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Unlock Your Network Superpower: Strategies for Every Personality
This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.
Welcome to The Woman’s Career Podcast. Today we’re diving into a practical topic that often makes or breaks career growth—networking effectively. Whether you’re energized by big crowds or feel more at home in quiet conversations, I promise there’s a networking strategy just for you.
Let’s get right into the heart of the matter. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or boosting your LinkedIn connections—it’s about building real, meaningful relationships that support, challenge, and guide you in your career journey. It’s about tapping into networks that help you spark innovation, amplify your ideas, develop your skills, and navigate tricky transitions. According to leadership experts at DDI, women thrive when they connect in six different ways: idea networks, influence networks, development networks, career networks, social networks, and with mentors and sponsors.
If you’re more of an extrovert, traditional networking events—think women’s leadership groups or professional meetups—may already be in your wheelhouse. Leverage these gatherings by seeking out shared activities. Professor Deborah Gray at Central Michigan University emphasizes connecting through shared interests, whether that’s by joining a board, volunteering in your community, or attending industry workshops. Authenticity matters. So, listen more than you speak and look for opportunities to give value before asking for it. Offer introductions or insights, celebrate others’ achievements, and be patient: relationships take time.
Introverts, you might prefer deep one-on-one chats, and that is your superpower. Networking doesn’t have to mean mingling with dozens of strangers. You can send a thoughtful LinkedIn message, connect with someone over coffee, or even just reach out to a colleague after a meeting. Try sending a brief note to a leader in your organization—ask for advice or express your interest in a project outside your usual scope. You don’t have to be loud to be visible. According to studies from the Center for Creative Leadership, sponsoring relationships and mentoring are especially influential for women, so prioritize building those connections thoughtfully.
Let’s talk about network karma—Henna Inam at InPower Coaching describes this as the ongoing cycle of giving and receiving. Women tend to give generously, sometimes to their own detriment. The key isn’t to give endlessly, but to give authentically and use your network for mutual growth. Set boundaries. It’s perfectly okay to say no, especially if a “yes” would cost too much time or energy. Your network works best when you nurture it with genuine exchange, not self-sacrifice.
Don’t neglect the power of specificity. Instead of a vague “Can you help me?” try “Do you know anyone hiring project managers at startups in Austin?” Specific requests are easier for your network to respond to and reinforce that you’re intentional about your career moves.
For both introverts and extroverts, maintaining your network matters. Stay in touch—schedule occasional catch-ups, offer value when you can, and update your contacts on your progress and goals. Being strategic and intentional, as Deborah Gray notes, ensures your relationships enrich every stage of your career.
Remember, networking is less about self-promotion and more about building a supportive ecosystem that fuels women’s empowerment. Trust your authenticity, celebrate your own contributions, and embrace the diversity of women’s career journeys.
Thanks for tuning in to The Woman’s Career Podcast. If you found today’s episode helpful, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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Published on 19 hours ago