Episode 36: You Don’t Suck at Networking (Plus Some News)

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host, Tara McDonagh.  In this episode, Tara gets real about one of the biggest myths she hears from women regularly: that they “suck at networking.” Spoiler alert, they don’t. They just don’t network like men.

Tara explains how traditional, low-touch “networking” settings … PRSA or IABC events,  chamber breakfasts,, award dinners, conference receptions … were built for how men connect and network,  not women.. Instead of trying to “fix” women or force them to network like men, which doesn’t work, Tara redefines what authentic networking looks like for women in communications today. Women’s networking is  grounded in connection, deep trust, vulnerability, reciprocity, friendship and shared growth.

From there, she opens up about her own year-end business planning retreat and what’s next for Raise the Tide™ for women in the Communications field … including big news about its evolution into a full ecosystem designed to support every woman in the communications field, whether corporate, non-profit  agency, or consultant and across geographies.  

In this episode, Tara covers:

• Why women don’t “suck” at networking … they just network differently than men. 
• How gender and communication research explain why traditional networking fails many women
• The power of tight-knit, trust-based circles versus broad, surface-level events
• Why changing women isn’t the answer … reshaping the environment is
• A behind-the-scenes look at Tara’s business planning retreat (and her team’s reaction!)
• What’s ahead for Raise the Tide™ and how it’s expanding into a full ecosystem:
  • The Surge — the original Raise the Tide program for women inside corporate communications
  • The Voyagers — for women consultants and agency owners, launching with an in-person business-planning retreat in San Diego (January 14–16)
  • The Shoreline — a new, accessible online community for women worldwide to learn, connect, and grow
  • The Breakwater — for women continuing to learn in good company after at least one year in The Surge
• Why Tara decided to stop keeping Raise the Tide small — and what it means for the women in the field
• Real stories of growth from program members: clarity, promotions, doubled budgets, 30% raises, and renewed confidence

If you’ve ever felt isolated, stuck, or unsure how to keep growing in this misunderstood field, Raise the Tide was built for you. And if you already have your footing, she asks for your help in spreading the word so more women can rise.

Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter on advancing as a Communications Business Advisor:, Level Up: Be Extra and her Raise the Tide emails for women in the field Raise the Tide emails for women in the field. 

This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a professional development ecosystem for women in communications - helping them grow, connect, and lead with confidence through mentorship, coaching, professional development and community.

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