Episode 302: Your New Networking Rule: Simple, Sticky & Stress-Free
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin takes on the sweaty-palmed panic of networking and transforms it into a playful, personality-driven skill you’ll actually want to practice. Because if you’ve ever clutched your drink at a networking event like it’s a life preserver, this one’s for you.
Forget stiff elevator pitches and transactional conversations. Erin’s introducing her new go-to framework: the Simple, Sticky & Stress-Free Networking Rule that makes connection feel like play.
Networking doesn’t have to be awkward. It can be fun, human, and even joyful.
Erin kicks things off with a truth bomb: 70% of us hate networking, but 85% of jobs and opportunities come from it. So, how do we bridge that gap without turning into robots? Enter: improv. Erin shows how using the same mindset that makes improv scenes work—support, presence, and curiosity—can turn networking into an energizing experience.
Connection beats perfection.
The three-part rule is both brilliantly simple and instantly usable:
The YES, AND Handshake – Start by affirming and adding on. Ask better questions that spark stories.
The Name Game Echo – Repeat their name naturally 3 times in the first two minutes. Bonus points for using your inner game show host voice.
The Give & Giggle Close – Leave them with a resource, a compliment, or a laugh. Make them feel good, and you’ll be unforgettable.
Whether you're practicing with your barista or chatting with a CEO, this rule works anywhere humans exist. This episode will leave you feeling confident, curious, and ready to show up as your full self, nametag and all. Listen before your next networking event or share it with a friend who you know is dreading their next one. See what ripple effects it creates.
Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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