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Networking Karma: Embrace Your Strengths, Empower Your Career
This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome back to The Woman’s Career Podcast, the show where we help you break barriers and build your best professional life. I’m so glad you’re joining me, because today we’re diving straight into one of the most vital career tools out there: networking. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, connecting with others is key to career growth—but for so many women, the very idea can feel daunting or uncomfortable. So let’s strip networking of its myths, make it empowering, and give you practical strategies you can put into action today.
First things first: networking isn’t just handing out business cards or racking up contacts on LinkedIn. Central Michigan University’s Professor Deborah Gray explains that real networking is about building genuine relationships—not just collecting names. She points to powerful networking principles: connecting with people you share something in common with, with those physically near you, and—most energizing—with people you meet through shared interests and activities. Think about your yoga class, your local nonprofit committee, or even your online book club. These can be powerful networking grounds.
Now, here’s where women often get tripped up: too many believe networking means being transactional or self-serving, which can feel “icky.” But Dana Theus, executive coach, says women succeed when we own the value we bring to the table and remember that authenticity and career ambition can go hand-in-hand. You aren’t just asking for help; every woman has something to offer, whether it’s perspective, knowledge, or simply encouragement. Give before you get—but don’t give until you burn out. Building network karma doesn’t mean overextending yourself.
If you’re an introvert, big events full of small talk might sound stressful. Instead, focus on one-on-one conversations. Send a thoughtful note to a leader you admire—like via Teams or LinkedIn—asking about a project or offering your insights. This shows initiative and stands out in a crowded inbox. Volunteer for cross-functional projects to naturally meet new people while working on something that interests you.
For extroverts, networking events and women’s professional groups—like Workforce, Innovation, Trust, and Influence, or the Society of Women Engineers—are great spaces. Attend workshops, join panels, and look for skill-building sessions. Stretch yourself by reaching out to colleagues outside of your usual circle, not just people who are easy to chat with.
A key challenge for women is building a network of sponsors—those powerful advocates who can open doors to opportunities. The Center for Creative Leadership stresses the importance of identifying where you need support and seeking out those who can help support you—and being specific in your ask. “Can you introduce me to Jane in Marketing?” goes a lot farther than “Can you help me?”
Finally, remember that networking isn’t about competition. As the founders of Embrace Change NYC put it, “Make the pie bigger for everyone.” Collaborate, champion others, and use your professional connections to lift up women from all backgrounds.
So, whether the thought of networking energizes you or makes you want to hide under a blanket, remember: you can shape your approach to fit your strengths, connect with authenticity, and build the kind of powerful network that moves your career forward. Thank you for tuning in to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, and share this episode with a friend. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.
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Published on 4 days, 17 hours ago