Couverture de Network Like You, Not Like Them: Building Career Connections That Feel Right

Network Like You, Not Like Them: Building Career Connections That Feel Right

Network Like You, Not Like Them: Building Career Connections That Feel Right

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 This is your The Woman's Career Podcast podcast.

# The Woman's Career Podcast: Networking Effectively for Every Personality Type

Welcome back to The Woman's Career Podcast. I'm your host, and today we're tackling something that can feel uncomfortable for so many of us, regardless of our personality type: building a professional network that actually works for your career.

Here's what research from the Center for Creative Leadership tells us: ignoring your network can seriously damage your career advancement and leadership effectiveness. The right relationships are real assets when it comes to getting access to information, earning promotions, and gaining opportunities. But here's the thing that might surprise you, listeners—it's not about the number of contacts you have. It's about quality. High-quality networks are open and varied, with people who don't all know each other. They're diverse, crossing critical boundaries, and your core relationships are deep, trusting, and mutually beneficial.

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room. According to experts at Mindtools, ninety percent of female leaders credited intentional networking with helping them secure board positions, and seventy percent said using their networks improved their organization's profitability. But many women hesitate to actually ask their networks for help. It can feel icky. It can feel like we're being inauthentic or manipulative. That mindset is costing us.

If you're introverted or shy in large groups, focus on what works for you. One-on-one conversations, virtual meetups, and written engagement like LinkedIn comments build meaningful connections authentically. You don't need to work a room. You need to build genuine relationships, and introverts often do this better than anyone else.

For our extroverted listeners, you might be great at creating relationships but struggle to leverage them strategically. Don't just collect contacts. Embed networking into your daily work through volunteering for projects, scheduling one-on-one meetings, asking connections for introductions, or mentoring others.

Here's a practical framework that works for everyone. First, map your network. Literally draw a circle with your name in the middle. Write down people with strong connections close to your circle. Put weaker ties farther out. Then ask yourself: who should be in my network? This clarity changes everything.

Second, think in terms of resources. What do you need to do your job, have influence, and advance your career? You need mentors and sponsors. Who in your network has what you need? What resources are you missing? Start with what you need most right now, then consider what you'll need down the road.

Third, be specific when asking for help. Vague requests like help me find a job rarely go anywhere. But asking for a quick introduction, industry insight, or vendor referral? That's doable. It builds confidence while reinforcing your network's ability to support you.

Fourth, build network karma. Give authentically, but don't burn yourself out. Be generous, but learn to say no when a yes isn't aligned with your goals. The success of your network isn't cause and effect. It's diffuse. You give to one person, they help another, and eventually someone helps you when you need it most.

Finally, connect authentically. Read the situation and really listen. Politically astute managers find that by being honest and sincere in their relationships and requests, they inspire others to trust and have confidence in them. Over time, a lack of integrity will weaken your relationships and undermine your influence.

Remember, networking is not self-promotion. It's about mutual value and relationship building. Your story helps others understand your impact and opens doors for collaboration and support.

Thank you so much for tuning in to The Woman's Career Podcast. Please subscribe so you never miss an episode. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai


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