple target: for example, three meaningful conversations where you learn something specific and offer something of value. Use your comfort with people to be a connector: introduce two women who should know each other, recap key insights on LinkedIn after an event, or host a small roundtable at work. Leadership institutes like the Center for Creative Leadership highlight that the most powerful networks are diverse, so challenge yourself to go beyond your usual circle, across departments, ages, and backgrounds.
No matter your style, a few principles are universal. Craft a clear personal brand: know what you’re good at and be ready to say it out loud without apology. Follow up consistently: a brief message, a shared article, or a quick check-in every few months keeps relationships alive. And remember, networking is not just about asking. It’s about offering help, sharing information, lifting other women as you rise.
Your action today: pick one intentional step. Send a message on LinkedIn to someone you admire, sign up for one event, or schedule one coffee chat. Small, consistent moves build powerful networks.
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