Connect and Bloom Podcast

06/21/2022

The final episode of the three-part series on how to get back to in-person networking after Covid is about what to do after the event to stay top of mind with your connections. Once the event is over and you’ve accomplished your networking goals, you may think all the work is done, but it’s really just started. In this episode, our host talks about:

• how to follow up after a networking event
• how to stay top of mind with your network
• and why not every connection is meant to work out

She also covers the one key part about networking: that it’s about building relationships over time. You won’t want to miss this one!

https://apple.co/3N5VZ8J

05/17/2022

Part two of the three-part series on getting back to in-person networking of Connect and Bloom is about how to show up as your best self at a networking event. Episode one covered how to find and prepare for networking events, so be sure to listen before tuning in to this next one! In this episode, our host will go over everything from:

• how to dress for the event
• where to stand
• how to approach someone
• to how to leave the event

She’s going to share practical tips such as how to use power poses to get you in the right headspace. This episode is a deep dive that will leave you feeling confident and ready to make lasting connections.

→ link in bio and here: https://apple.co/3MlZTLi

04/19/2022

The next three episodes of Connect and Bloom is a 3-part series on how to get back to in-person networking after Covid. We’re all feeling a little rusty, maybe even anxious after being in lockdowns for two years, which is completely normal. It’s been two years of lockdowns after all. Over the next three episodes, our host will give you all the tools you need to show up as your best, most fearless self.

Part 1 of this series is all about how to find and prepare for networking events. Tune in to learn more about:

• why you need to define your networking goals
• how to find networking events in your city
• how to background check the event
• and how to prepare for the event

Whether you’re a networking newbie, or you just need to sharpen those networking skills, you’ll get tips to help you find events, prepare for them, and what to do to follow up and make the most of your connections.

Listen here:
https://apple.co/3MczqPG

03/15/2022

Episode 2 of season 3 of is all about why networking is important and why you should network. Networking, at its core, is about building relationships and supporting others. In this episode, our host will share how she went from being a shy kid who lacked self-confidence to a networking expert, and how you can too. Remember: it’s not only about career growth; it’s about so much more. This episode will also discuss some of the research around the benefits of networking and some great advice a senior leader at Shopify. Tune in to learn more about all this and:

the importance of tooting your own horn
why networking is about nurturing relationships
and how networking can make you happier!

→ Link to podcast in bio and here:
https://apple.co/3i7ndi7

02/15/2022

Season 3, episode 1 of Connect and Bloom kicks off 2022 with a slightly new format. In this season, our host will still be interviewing amazing women who are expert networkers, but she’ll mostly be selecting a specific topic about networking and doing a deep dive on it. This episode is all about answering the question, “What is networking?”

Networking can be terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many other ways to network that aren’t just going to a big event and talking to strangers. Often, people who hate networking have the definition of networking all wrong.

Tune in to learn more about:

Common misconceptions about networking (it’s not just about “working the room”)
What networking really is
Other ways to network (like using social media or volunteering)
The importance of relationship-building with networking
And so much more!

→ Get a pen and paper ready. This is one you’ll want to take notes on!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what-is-networking/id1553794882?i=1000551122162

02/07/2022

The author makes some great points about nurturing existing relationships however, I completely disagree about in-person networking events being a waste of time. I have made some wonderful connections at these events. it’s all about choosing the right one, not all networking events are created equal.

There are more-productive ways to build relationships.

12/21/2021

Episode 7 is the last show of 2021. Over the past 12 months, our host had sixteen different guests, and each of them have had their own unique approach to networking. Some of the women she spoke to were born to network, some were terrified but overcame that fear, and some are still afraid of networking but have found ways to work around their fear…and have amassed a huge community as a result.

There were two main themes with all the Connect and Bloom guests:

👉 That networking isn’t about trying to close a deal or being schmoozy, it’s about building relationships.

👉 And that networking is about curiosity and being genuinely interested in the other person.

In this episode, Despina shares a nugget of wisdom from each guest, although they all definitely had so many more! Some highlights:

- Julie Brown talks about how your closest ties might not be the ones that are going to help you get that new business deal or promotion
- Stacey Berry on how a digital detox can lead to new networking breakthroughs
- Angela Payne talks about how to recreate that in-person networking feeling online during COVID
- Leslie Hughes’ tips on how to use LinkedIn as a networking tool (what to do and what not to do)
- And the importance of personal branding for networking with Chanele McFarlane

→ Listen to the end to also find out what the first episode of 2022 is going to be about. It should be insightful…and fun…so be sure to tune in. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and ‘see’ you in 2022!

Listen here:
https://apple.co/3pgq2Cb

12/07/2021

Find our host speaking with Speaker, Author, Podcast Host, Networking Coach, and Business Development Strategist: Julie is one of the few guests Despina interviewed that she had never met in person. In fact, they were never formally introduced, nor have they bumped into each other at an event. (These two ladies are living proof that there are more ways to network than you might think!) After learning Julie was a fellow networking guru, bought her book, did some research, and very soon realized she wanted to bring her on to the show. Tune in this week as they chat about:

-why networking is no different than relationship building, and why we shouldn’t distinguish between “real” friends and other friendships (they’re all real!)
-why Julie disagrees with a well-known evolutionary psychologist’s thoughts on stable social relationships
-how to overcome your fear of networking (hint: try the “list yourself approach”) -how women can learn from men when it comes to networking outside of their comfort zone — and asking for what they want
-why our economic background shouldn’t hold us back in the world of networking

→ Want to help this networking expert meet her coveted connection? Listen in ‘til the end to find out who Julie wants to meet in our latest 6 Degrees of Separation Challenge.

Tune in here:
https://apple.co/3Gmw3ml

11/23/2021

In Episode 5, I interview Stacey Berry. Surprise, surprise, the two of us share a passion for networking. Which is why I was super intrigued to learn about her year-long “digital detox.” Tune in to find out what this is, and how it can lead to networking breakthroughs.

Tune in here:
https://apple.co/3oRMv6Y

11/23/2021

In Episode 4 I interview Tracey Bissett a Financial Fitness Educator, Coach, & Podcaster: We chat about our shared passions — networking and podcasts. Ready to be a fly on the wall? Pour yourself a cup of coffee, and listen here: https://apple.co/3qAl843

11/23/2021

In Episode 3 I interview
Angela Payne Co-Founder of Leed HR & President of Lean In Canada All who know Angela know that the connections she makes are authentic and lasting. Tune in as we talk about redesigning your mental model about networking.
Listen here: https://buff.ly/2ZlDOZJ

10/12/2021

In Episode 2, you’ll find Despina Zanganas chatting about the “heart of networking” with Executive Leadership Coach, Group Process Facilitator, Public Speaker, and Author: Marguerite Orane. Once upon a time, Marguerite and Despina were both “reluctant networkers” who were inspired to face their fears and get out there by the same woman (who just happens to be the first guest ever interviewed on this podcast — check it out!). A few years ago, these two ladies were lucky to be connected by their mutual career coach. Despina says: “It truly brings me joy to have such a positive person like Marguerite in my network.” Tune in as they talk about their love of networking, as well as:

- why networking is about giving, not getting
- the importance of connecting authentically with people that bring you joy
- the “connector’s high” — what is it and why they might just be addicted to it
- how Jamaicans do networking differently
- why Linkedin is one of the best places to network (virtually)

→ Be sure to stick around ‘til the end to discover who Marguerite wants to meet for our latest 6 Degrees of Separation Challenge. Do you know her coveted connection? Send us a DM!

Tune in here:
https://apple.co/3iW9FqB