The best social sharing snippet from Karlyn in this interview… “When you go into a networking environment or when you’re interacting with other humans, it doesn’t make sense to always be selling. And that’s why it feels icky.”
When we hear “networking,” it’s easy to picture forced exchanges, endless card-swapping, and uncomfortable moments filled with business talk that feels anything but genuine. But what if networking could be redefined into something that feels purposeful, enjoyable, and effective?
In a recent conversation with networking expert Karlyn, she shares the why and how of networking in a way that actually works—moving beyond simply trying to gain connections and toward building real relationships that uplift both parties. Let’s look at what she shared about why networking feels so icky for many of us, and how to transform it into something powerful and fulfilling.
02:10 The Essence of Networking
05:45 Overcoming Networking Challenges
08:28 Effective Networking Strategies
16:51 The Giving Hour Concept
24:05 Practical Networking Tips and Pitfalls
30:24 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
33:38 Conclusion and Contact Information
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When we hear “networking,” it’s easy to picture forced exchanges, endless card-swapping, and uncomfortable moments filled with business talk that feels anything but genuine. But what if networking could be redefined into something that feels purposeful, enjoyable, and effective?
In a recent conversation with networking expert Karlyn, she shares the why and how of networking in a way that actually works—moving beyond simply trying to gain connections and toward building real relationships that uplift both parties. Let’s look at what she shared about why networking feels so icky for many of us, and how to transform it into something powerful and fulfilling.
Shifting the Networking Mindset From Taking to Giving
One of the biggest hurdles in networking is the belief that the whole point is to get something from others. Karlyn talked about how this approach misses the mark completely, making both parties feel uncomfortable and keeping the connection shallow.
Instead, she suggests approaching networking with a “giving” mindset—showing up with a desire to offer value and make connections that aren’t forced or transactional. This might mean sharing a resource, offering an introduction, or simply listening deeply. Surprisingly, she shared that this approach ends up being far more rewarding and fruitful in the long run.
When you focus on helping others, the connections you form tend to have more depth, and the ripple effect often brings referrals, recommendations, and business opportunities back to you naturally.
Why Networking Can Feel Uncomfortable—and How to Fix It
For many, networking is wrapped up in an internal struggle. On one hand, we feel like we should be selling ourselves, but on the other, we don’t want to come off as pushy. Karlyn identified that this discomfort often comes from pressure—either internal or external—to “make something happen.” When we enter networking events with a transactional mindset or focus solely on outcomes, the interactions can feel forced, and neither party enjoys it.
Karlyn’s advice? Reframe networking as a chance to connect without strings attached. This shift helps you interact with people as humans first, making conversations more authentic and less about what you might get in return. This is also the way you start building a network that has substance, one where people are genuinely invested in each other’s success.
The “Giving Hour” Defined
One actionable practice Karlyn swears by is something she calls “The Giving Hour.” She dedicates a set time each week to think about the people she’s recently met and what she can give back to them. It could be as simple as sending over an article, recommending a book, or introducing two people who might benefit from knowing each other.
This concept of dedicating time to help others without expecting anything in return builds trust and strengthens connections over time. It’s a small shift, but in the world of networking, it makes a big difference. Rather than just showing up and making small talk, the Giving Hour is a way to stay connected meaningfully and consistently.
Avoiding Networking Burnout
Ever feel like you’ve given networking your all—joining groups, attending events, answering endless questions online—only to end up feeling exhausted? This is a common trap for entrepreneurs who dive into networking with gusto but get burned out by the sheer volume of it.
Karlyn’s suggestion is to focus on quality over quantity. Rather than spreading yourself too thin across multiple groups or events, she recommends choosing a few spaces where you genuinely connect with people and feel aligned. One strategy she recommends for more selective networking is joining paid groups. These spaces often attract people who are serious about their work, so the quality of interactions tends to be higher. It’s a way to conserve your energy and get more out of the time you invest.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get It Wrong
Networking, like anything else, requires practice. Karlyn shared a relatable story about the first time she had to introduce herself as a coach—it was nerve-wracking, and she felt like her voice came out as a squeak. But that’s part of the learning process. She encouraged anyone starting out to allow themselves to fumble and not expect to be perfect right away.
Approach each networking experience as a chance to learn. With time, you’ll become more comfortable explaining what you do, and these conversations will flow more naturally. Just like learning any skill, networking improves the more you do it, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way.
The Takeaway
If there’s one message that resonated throughout the conversation, it’s this: you don’t need to be someone else to be effective in networking. Show up as you are, approach interactions with a spirit of giving, and build genuine connections with people. In the end, networking isn’t about instant gains; it’s about establishing trust and creating a support system that will serve you and those in your network for years to come.
Ready to start networking in a new way? Try setting aside time for your own Giving Hour each week, and see how shifting from “getting” to “giving” transforms your experience—and your results.
