Why Women Leave Networking Events Empty-Handed

Networking events are supposed to open doors, but research shows women often walk away with fewer actionable contacts than men. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a 2022 study by Harvard Business School professor Lakshmi Balachandra that found women at networking events receive 30% fewer follow-up requests than men, even when they initiate conversations at the same rate. They drill into a specific case: a mixed-gender entrepreneurship conference where men exchanged 2.3 contact cards on average, while women exchanged 1.6. Lucas explains the concept of 'weak ties' — the informal professional connections that lead to job opportunities — and why women's networks tend to have fewer of them. Luna shares a personal story about attending a tech conference where she felt the conversations didn't convert. Together, they discuss practical tactics like the 'two-question rule' and the power of following up within 24 hours. This episode gives concrete advice for women who dread or leave empty-handed from networking events. #NetworkingEvents #WomenInBusiness #GenderGap #WeakTies #CareerAdvancement #LakshmiBalachandra #HarvardBusinessReview #ProfessionalNetworks #FollowUp #ConferenceTips #BusinessConnections #WomenLeaders #Careers #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #WomenAtWork #GenderEquality #NetworkingStrategies Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo