Elevate Your Network, Empower Your Journey: Authentic Connections for Women in Every Career Stage

This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.

Welcome back to The Woman’s Career Podcast, where we empower you to lead boldly, connect deeply, and advance your career with intention. Today, we’re getting right to it: how to network effectively, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, and why authentic connections matter more than ever for women at every career stage.

Let’s start with a truth: networking can feel overwhelming. I know firsthand that walking into a crowded event can send your nerves skyrocketing, especially for my fellow introverts. But according to Ellevate Network, preparation is everything. The more you know about who’s attending and have your elevator pitch ready, the less daunting it becomes. So, before your next event, jot down a few conversation starters or recent industry news to break the ice and make your introduction memorable. Like Weiping Wang, who created a personal pitch deck to showcase her strengths and passions—think of this as your chance to shine and open doors for mutual empowerment.

Now, if you’re an extrovert, you might thrive in fast-paced mingling, but don’t forget that the follow-up is where real networking happens. Sending a genuine message or LinkedIn request after an event keeps you on their radar. The Center for Creative Leadership recommends building value by nurturing relationships over time—be patient and consistent. Reaching out periodically not only keeps your network active but also shows you value those connections, making you memorable for the right reasons.

For both introverts and extroverts, consider expanding your network beyond the obvious. Deborah Gray at Central Michigan University encourages joining boards, volunteering, or participating in shared-activity groups, which can be less intimidating and more natural for making genuine connections. These spaces often foster shared interests, which is especially helpful for relatable and lasting relationships.

Women’s networking groups, such as those highlighted by CCWomen, bring unique advantages. Research shows that women who maintain close circles of other women gain invaluable support and gender-specific career advice. This sense of belonging not only boosts confidence but also gives you access to knowledge and opportunities often missed in mixed or male-dominated circles. Being part of a women-focused group opens up a powerful avenue for mentoring and sponsorship—don’t underestimate the impact of having women who advocate for you.

It also pays to revisit your existing network. Reach out to former colleagues or mentors; sometimes, those old connections bring new opportunities. And remember, networking isn’t just about what others can do for you—it’s about acting as a connector, making introductions, and supporting others in their journeys. As the Embrace Change community reminds us, think of networking as building a bigger pie for everyone, not just grabbing a bigger slice for yourself.

No matter your style, the key is to be authentic. When you approach networking with the intention to learn, support, and grow together, it stops feeling transactional and starts becoming transformational.

Thank you for tuning in to The Woman’s Career Podcast. If you found today’s episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai


Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta