The Awkward Handshake

What if one of the best “networking spaces” in your city… is a romance bookstore?In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Katherine D. Morgan, the owner of Grand Gesture Books, a romance-focused indie bookstore in Portland, Oregon that has quietly built one of the most engaged communities in the city.This conversation isn’t about traditional networking. It’s about what happens when people gather around shared interests, feel safe being themselves, and keep coming back—not because they have to, but because they want to.Katherine shares how she built Grand Gesture Books into more than just a retail space, how her events bring people together in a way that feels natural and fun, and why romance readers might be some of the best community builders out there.If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way to meet people…” This episode might expand your definition of where connection actually happens. How Grand Gesture Books became a community hub, not just a bookstore  Why romance readers show up differently (and why it works)  The power of interest-based communities What makes events feel welcoming, fun, and low-pressure  How Katherine curates experiences that keep people coming back  Why not all “networking” has to feel like networking  The role of storytelling and shared identity in building connection Meet the GuestKatherine D. MorganWriter and owner of Grand Gesture Books, a romance bookstore in Portland, Oregon.Katherine is the author of the chapbook No Self-Respecting Woman, with work featured in outlets including Huffington Post, Bitch Media, LitHub, The Rumpus, and HelloGiggles. Her work has been nominated for Best of the Net, and she’s built a thriving in-person community through her bookstore and events.Connect with Katherine: Website: https://katherinedmorgan.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blcktinabelcher/?hl=enAbout Grand Gesture BooksGrand Gesture Books is a romance-focused indie bookstore in Portland, Oregon that hosts events, readings, and gatherings for readers who want connection as much as they want a good book.Learn more + check out upcoming events ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/grandgesturebooks/Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

What does it take to build a creative community that people actually want to keep coming back to?In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Kaitlin Carpenter, the organizer behind Creative Mornings Portland, to talk about what it really looks like to sustain a creative community over time.Kaitlin isn’t just hosting events—she’s curating an experience. From speakers to structure to the feeling in the room, Creative Mornings has become one of Portland’s most consistent and well-loved creative gatherings.We talk about how she brought the chapter back to life, what it takes to keep momentum going, and why the best communities aren’t built on hype—they’re built on care.If you’ve ever wondered how some events feel effortless while others fall flat… this episode pulls back the curtain.In this episode, we talk about: How Kaitlin relaunched Creative Mornings Portland What makes a creative community feel consistent and trustworthy  The role of curation in building strong events  How to choose speakers that resonate with a wide audience  Why structure matters more than people think  The balance between creativity and sustainability  What keeps people coming back month after monthMeet the GuestKaitlin CarpenterWriter and creative strategist, founder of BattleCat Strategy, and organizer of Creative Mornings Portland.Kaitlin has worked with organizations like NASA Earth Science, the U.S. Department of Justice, and Trust for the National Mall to help them connect with the right people through storytelling and strategic communication. In 2019, she relaunched the Portland chapter of Creative Mornings and has been bringing creative speakers (and donuts) to the stage ever since.Connect with Kaitlin:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn🎨 Want to attend a future Creative Mornings chapter? Find Portland's events and other events worldwide here: https://creativemornings.com/Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

What if the thing blocking your business… isn’t actually your business?In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Micah Freeman, a licensed therapist, to talk about the overlap between mental health, nervous system regulation, and the way we show up in networking and business.This conversation goes deeper than tactics. We explore the moments where strategy isn’t the issue—and where avoidance, fear, or dysregulation might be quietly running the show.Micah breaks down how to tell the difference between a real business problem and an internal one, why so many people stay stuck trying to “fix” the wrong thing, and how understanding your own patterns can completely change how you connect, communicate, and grow.If you’ve ever thought, “I know what to do… so why am I not doing it?” This episode might answer that.In this episode, we talk about: The difference between a business problem vs. a therapy problem How avoidance shows up in networking and visibility  Why your nervous system impacts how you connect with people  The role of emotional regulation in business growth  Why “fixing your strategy” doesn’t always fix the issue  How to recognize when you’re stuck in a loop  What it looks like to build awareness instead of just pushing harder Meet the GuestMicah FreemanMicah Freeman is a licensed professional counselor, educator, and coach who helps people stop overthinking their way through relationships and start understanding the patterns actually driving their behavior. With 10 years of clinical experience and 18 years of teaching, he also serves as adjunct faculty in the counseling department at Portland State University.He is the founder of Ego Strength Coaching and host of The Self-Study Lab podcast, where he teaches a nervous-system-informed approach to understanding behavior, including how often we confuse stress responses for personality traits.➡️ Get your free PDF from Micah here!Connect with Micah: 🔗 Website 🤝 LinkedIn🎧 Micah's PodcastKeep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

What happens when you take your networking skills out of your home city… and drop them into a massive conference?In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, it’s just Mary and Megan (recording after returning from BookCon NYC) sharing their immediate reactions to what networking feels like in a high-energy, location-based event.This is a real-time download of what’s different, what’s surprisingly the same, and what actually matters when you’re meeting people outside your usual ecosystem.We talk about the energy of large conferences, how people show up differently, and why the same core networking skills still apply—even when everything else changes.If you’ve ever wondered whether networking at a big event “counts”… or how to make the most of it when you’re there, this episode is your field report.In this episode, we talk about: What networking feels like at a conference vs. local events The energy shift of being in a new city with new people Why the same core skills still apply (even in chaotic environments)  How people show up differently at large-scale events What makes conference networking feel easier—or harder  The role of proximity, timing, and spontaneity in connection  Why sometimes you just have to go to the thing and see what happensKeep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

What does it actually take to build a community where people feel safe enough to show up as themselves?In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Polly Bilchuk and Oliver Dinero, the founders of Unlock Collective, to talk about how they’ve built one of Portland’s most trusted queer networking spaces.This isn’t just about hosting events. It’s about designing a room with intention—who it’s for, how it feels, and what people are allowed to bring with them when they walk through the door.We talk about how Unlock Collective came to life, why their quarterly format works, and what it really takes to create a space where connection isn’t forced… but it does happen.If you’ve ever walked into a networking event and thought, “this isn’t for me…” This episode shows what it looks like when it finally is.In this episode, we talk about: How Unlock Collective got started and why it fills a real gap in Portland  What makes a queer-centered networking space feel different  Why intentional design matters more than just “getting people in a room”  The power of hosting quarterly events instead of constant meetups  How to create a space that feels safe, welcoming, and real Why community-building requires boundaries—not just openness  What it means to build trust over time (and why that’s the real goal) Meet the GuestsPolly Bilchuk + Oliver DineroCo-founders of Unlock Collective, bringing vision, structure, and thoughtful design to community experiences.About Unlock CollectiveUnlock Collective is a Portland-based queer networking community focused on creating intentional, welcoming spaces for connection.Their events are designed to feel different (less transactional, more human) with a focus on trust, safety, and real conversation.WebsiteInstagramKeep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

What if networking isn’t something you turn on when you need a job… but something you build for the rest of your life?In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we sit down with Dinesh Mathew, a business operations executive turned consultant, to talk about what actually makes someone a great networker and why it matters more now than ever.This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. We get into the realities of today’s job market, how networking has changed, and why the people who succeed aren’t always the loudest in the room… they’re the ones paying attention.Dinesh shares how his background in market research shaped his approach to networking, why listening is an underrated superpower, and how thinking about your relationships like a portfolio can completely change how you show up.If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll network when I need to…” This episode might change your mind.In this episode, we talk about: Why networking is a forever skill, not a short-term tactic  What’s really happening in today’s job market (and why it feels harder)  The concept of a “warm network” — and why you can’t let it go cold  How listening (not talking) makes you a better networker  Why asking better questions changes everything  What a “portfolio approach” to networking actually looks like  The difference between online, local, and travel-based networking  Why relationships (not resumes) are driving opportunities right now Meet the GuestDinesh MathewBusiness operations executive, consultant, and expert facilitator with a background in market research, focus groups, and organizational strategy.Dinesh specializes in helping companies improve operations, align leadership, and build systems that actually support growth—while bringing a deeply human approach to networking and relationship-building.Connect with Dinesh:WebsiteLinkedInFavorite TakeawayYou don’t build a network when you need it. You build it so it’s there when life inevitably shifts.Because in today’s world… your network isn’t optional.It’s infrastructure.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

What does it take to build a thriving community people actually want to show up for?In this episode, we sit down with the co-founders of AI Portland, a fast-growing community that has brought together thousands of people around one of the biggest shifts in modern work and business: artificial intelligence.But this conversation isn’t just about AI.It’s about curiosity, community-building, networking, and what happens when two thoughtful people decide to start the thing instead of waiting until they feel “expert enough.”We talk about how AI Portland got off the ground, what they’ve learned from organizing events at scale, how they source speakers, why diverse rooms matter, and what they’ve discovered about what people are really hungry for right now.If you’ve ever thought, “Could I build something like that?” … this episode is for you.In this episode, we talk about: How AI Portland got started from a simple conversation over wine  Why you do not need to be an expert to start a community  What makes an event feel welcoming, thoughtful, and worth coming back to  How AI Portland grew into a 2,800+ person community Why people are craving in-person connection again  How they choose event topics and source standout speakers  What they’ve learned about building rooms with more diversity and intention  Why having a “yes friend” can completely change your trajectory  The importance of trying things before you overthink them into the grave Meet the GuestsMegan NotarteTechnology team leader and co-founder of AI Portland, a community focused on demystifying generative AI and its real-world business applications.Connect with Megan on LinkedInNicole MorsProduct design leader, co-founder of AI Portland, and co-host of the podcast Supercharged by AI.Connect with Nicole on LinkedInAbout AI PortlandAI Portland is a growing Portland-based community focused on helping people understand and explore artificial intelligence in practical, human, and accessible ways.They host events, conversations, and gatherings for people across industries — whether you’re deep in tech, AI-curious, or just trying to figure out what the hell any of this means.Check out upcoming AI Portland events: https://www.aipdx.info/Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

Looking for the best networking events in Portland? Wondering how to meet the right people without wasting time in awkward rooms that go nowhere?In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we talk with Dominic Kuklawood, creator of PortlandStartupEvents.com, an aggregated event calendar for entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals across the Portland startup ecosystem.Dominic has a unique perspective on networking because he’s not just attending events… he’s tracking the entire landscape. From startup meetups to marketing events, he sees what’s working, what’s missing, and why there’s still more opportunity to build meaningful community.We break down how to find the right networking events, why Portland is not oversaturated with events, and what actually makes a room worth showing up for.If you’ve ever struggled with networking, felt like events were a waste of time, or didn’t know where to start, this episode will give you a clearer path forward.What You’ll Learn How to find networking events in Portland (without relying on guesswork)  Why there’s still demand for more startup and business events  What makes a networking event successful vs. transactional  How to meet better business connections and collaborators  Why entrepreneurs often experience loneliness—and how events help solve it  The difference between public networking events and private invite-only spaces  A simple framework for hosting your own event (even if you’re not an expert) Resources & LinksPortland Startup Events (Event Calendar):https://PortlandStartupEvents.comConnect with Dominic Kuklawood:https://dataspeaks.ai/Mentioned in This Episode Luma (event platform)  E-Commerce Northwest  NEXT NW  Portland startup community events Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs and founders in Portland  Creators, freelancers, and consultants looking to grow their network  Professionals tired of awkward or ineffective networking events  Anyone looking to build real relationships in businessKeep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

What do you do when the room you need doesn’t exist?You build it.In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, Mary and Megan sit down with author, storyteller, and ghostwriter Jessie Kwak to talk about what it looks like to create the kind of community you wish you could find.Jessie shares how she built a thriving writers’ community in Portland — one that started small, grew through trust and referrals, and now includes both a real-life backyard gathering and an active online Slack space. Along the way, she offers a thoughtful look at what makes communities work, why curated spaces matter, and how good people really do know other good people.This conversation goes far beyond “start a Facebook group and hope for the best.”It’s about intention.It’s about trust.And it’s about realizing that if the space you need isn’t out there yet… you may be the one meant to build it.In this episode, we talk about:Why curated communities often feel safer and more usefulHow Jessie’s writers’ group evolved from an in-person meetup into a larger Slack communityWhat it takes to maintain trust in both physical and online spacesWhy strong communities grow best through referrals and real relationshipsThe difference between shallow promotion and meaningful collaborationHow collaboration often takes longer than people expectWhy networking can lead to friendships first and opportunities laterThe hidden labor of being the “mother hen” of a communityWhat happens when you can’t find the room you needOur GuestJessie Kwak is an author, storyteller, and business book ghostwriter based in Portland, Oregon. She writes thriller novels, science fiction, and nonfiction, and helps other writers bring their books to life through coaching and ghostwriting. She also hosts a vibrant writing community in Portland that has grown into a larger Pacific Northwest writers network.https://www.jessiekwak.com/Why this episode mattersIf you’ve been waiting for the perfect room, the perfect group, or the perfect invitation… this episode is your reminder that sometimes the strongest move is to stop waiting.Build the thing.Invite the good people.Let it grow from there.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

Small talk gets a bad reputation.People love to say they hate it. They call it shallow, pointless, or awkward. But in reality, small talk is one of the most powerful social tools we have — especially in networking spaces.In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, Mary and Megan unpack why small talk matters more than people think and how it acts as the social bridge that helps strangers move toward meaningful conversation.Because before you get to the big ideas, the collaborations, and the business opportunities… you have to build comfort first.And that’s where small talk shines.Mary and Megan explore how small talk creates safety in a room, why it helps people regulate socially, and how it gives conversations somewhere to go. They also share why resisting small talk can actually make networking harder — not easier.If you’ve ever felt awkward starting conversations at events or wondered how some people make networking look effortless, this episode will change how you think about the humble art of small talk.In This Episode, We Talk About• Why small talk is often misunderstood• How small talk helps people feel safe in unfamiliar rooms• The role small talk plays in building trust• Why skipping small talk can make conversations feel abrupt• How small talk opens the door to deeper connections• The difference between transactional networking and relational networking• Simple ways to get better at starting conversationsKeep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

Most networking advice tells you to perfect your elevator pitch.But what if that’s the wrong place to start?In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, Mary and Megan sit down with Kellen Moody to talk about why people are so much more than the one-line explanation of their business — and why the best networking conversations rarely start with a rehearsed pitch.Kel brings a refreshing perspective on curiosity, connection, and the power of being a genuinely interesting human in professional spaces. Together, the three of them unpack how real relationships form, why curiosity is one of the most underrated networking skills, and how conversations become more meaningful when we let people show up as full humans instead of job titles.If you’ve ever felt boxed in by the pressure to “deliver the perfect pitch,” this conversation might be the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.Because the best rooms don’t reward the most polished pitch.They reward the most human presence.In This Episode, We Talk About:• Why elevator pitches can sometimes shut down real conversation• The role curiosity plays in building authentic connections• How to ask better questions in networking settings• Why being interesting matters more than sounding impressive• The difference between transactional networking and relational networking• How curiosity leads to stronger collaborations and referrals• Why your personality and interests belong in the room tooConnect with our guest, Kellen Moody:Kel's WebsiteKel's LinkedInKeep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, Mary and Megan unpack what a “Yes Friend” really is — and why finding one might have less to do with being social… and more to do with nervous system awareness.What started as a conversation about building deeper friendships through networking turned into something bigger: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses… and how those stress patterns show up in business rooms when you’re trying to connect, stay grounded, and not accidentally agree to something you regret.A Yes Friend isn’t just someone you like. It’s someone who helps you get a better outcome in the room.And yes — it’s work. The good kind.In this episode, we talk about:Why “Yes Friends” don’t just appear out of nowhereHow fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses show up at networking eventsWhat it looks like to support a friend when they freeze or fawnThe “emotional readiness weight class” idea — and why it mattersWhy some people disappear at events (and how that impacts trust)How to be an “exit buddy” and rescue each other from conversations gracefullyThe underrated power of small talk as social lubrication while your brain catches upWhy networking can trigger intense emotions (even if you didn’t expect it)How being a connector creates compounding returns over timeWhy follow-up can save almost any awkward momentThe truth: you can’t solve this only in your home office — you have to do reps in the real worldIf you’ve ever wondered why networking feels harder than it “should,” this episode will give you a new lens — and a much kinder interpretation of your own behavior.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we tackle one of the most common networking questions we hear:What if I’m an introvert?Mary and Megan are joined by business strategist and community facilitator Nedra Rezinas to unpack what networking looks like when you don’t thrive in loud rooms, surface-level small talk, or high-volume social energy.Because here’s the truth: Introverts don’t hate networking... they hate bad networking.Together, we explore what it means to build connection in ways that feel grounded, sustainable, and aligned with your nervous system — without disappearing from rooms that matter.In this episode, we talk about:Why introversion is not a business liabilityThe difference between overstimulation and disinterestHow to design networking experiences that support depthWhat “Quiet Networking” looks like in practiceWhy smaller rooms often outperform bigger onesHow to protect your energy without isolating yourselfWhy authenticity beats performance — every timeThe power of 1:1 follow-up for introverted foundersIf you’ve ever left a networking event feeling drained, awkward, or like you “did it wrong,” this episode will feel like permission to do it differently.About Our GuestOur guest for this episode is Nedra Rezinas, a business strategist and coach for introverted and empathy-driven solopreneurs.Nedra helps founders build businesses that reflect their true values without forcing themselves into extroverted molds that don’t fit.She’s the founder of Quiet Networking, a Portland-based networking group designed specifically for people who prefer meaningful conversation over volume and velocity.You can connect with Nedra here:https://www.nedrarezinas.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrezinas/Attend the next Quiet Networking event when you register hereKeep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

In this special episode of The Awkward Handshake, Mary and Megan step outside the usual event debrief to talk about something bigger than networking logistics.This wasn’t originally on the calendar.But when the world shifted — and it felt disrespectful to launch premiere week into that noise — we paused. Then we gathered our community. And what came out of that room sparked this episode.This is a conversation about values. About fear. About silence. About what it means to lead — especially when you don’t feel ready.Because “silence is complicity” sounds simple on social media. In real life, it’s more complicated.In this episode, we unpack:Why we postponed premiere week — and what that decision modeledWhat came out of our January coffee party with community organizersThe tension between being authentic and being performativeWhy social media isn’t the only (or best) place to take a standWhat “10 out of 10 people” means in a networking roomHow to make your values clear without becoming a political punditWhy some leaders are waking up late — and what that costsThe fear of “getting it wrong” publiclyThe difference between loud and effectiveWe also talk about:Economic power as a form of resistanceFollowing the money — both who pays you and who you payHow values misalignment quietly wrecks your health and your businessSmall ways hosts can make rooms saferWhen to call someone out — and when to simply walk awayHow reciprocity, visibility, and association shape safetyThis episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about participation.It’s about recognizing that business is people — and people are living through something real right now.And whether we like it or not, that shows up in our networking rooms.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, Mary and Megan dig into one of the most quietly toxic questions in business and creative circles:Are they actually lucky… or are we just not seeing the work behind their network?If you’ve ever left an event feeling like everyone else walked out with deals, connections, and momentum while you walked out with cold fingers and existential dread — this one’s for you.This conversation pulls apart the myth of “overnight success” and reframes luck as something far less mystical and far more actionable. Spoiler: it’s not about being charming, flashy, or everywhere at once. It’s about showing up consistently, caring genuinely, and building relationships that compound over time.In this episode, we talk about:Why envy and jealousy aren’t character flaws, but data pointsThe difference between posturing and real momentumHow “luck” is usually preparation plus proximityWhy showing up in the right rooms matters more than going to every roomThe hidden labor behind “borrowed audiences” and big collaborationsWhat real reciprocity looks like (and how to spot one-sided networking fast)Why social skills, curiosity, and generosity still outperform hacks and funnelsHow to stop waiting for a fairy godmother and start building your own leverageThis episode is especially for listeners who are tired of transactional networking, allergic to fake hype, and ready to build connections that actually lead somewhere — even if that path is slower, quieter, and far more sustainable.You don’t need more luck. You need better rooms, better reps, and better relationships.And yes… the numbers never lie — but neither does the room.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we tackle the question almost everyone asks after their third lukewarm networking event:“Okay… but how do I actually get clients from this?”Short answer? You don’t rush it. You don’t pressure people. And you definitely don’t treat humans like walking ATMs.Long answer? That’s what this episode is for.We break down what really converts conversations into clients, why networking is a long game (even when you’re doing everything “right”), and how patience, volume, and emotional intelligence matter more than the perfect pitch.This is the episode where we get honest about pipelines, timing, consent-based follow-up, and the quiet cost of pushing people before they’re ready.In this episode, we unpack:Why networking is about stacking your pipeline, not instant conversionsThe reality of modern B2B buying decisions (hint: it takes more people and more time than it used to)How many follow-ups is too many—and how to know when to stopWhy “getting a yes” doesn’t mean you have a client (yet)The difference between curiosity and pressure (and why pressure always backfires)How reputation travels faster than you think in local business ecosystemsWhy “good people know other good people” is the most underrated growth strategyWhat readiness really looks like—from both sides of the tableHow networking exposes whether your offer, language, or positioning needs to evolveWe also talk candidly about:Avoidance, money discomfort, and why people say yes when they’re not readyWhy likability and trust matter more than clever sales tacticsHow networking helps you test your message in real timeWhen it’s time to admit you’re in the wrong room—and what to do nextIf you’ve ever left an event thinking “Was that a win… or just a nice conversation?”, this episode will help you recalibrate your expectations without killing your momentum.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

If you’ve ever walked into a networking event with the question “Who here can give me money?” quietly screaming in your head — this episode is for you.In Episode 3 of The Awkward Handshake, Megan Eckman and Mary Williams take on one of the most loaded questions in business: how long it really takes to get paid through networking — and why trying to shortcut that timeline usually backfires.This conversation dismantles the fantasy that deals are made in the room and reframes networking as what it actually is: the front end of a much longer relationship and decision-making process.This episode covers:Why networking rooms are not sales floors — and never wereThe difference between leads, discovery calls, and actual salesWhy most people are trying to solve a business development problem in the wrong spaceHow many conversations it realistically takes before money changes handsWhy “hot,” “warm,” and “cold” leads still matter more than everHow economic conditions quietly shape decision timelinesWhy desperation is felt immediately — even when it’s unspokenHow treating people like walking ATMs destroys trustYou’ll also hear:Why saying “yes” at an event often turns into a “no” laterHow networking helps you read the economy in real timeWhy follow-up is leadership, not pesteringHow boundaries show up in emails, timing, and toneWhy some rooms feel exhausting — and others feel expansiveThe difference between peacocking and actual tractionAt its core, this episode makes one thing clear: networking isn’t about extracting value. It’s about building context, trust, and enough shared understanding for a real decision to happen later.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

Not all networking events are created equal — and going to the wrong ones can cost you far more than the ticket price.In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, Megan Eckman and Mary Williams break down how they evaluate networking events after years of trial, error, and very honest post-event debriefs. From vibe checks and logistics to audience composition and follow-up potential, this conversation is about learning how to choose rooms intentionally instead of saying yes out of obligation or fear of missing out.This episode covers:How to tell the difference between social events and business-driving roomsWhy “good energy” alone doesn’t make an event worth your timeThe role of proximity, consistency, and repetition in choosing eventsWhen ticket price matters — and when it really doesn’tHow audience makeup impacts whether conversations go anywhereWhy some beautifully produced events still fail at connectionRed flags that signal an event isn’t designed for real relationship-buildingHow to decide when to try an event once, twice, or never againYou’ll also hear:How Megan and Mary decide which events get repeat attendanceThe difference between being welcomed and being tolerated in a roomWhy some events feel exhausting instead of expansiveHow to trust your instincts without letting avoidance run the showThis episode helps you stop guessing, stop people-pleasing, and start choosing rooms that support your goals — financially, socially, and emotionally.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

How many networking events does it really take before you get paid?In this premiere episode of The Awkward Handshake, Megan Eckman and Mary Williams start where most people are afraid to look: the math. After a year of consistent networking across the Portland–Vancouver metro, they finally sat down and tallied the numbers — events attended, coffee chats booked, rooms tested, and relationships built.The result? A clear picture of what actually works, what takes time, and why one event will never change your business.This episode unpacks:How many networking events Megan and Mary attended together and soloThe surprising volume of coffee chats required to build real momentumWhy consistency, not charisma, drives trust and referralsHow “How badly do you want it?” became the core question behind every resultWhy traffic, logistics, and time complaints miss the real pointThe myth of instant conversions — and what actually leads to paid workHow repeated exposure shortens trust-building timelinesWhy networking improves your messaging, offers, and confidence over timeYou’ll also hear:The origin of the now-famous “What’s your favorite dinosaur?” questionHow neurodivergence shows up in networking roomsWhy kissing a lot of frogs is not a failure — it’s dataWhat it really means to treat business relationships like human relationshipsThis episode sets the foundation for the entire season: networking is iterative, uncomfortable, and deeply human — and it works when you stop pretending otherwise.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo

Welcome to The Awkward Handshake — a podcast about networking, business, and what really happens in the room.Hosted by Megan Eckman and Mary Williams, this show pulls back the curtain on the good, the bad, and the deeply awkward realities of building a business through real human connection. Drawing from years of attending networking events across the Portland–Vancouver metro, Megan and Mary break down what works, what doesn’t, and how relationships turn into revenue over time.Some episodes feature guests who host or design networking spaces of their own. Others are candid conversations unpacking event culture, follow-ups, coffee chats, and the math behind getting paid.This show is for people who take their business seriously, want better rooms and better connections, and are done pretending the internet is the whole economy.Business is people.Don’t be passive.Keep in touch! Follow Megan EckmanFat Cap DesignPDX SpellboundFollow Mary WilliamsSasquatch Media GroundsSensible Woo