Why Networking Feels Terrible but Still Matters

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin shares her five-step play process that flips networking from “ugh” to actually fun. If the thought of walking into a room full of strangers makes you want to hide by the snack table, this is your permission slip to try networking a whole new way.

Instead of dreading it, Erin shows you how to treat networking like an improv game: playful, curiosity-driven, and connection-first. With tips that blend practical strategy and improv magic, you’ll learn to leave a lasting impression without feeling salesy, stiff, or stuck in small talk.

Inside This Episode:

• Reframe the Room: Collect stories, not just business cards, by shifting from anxiety to curiosity
• Play the Yes And Game: Use improv’s golden rule to keep conversations engaging and flowing
• The Silly Name Game: A memory hack to help you remember names and make people feel seen
• Become the Compliment Fairy: Spark joy and build trust with genuine compliments
• Set a Fun Networking Goal: Turn events into a scavenger hunt for laughter, stories, and shared interests

Who This Episode Is For:

• The professional who feels awkward or drained at networking events
• The leader who wants to connect with authenticity, not pretense
• The team player who loves building relationships but hates small talk
• Anyone ready to turn networking into something fun, human, and actually energizing

Tune in to learn how to network with curiosity, creativity, and confidence—and if you know someone who dreads networking, send this their way. Let’s make connection playful again.

Feeling awkward, overthinking your small talk, or wondering if you should’ve just stayed home? Grab our free Networking Without Feeling Weird toolkit. It’s your two-part confidence boost for before and during the event, packed with simple, human strategies that help you walk in clear, grounded, and ready to connect. Download it now and turn “Ugh, networking…” into “That was actually… fun?”

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)

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