In this episode, Andy welcomes back networking expert and keynote speaker Kari Mirabal, author of You Already Have the No. Kari shares practical strategies for building authentic relationships that can help you not only survive but thrive during career transitions.

They explore the challenges of networking when you’re early in your career, in between jobs, or worried about losing the one you have. Kari unpacks how to make the most of platforms like LinkedIn, how to overcome fear and rejection, and the value of making the ask—even if you think the answer will be “no.” She also shares a powerful reframe tool (LTR: Lie, Truth, Reframe) to help you move past limiting beliefs.

Whether you’re navigating a job change, building your personal brand, or trying to future-proof your career, Kari’s approachable, energizing advice is just what you need. If you’re looking for insights on how to build relationships that open doors, this episode is for you!

Sound Bites

  • “You already have the no before you ask. So what do you have to lose? Nothing.”
  • “Sales is not synonymous with networking, but service is.”
  • “Sometimes it wasn’t the person who was most qualified that got the job. It was the person who marketed themself the best.”
  • “Be a stalker, liker, commenter, poster.”
  • “Don’t wait until you need a network to start building one. Build the well before you’re thirsty.”
  • “Asking is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.”
  • “Confidence is a skill. The more you practice, the stronger it gets.”
  • “LinkedIn changed my life, and it can change yours too.”

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 02:04 Start of Interview
  • 02:14 Were You Always a Natural Networker?
  • 04:34 Is LinkedIn Still Worth It? Tips for Beginners
  • 08:08 How to Make the Ask, Even if You’re New
  • 13:02 How Kari’s Son Landed an Internship Through Networking
  • 17:21 Advice for Making a Career or Industry Transition
  • 25:00 What to Do If You’re Worried About Job Security
  • 27:20 Why We Let Fear Hold Us Back and How to Reframe It
  • 32:40 The Role of AI in Relationship Building and Job Seeking
  • 34:40 What Parents Can Do to Help Their Kids Network Confidently
  • 38:16 End of Interview
  • 38:39 Andy Comments After the Interview
  • 42:51 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Kari and her work at KariMirabal.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

  • Episode 285 for my earlier conversation with Kari.
  • Episode 318 with John Stepper. It’s a great follow up to today’s discussion on how to build new connections and a better career.
  • Episode 356 with Eric Barker. Eric and I talked about why everything we know about relationships is mostly wrong.

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If you or someone you know is considering getting PMP certified, we put together a super helpful guide called The Five Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification. We’d love to help you too.

It’s totally free, and it’s a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Networking, Career Development, Job Search, LinkedIn Strategy, Relationship Building, Influence, Confidence, Career Transition, Professional Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Branding, Fear of Rejection, Leadership

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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