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December 16th, 2025

Networking with Robert Butwin & Michael Roderick

On this episode of GoalChat, Debra Eckerling talks about networking with success strategist Robert Butwin and connector Michael Roderick of Small Pond Enterprises. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, you can’t reach your goals on your own, you need your people. So set networking goals for the new year!

Robert and Mike share a variety of tips and anecdotes. This includes advice for: meeting new people, finding communities, starting conversations, showing up as your best self, and more.

Define Networking 
– Robert: Developing meaningful Relationships before you need them
– Mike: Networking is not climbing a ladder, it’s spinning a web

Networking Tips
– Mike: The point is not to "Get out there, do all the things, meet all the people." You need to know what you are looking to do/to accomplish, and what matters to you
– Robert: Try to avoid going to places that do not lead to a good conversation. Rather than think, "Me, me, me," ask what you can do to help others. Give first
– Robert: The order is "Like, Know, Trust." Find people you like, get to know them, then build trust/share them with your trusted network
– Mike: There are 3 types of meetings/conversations: steamroller – they just talk about themselves and what they need; the 2-way pitch – mutually beneficial transactional; great conversation – where you develop rapport on a personal level

Goals 
– Mike: Write down 2 or 3 people you feel would be open to hearing you share a problem, a challenge, or an issue; practice being real with them so you are ready to be real with strangers
– Robert: Remember to REACH: Reputation Matters, Experience, Authenticity, Clarity, Being Helpful
– Bonus Goal from Deb: Set Networking Goals

Final Thoughts
– Robert: Your success is based on the strength of your network, get comfortable networking
– Mike: They keys to the doors you need to open are in other people’s pockets, you have a pocket full of keys

Read the full recap and get the links discussed: https://thedebmethod.com/networking-butwin-roderick

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What is your best networking tip? Please share in the comments.
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Debra Eckerling is the author of "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting" and "Your Goal Guide" and founder of The D*E*B Method for Goal-Setting Simplified.

Follow @TheDEBMethod:
Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TheDEBMethod​​
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TheDEBMethod​​
Get your copy of "Your Goal Guide:" http://YourGoalGuideBook.com
Order “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting:” https://52SecretsBook.com

Debra Eckerling Goal Strategist, Author & Workshop Leader

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist on a mission to change goal culture in and out of the workplace. Debra is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and founder of the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified. A speaker and corporate consultant, her workshops include goal-setting for employee retention, event outcome optimization, and cooking for productivity. Debra has spoken on stages for TEDx, Innovation Women, SCORE LA, and more, and is the host of the #GoalChatLive show aka The DEB Show podcast and Taste Buds with Deb podcast.