28. From Awkward to Amazing: Tips For Better Connections Through Networking

Crank & Boom Podcast with Toa Green

Does the thought of networking make your palms sweaty and your heart race? Have you dutifully attended countless events, handing out your business cards, only to feel like you're just going through the motions? If the anxiety and lack of results from traditional networking is leaving you frustrated and stuck, it's time to reframe those notions of networking and set our minds on connections that actually mean something. Say goodbye to superficial interactions and hello to relationships that can be transformative.

Toa Green never felt comfortable in stiff networking events, but over time she learned key tools that helped her reframe networking as a way toward meaningful connection through curiosity and storytelling. Join Toa as she reveals what simple steps she took to make networking less of a chore, and made her look forward to sharing her story and learning about others.

In this episode, you’ll learn to:

• Unleash the power of community by participating in formal gatherings and leadership programs

• Realize the power of your story, making every interaction meaningful and captivating.

• Discover the art of shaping your messaging, paving the way for effective networking in large or small groups.

• Learn to ask the deeper the questions that can uncover authentic connections

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Goldbelly | Find the most famous, most regional iconic foods from around the country–including Crank & Boom Ice Cream–and ship it all right to your door at goldbelly.com/

Holly Hill Restaurants | 9 unique locations in Kentucky that celebrate the connection of family, to farm to table. Find stories, recipes, how-to's, and curated gifts by visiting hollyhillandco.com

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Read about Governor Beshear’s press conference at Crank & Boom’s Manchester location

• Learn more about Leadership Lexington

Quotable Moments From the Episode

“Getting to know other people within your community just reaps great benefits. I get to meet amazing people who are doing incredible work and I get to be inspired by people doing incredible things. I get to learn from people.” - Toa Green

“One important thing I think that is vital for you to have a successful networking event is to make sure that you have your story down. And by that, I mean know your story. Know what it is you want to convey about yourself. It doesn't necessarily have to be about your job, but the aspects of you that you want to present.” - Toa Green

“I think if you can have a mindset that says ‘I am confident, I am who I am, the people who need to talk to me, will find me.’ I've always believed that. I think it makes [networking] easier because I can just be myself. And that's perfectly fine.” - Toa Green

Connect with Toa! C&B Podcast website

C&B Ice Cream website

C&B Podcast's Instagram

*Production by Four Eyes Media*