Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos

While it can feel awkward for some, it doesn’t have to! In my book, networking is about building meaningful relationships. Listen for six simple, powerful networking strategies to help you connect authentically, deepen relationships, and create opportunities that actually lead somewhere. Whether you're attending a conference, industry event, or meeting someone new over coffee, these practical tips will help you network with confidence and intention. The truth is, the best networkers aren’t the people working the room or talking the most, they're the people building real relationships. In this episode, I’m sharing 6 practical networking strategies that have helped me build genuine connections, create opportunities, and stay top of mind with the right people. Here’s three of the tips below: 1. Show interest. Ask questions. Be curious. People remember how you made them feel. Instead of thinking about what to say next, focus on learning about them. Ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply, and get genuinely curious about their story, work, and goals. 2. Be of service. One of the best networking questions you can ask is:“How can I support you?” or “Who can I connect you with?” Relationships grow faster when you lead with generosity instead of asking, What can I get from this? 3. Take a picture + save their number immediately. This may sound unconventional, but it works. Take a quick photo together so you remember who they are, put their contact information into your phone right away, and send a quick text while you're standing there. This makes follow-up easier and increases the likelihood that the connection actually continues. Key Takeaway: The best networking isn’t transactional, it’s relational. Be curious, be generous, find connection, and don’t wait to follow up. Small actions today can turn into meaningful relationships and unexpected opportunities tomorrow. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who wants to build stronger relationships and bigger opportunities through authentic connection. Favor If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease. Some resources for you: Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here. Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos About me: Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role). Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did." Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission? That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom. I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™. This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career! Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator. Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Episodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videosMy book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/

In this episode, you’ll get five simple but game-changing strategies to help you stop waiting for permission and start taking your seat at the table. You’ll learn how to replace permission-seeking with clear declarations, tap into your past wins to fuel self-trust, set boundaries that support your decisions, and take small daily risks that build confidence and unstoppable momentum.

How do you build a digital presence that stands out so you’re visible and others know who you are? Don’t be the best kept secret in your industry or in your line of work! Here’s how to influence the world and make an impact that reflects the best YOU possible, in six simple tips.

Ever feel nervous about handling questions after a presentation, either on stage or at a meeting? Or, simply want to improve your credibility and polish when handling Q&A? These tips are for you!

We’ve all had that person in our life we experience as difficult, and it can be extremely frustrating! Listen for Karen’s recent real-life example of someone that triggered her and what to do about it! You’ll get tips on how to successfully deal with difficult people so you can walk away with even stronger relationships versus avoiding them.

If you want more opportunity, but you think it’s going to find you, think again! You have to recognize that doors you think might be locked, are not locked - they just need to be opened.Here are 5 tips:Your mindset - you have to believe that anything is possiblePaint the vision for othersShare the benefits to your audience - how will this help them?Position yourself as the expertPractice in lower stakes situations to build your confidence Some resources for you:Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen LaosMy book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/Episodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator. Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Episodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videosMy book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/

If you’ve ever held yourself back due to staying silent at work, this is your episode! Listen for strategies to move past your fears and get noticed in the boardroom and beyond!