Networking Redefined: Women Connect on Their Own Terms

This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.

Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Today, we’re diving straight into a topic that truly shapes professional growth at every level—networking effectively, whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or just feeling uncertain about where to begin.

Let’s get real, networking for women isn’t just about swapping business cards at conferences or gathering LinkedIn connections. According to Ellevate Network, women often approach networking differently, bringing their full selves, balancing busy schedules, and navigating spaces that still tilt toward the familiar old boys’ club. So, how do we network on our own terms—and actually enjoy it?

First, preparation is your best friend. Before any event, whether it’s a big industry gathering or a lunch with a colleague, prepare your elevator pitch. Know a few specific topics you could discuss. Central Michigan University’s Deborah Gray recommends coming in with intentional questions and conversation starters. This prep frees you from awkward silences, especially if you’re introverted or just starting out. And it lets you steer small talk towards opportunities.

If you’re naturally outgoing, use it to your advantage. Initiate connections, but don’t dominate the conversation. Focus on building rapport—ask about the other person’s work, what excites them, and genuinely listen. For introverts, networking doesn’t have to be exhausting or fake. Lean into smaller gatherings or one-on-one settings, and connect over shared activities or interests—volunteering for a project or joining a women’s network, for example, as recommended by the Center for Creative Leadership.

It’s perfectly normal for women to feel awkward about leveraging relationships for professional gain. InPower Coaching points out that this discomfort often comes from our social conditioning. But you are not taking advantage—you’re participating in a reciprocal process. Get clear and specific about what you’re asking for: advice, a quick introduction, or a lead on an opportunity. And trust that everyone in your network has been helped by others before.

Now, let’s talk about follow up. One coffee isn’t enough to cement a relationship. Send a quick thank you note, share an article that’s relevant to your discussion, or simply check in a month later. Dana Theus and research from DDI emphasize that maintaining your network over time is as essential as meeting new people. A strong, diverse network—including other women and allies from different backgrounds—helps break down barriers and bring opportunities you might never see coming.

For women of color and other underrepresented groups, Embrace Change NYC suggests redefining networking as connecting, not climbing. See it as a way to create space for everyone, not scrambling for a piece of the pie. Introducing your contacts to each other, sharing knowledge, or amplifying someone’s work is powerful career-building for all.

Let’s not forget digital networking. If remote work or busy life makes in-person events tough, use LinkedIn or women’s professional groups like Chief or Ellevate Network. You can join virtual events, participate in discussions, and reach out for virtual coffee chats. Intentional, authentic networking doesn’t have to be loud or extroverted—it just needs to be genuine.

To all the women listening—networking isn’t something you’re born good at or not. It’s a skill, a bundle of habits that can be learned and shaped to match your authentic self. Embrace that, and own the value you bring.

Thanks for tuning in to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our next empowering conversation. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Published on 2 weeks, 3 days ago

Podcast Episode Details

Networking Redefined: Women Connect on Their Own Terms