Authentic Networking: The SHARE Approach That Turns Conversations Into Opportunities
Establish Yourself® Podcast | Episode 64
If networking’s ever felt awkward, forced, or a waste of time, the SHARE Approach is for you.
Many coaches, consultants, and service professionals do everything they’re told to do: they schedule coffee chats, attend networking events, and meet new people.
But after the conversation ends, nothing really happens.
No introductions.
No referrals.
No collaborations.
No opportunities.
So it’s easy to start wondering:
Am I just bad at networking?
But in this episode, I offer a different perspective.
The problem usually isn’t your networking effort.
It’s that most people were never taught how to share themselves clearly and naturally in conversation.
And without that piece, even great conversations can quietly fade away.
The Real Problem: Networking Doesn’t Work Without Genuine Sharing (And That’s Not Self-Promotion)
If you’re someone who cares deeply about authenticity and relationships, traditional networking advice can feel uncomfortable.
You don’t want to:
Pitch people across the table
Turn every conversation into a sales opportunity
Sound like you’re promoting yourself constantly
But the opposite extreme—staying quiet about your work or waiting to be asked—can also create a challenge.
When people don’t fully understand what you do, who you help, or what you’re building, they can’t:
refer you
collaborate with you
invite you into opportunities
And that means your networking conversations stay pleasant… but unproductive.
Authentic Networking: The SHARE Approach
In this fun episode, I tell an exciting story about an amazing opportunity I landed through networking. And it’s a beautiful example of what I call The SHARE Approach to Authentic Networking—five simple principles that help conversations lead to real connection and opportunity.
The idea is simple:
Instead of trying to impress people, focus on sharing yourself clearly and generously.
The SHARE framework includes:
Share Voluntarily
Don’t wait to be asked about your work. Offer what you’re building and excited about.
Share Clearly
Help people understand what you do, who it’s for, and how someone could work with you.
Share Generously
Approach networking with curiosity and contribution, not just personal gain.
Share Imperfectly
Don’t wait until everything is polished. Share works-in-progress and real examples.
Share Promptly
Follow up quickly after a conversation while the connection is still fresh.
When these five habits work together, conversations become far more powerful.
Not because you’re pushing harder.
But because people finally understand how to connect with what you do.
What Authentic Networking Makes Possible
When you approach networking this way, several things begin to shift:
Conversations feel more natural and less performative
People understand your work faster
Referrals become easier
Opportunities appear where you didn’t expect them
Authentic networking isn’t about working the room.
It’s about sharing yourself in ways that help others see where connection and collaboration might exist.
Ready for Networking That’s Worth Your Time?
🎧 Listen now to learn small shifts that lead to big opportunities at your next coffee date👇
See Annie’s stand-up comedy at Goodnights Comedy Club 🤣
Follow my comedy adventures on Instagram @annieisfunnycomedy
As I share in this episode, I’m performing a guest set at “Ladies Laugh Lounge” this April - hosted by the amazing Kiki Wynns (@kikiscomedyclub)
Join me if you wanna travel to Raleigh, NC!
Thursday, April 9, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Goodnights Comedy Club
Raleigh, NC
Put this into action👇
Want help to talk more clearly and confidently about what you do at coffee (and with clients!) 👉 Book a free consultation with me here, and we’ll pinpoint what to do next
