After 20 episodes, dozens of conversations, and more networking events than we can count… what actually works?

In this Season 1 finale of The Awkward Handshake, it’s just Mary and Megan—taking a step back to reflect on everything we’ve learned about networking, community, and how people really connect.

This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a reality check.

We talk about what surprised us, what held up across different environments, and what consistently didn’t work—no matter the city, the event, or the industry.

If you’ve been listening all season, this is where it all comes together.
 And if you’re new here… this is the fastest way to understand what actually matters.

In this episode, we talk about:

•  What patterns showed up across all 20 episodes
•  The difference between good rooms and bad ones
•  Why networking isn’t about volume—it’s about intentionality
•  What actually leads to real relationships and opportunities
•  The role of consistency, curiosity, and follow-through 
•  What we got right—and what we’ve changed our minds about 
•  Why most networking advice falls flat in real life

Keep in touch! 

Follow Megan Eckman

• Fat Cap Design
• PDX Spellbound

Follow Mary Williams

• Sasquatch Media Grounds
• Sensible Woo