Episode Details

What if networking didn’t have to feel like a performance? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Jen Fort, author, encourager, and creator of “Connectworking,” to reimagine what connection can look like when it’s rooted in generosity, presence, and truth. Together, we explore how letting go of the “perfect pitch” and embracing authenticity leads to more meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.

Show Notes | Transcript

“You have to get into a right mindset, I believe, when you start those conversations, because if not you’ll come across as if you’ve got that loop playing in your head of well, why would somebody want to spend time talking to me?” – Jen Fort

If you’ve ever felt like networking is one more thing you’re supposed to be good at but secretly dread, consider this episode your permission to do it differently.

You’ll discover:

• Why the word “networking” itself makes people recoil—and what to call it instead
• The one question that opens doors without feeling salesy or awkward
• How to walk into a room where you know no one and become the person everyone wants to talk to (hint: arrive early)
• The “safari strategy” for reaching out to people without making them—or you—anxious
• Why leading with generosity isn’t just nice, it’s strategic
• A simple spreadsheet system for staying in touch without turning into a robot
• The power of a handwritten note in a world drowning in emails

We also talk about something unexpected: how a LinkedIn connection led to a conversation that changed my health. It’s evidence that real connections don’t just help your business. They can also change your life. This isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about building a circle of people who actually matter to you, and letting yourself matter to them.

If you’ve been showing up to networking events with a knot in your stomach, or avoiding them altogether because they feel fake, this conversation might be the reset you need.

Resources:

Join the Soulful Women’s Network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulfulwomensnetwork

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Connect with Jen

Website: jen-fort.com

Website: wisdomandwarnings.com

IG and Facebook: @wisdomandwarnings

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