What if networking isn’t about selling… but simply starting a conversation?
In this week’s Power Hour, I’m joined by networking expert and author Stefan Thomas, and this conversation is such a refreshing reframe on something so many business owners overthink. 😫
From working in a shoe shop in the 80s to writing Business Networking for Dummies, Stefan shares how the most powerful business opportunities don’t come from pitching… they come from simple, human conversations. ❤️
We talk about why networking feels uncomfortable, what people get wrong, and how to approach it in a way that actually builds trust (and leads to real opportunities).
If you’ve ever walked into a networking event thinking “what do I even say?” this episode is for you.
✨ This Week’s Focus:
Networking doesn’t need to feel forced or salesy.
It’s simply the start of a conversation.
- Why the word “networking” can instantly make us uncomfortable
- The real purpose of your 60-second introduction
- Why trying to sell too fast actually pushes people away
- How trust is built over time (not instantly)
- The “half-life of enthusiasm” and why timing matters in follow-up
- How modern tools (like social + automation) support relationship-building
- Networking is the start of a conversation, not a sales pitch
- Your 60-second intro should lead to the next conversation
This episode is such a good reminder that business (and honestly, life) comes back to connection. When you take the pressure off and just focus on being human, everything feels easier and more aligned.
Search The Bubbles Effect Podcast wherever you listen
Connect with Stefan and grab his books on Amazon (including Business Networking for Dummies) here: [email protected]✨ If this resonated, I created a simple playbook to help you take action on what you learn, grab it below.
📄 Get the playbook here: https://nb.marketing/podcast
I started my first entrepreneurial journey in 2007 with my husband. We decided to start an organic farm & micro-brewery in the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
During the seven years that we ran Acadian Farms & Brewery, I was in charge of all things marketing- everything from events, to social media to website design.
Learning + doing everything on my own, I created an SEO-friendly website that reached #1 on Google and utilized the power of social media and influencer outreach to get featured in prominent publications like The Oregonian, Portland Monthly and The Seattle Times, as well as popular craft beer blogs.
AND MY MISSION!
After closing our doors due to creating too much traffic (marketing works 😉), I wanted to take what I learned from the experience and help other small businesses. So I spent the next few years working at digital marketing agencies and expanded my marketing chops by learning the systems, tools and strategies implemented by agencies to achieve massive growth.
And that's what I'm sharing with you- knowledge from both sides! I truly wish that I had a step-by-step strategy to follow when we were growing our business, but there wasn't one.
When I'm not working, you can find me camping with my two kids, husband and rescue dog, running or drinking a glass of wine!
