Season 12: Career Challenges
3 Personality-Based Networking Strategies That Actually Work
Podcast Audio Only:
Let’s just say it out loud: networking feels gross.
It’s awkward small talk, fake smiles, and that one person who’s clearly working an angle.
If you’ve ever walked into a “networking event” and immediately wanted to walk right back out, you’re not alone. Most professionals, especially the introverted, the burned out, and the already maxed out, hate networking.
And honestly, they should. Because the version we were sold is outdated.
The corporate world taught us that networking is about asking for favors or landing a job. It’s performance-based, not relationship-based. No wonder it feels fake. No wonder so many people avoid it until they need something.
But here’s the thing: you’re already networking.
You just don’t call it that.
You’re sharing ideas with a colleague.
You’re commenting on someone’s post.
You’re reconnecting with a past coworker because you actually liked working with them.
That’s networking (minus the awkward pitch).
The trick is understanding how you naturally build relationships and working with your personality instead of against it. Because not everyone thrives on panels and happy hours. Some people want quiet one-on-one chats. Some prefer structure. Others love the buzz of a big room.
In the episode, I talk about three main types of networkers:
→ The Connector, who thrives on people and energy (and needs to slow down long enough to actually follow up).
→ The Curator, who prefers deep, meaningful one-on-one conversations (and needs to stop waiting for the “perfect” moment to reach out).
→ The Consistent, who has spreadsheets and checklists for their connections (and needs to remember people aren’t projects).
Each type has a different way of building a network that feels real, not forced.
And if you’re sitting there thinking, “I don’t even have a network,” you probably do. You’ve just ignored it long enough that it went cold. The good news? You can rebuild it. It’s not about overhauling your life. It’s about being intentional with how you connect.
If networking makes your skin crawl, this episode is for you. We’ll redefine what it means, walk through how to make it work for your personality, and give you a few small steps to start building genuine connections again.
If you're interested in building your professional network in an authentic, non-cringy way, check out my free Network Reboot Challenge HERE.
Get your Control Your Career Worksheet here: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/
Download my Values Guide here: https://ridethetidecollective.com/strategies/what-drives-you/
Career Advancement Intensive
A Transformative VIP Experience to
Propel Your Career Forward
