Third Generation Networking Podcast

The Eddie Campos Approach: Networking Beyond Ego and Elevator Pitches

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join host Greg Peters as he sits down with Eddie Campos, the president of the Northwest Ohio Realtors and an accomplished real estate professional wit...

Expo Excellence: Colleen Tankoos' Vendor Survival Guide

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Third Generation Networking," join us as we unveil Colleen Tankoos' Vendor Survival Guide, a treasure trove of insid...

From Vodka to Love: Surprising Networking Outcomes

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of networking and explore some of the unexpected and unique benefits that can emerge fr...

Adapting Networks -- Post-Pandemic Evolution and Virtual Connections

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Debby and Greg are digging into the evolving landscape of networking post-pandemic. Remember the days when we wondered if virtual...

Networking with Technology – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In an era where technology weaves intricate webs of connection, the age-old art of networking is undergoing a digital transformation. Join us in this ...

5 Techniques for Networking Event Mastery

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Greg and Debby are back again! This week, join them as they dive into tips for achieving success at networking events. They start by acknowledging the...

How to Navigate the Networking Group

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Greg and Debby delve into the world of networking groups, sharing a wealth of knowledge on both common mistakes and valuable tips...

The do’s and don’t’s of one-on-one networking conversations

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "The Reluctant Networker" podcast, hosts Debby and Greg reconnect after 10-month hiatus and share insightful perspectives...

Why you shouldn’t try to separate business and personal networking

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many people have the impression that when you attend a business-oriented networking event, you should only talk about business. In reality, if you onl...

Value Yourself: Asking for the Personal Introduction

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The most powerful introductions you will ever receive are those where someone else makes the introduction in person. The trick is that most people don...

Avoid these potential pitfalls of setting networking goals

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You definitely want to set goals for your networking efforts. The trick is to aim for the right bullseye. Join Greg and Debby as they discuss some of ...

Business Card Best Practices with special guest Kerri Brimmer

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Business Card Best Practices with special guest Kerri Brimmer Do we still need business cards or are they an archaic anachronism from yesteryear? Assu...

Create deeper relationships. Overcome your resistance to initiating one-to-one meetings

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many of the limitation we experience in networking (and in life, for that matter) stem from discomfort or fear. One of the biggest challenges to great...

How to leverage your volunteer time for networking success

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve always said that in order to be successful in your networking groups, you get a huge step advantage by stepping up to serve in a leadership ca...

How to use approachability to supercharge your networking

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How does Debby’s visit to the doctor set the example for approachability in our networking? Join Greg and Debby as they discuss how you can welcome ...

Networking in a non-business setting

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, networking happens everywhere. That said, there are subtle differences between networking at a busine...

How to be remembered positively in your networking

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve probably seen people behaving in ways at networking events that get them remembered – in a bad way. Whether being the strong-armed salesper...

5 Strategies to overcome networking anxiety and social discomfort

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For nearly two years our networking activities had become extremely limited. Showing up in person, keeping physically separate and masked, or interact...

Creating Connection between New and Established Businesses

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many small business owners can feel the barrier of perceived inferiority when it comes to connecting with the CEO of a larger company. Sometimes estab...

How to deal with “clumping” in your fellow networkers

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve been networking for any length of time, you’ve run into “clumping” behavior. This is when you discover that the table you’ve chose...

Networking with the Unconnectable Prospect

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it’s because they are 11 years old, located in another state, or isolated behind layers of gatekeepers, sometimes it’s simply not practica...

5 Tips to get the Most out of Hosting the Networking Event

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever been in charge of a networking event, whether it’s a four-person mastermind, or 200 people for a business luncheon, you know there ...

5 tips to end the conversation gracefully

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You’re at a networking event and the person you are chatting with doesn’t seem eager to leave. Even if you are having a good time, you’ve set ne...

Networking tools to track information about our connections

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What do you know about the people in your network? How do you store and maintain the information you’ve gathered so that the next time you meet it’...

How to maintain connection with a large network

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As your network grows, it gets harder to stay in contact with all of the people you know. After all, you only have 24 hours in the day and that sleep ...

Dave Litzenberg, Building the Ground Floor

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join Debby and Greg as they chat with Dave Litzenberg, financial advisor, baseball fan, and founder of one of the first fully virtual BNI Chapters. Wh...

The Strengths that Extroverts and Introverts Bring to the Networking Game

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you love being in the crowd and talking with everyone in the room? You are probably an extrovert. Do you prefer to have deeper conversations with o...

Dealing with the Embarrassment of a Missed Appointment

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You’re sitting at your desk and the phone rings. “Hi, this is Bob. Are we still getting together?” Like an icy hand clutching your heart you sud...

Dealing with Donation Requests in a Networking Group

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in today to find out how a visit to Debby’s favorite restaurant prompted a discussion about proper etiquette around asking for donations and re...

Tracey Edwards, Connecting for Community and Service

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t become the CEO of a national service organization without picking up a few ideas on good networking practice. Join Debby and Greg as they ...

5 Tips to Deal with Seasonal Gaps in Your Networking Opportunities

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It might be only Spring right now, but Summer is coming and with it is often a gap in networking opportunities. Many groups take the Summer off and pl...

Fighting the Battle against Networking Self-Complacency

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Becoming complacent in networking is a dangerous and slippery slope. It can lead to lapses in your practice that before you know it result in gaps in ...

How to Network When You Don’t Feel Welcome

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You walk into a new networking group and instead of a warm welcome, you get the cold shoulder. How do you deal with a networking situation when the gr...

How to cultivate your best referral sources

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For many of us, our purpose for networking is to build our business. We are looking for referrals to new clients all the time. That being the case, we...

Creating a Better Life through a Diverse and Expansive Network

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Greg and Debby turn their focus this week on the question of how large a network one person really needs. Do you need to connect with thousands of peo...

How to Work Effectively with a Referral Partner

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Getting referrals is great. Getting referrals on a regular basis is even better. To do so we need to cultivate and work with a “Referral Partner” ...

How to Keep the Networking Steam Engine in Motion

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you don’t enjoy the feast and famine cycle and you want your networking reputation to stand out, you must be consistent in its practice. Join Gre...

7 Tips to Create an Engaging Networking Event

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s challenging to run an event of any kind. It’s even harder to run one where the attendees feel welcomed, engaged, and like they’ve found the...

Create Networking Credibility through Leadership

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes when you join a networking group it can feel like you are lost in the crowd. What can you do to stand out? Put yourself in a leadership posi...

Why You Should Focus on Deep Versus Broad Networking

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest myths of networking is the idea that you have to have 20,000 people in your contact list in order to be successful. In reality, mos...

Why You Should Still be Wearing Your Nametag

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve got your logo on your shirt and you’ve introduced yourself. Why do you need to bother with a nametag? After all the sticky ones just seem t...

Shawn Sanders, Staying Sharp with a Networking Mindset

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We sent out a general request for questions to answer for upcoming podcast episodes, we received a few good responses. Our guest this week, instead of...

Mimi Brown, Amping Up Our Success by Connecting with the World

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For our hundredth episode, we couldn’t have asked for a better guest. Our good friend and highly successful speaker, Mimi Brown, joins us to talk ab...

How Networking has Changed over Time

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Networking has evolved over the last forty years and especially in the last couple. What behaviors have stuck around and what has changed? What mistak...

Making Networking Presentations in a Virtual Setting

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Debby turns the tables on Greg and mines his experience as a professional speaker to help us be better when we present virtually. Whether a full hour-...

Dealing with your nemesis in a networking group

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you network, you will find yourself in the presence of some truly wonderful people – people who will be looking out for you and may be the path...

How to Ask for Help from Old Connections

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You need a little help to achieve your new year’s goals, but you aren’t sure of your next step. The good news is, you have someone in your network...

Boost Your Networking Results by Bringing a Partner

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not always easy walking into a networking event by yourself. In fact, sometimes it feels almost like your first middle school dance with you st...

The Networking Benefits of Business Cards

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A few episodes ago, Greg and Debby talked about how to deal with people who tried to force their business card on you at a networking event. Thanks to...

Networking with Your Competition

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you get the conversation past the simple query of name and title? Debby and Greg (The Networking Guru and Reluctant Networker, resp.) discuss d...

Networking at the Business Holiday Party

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As the old Andy Williams song goes “It’s that time of year…” when we all come together to network and be a little more social. We enjoy the fo...

Secrets to Successful Networking at the Business Expo

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Staffing your booth at the Business Expo can be a venue for success, or a monumental waste of time, depending on how you approach it. Listen as Debby ...

Choosing a Referral Group

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Becoming a member of a Referral Passing group can be a huge payoff to your networking efforts… Or it could be a giant waste of time. Join Debby and ...

Barry VanHoozen, networking to success in business and politics

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you lose in your first election to public office? Do you quit? Or do you decide that you need to make better connections in your com...

Dealing with the Business Card Deck Dealer

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever attended a networking event, whether a Chamber lunch, Association conference, or social after hours, you’ve likely met this person....

The most basic skill that great networkers master

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The underlying activity in any great networking practice is the art of making introductions. If you aren’t connecting new people to your network, th...

Liz Manning, Going one step further for networking success

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is currently a successful realtor in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of the Rocky River Ch...

Robbie Samuels, Networking to Create Something Wonderful

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Robbie Samuels is a multi-passionate entrepreneur or what some would call a “multi-hyphenate.” In his case, this means he's a professional speaker...

Andrew Stainbrook, simple tips for success and cybersecurity

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our good friend Andrew Stainbrook stopped by our virtual studio to chat with Debby and Greg. He tells us how a failed aptitude test led to his success...

How to advance your career through networking

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Networking is more than just a means to get more business. It can also be a resource to help you grow...

Gayla Scrivener, How to Leverage Your Time and Amplify Your Message

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gayla Scrivener joins Debby and Greg to talk about building the business she wanted to support the lifestyle she chose. She shares how her first big n...

The Before, During, and After of the Networking Event

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For many of us, it’s been a while since we’ve gone to a networking event in person. It’s just possible that we’ve forgotten some of the tricks...

Penny Rosema: Negotiating is just another way to connect

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join Greg and Debby as they welcome special guest Penny Rosema. Penny combines business and technical savvy with experience to show others how they ca...

Good In-Person Networking Behavior that You Might have Forgotten

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For some of us it’s been a while since we’ve been networking at a real, live in-person event. Some of the skills that we’ve built up to help us ...

Get out of your own networking way

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

“I don’t know what to say!” We hear that all the time. Having that mindset certainly can get in the way of networking success, but how can you g...

The networking connections who connect us unexpectedly

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do you have in common? Do you have the same hobbies, similar upbringing, or favorite books? Here's another one: Do you know the same people? Join...

Inviting as a networking tool

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After the business card and a pen, what is the most valuable networking tool? The invitation! Inviting another person to a networking opportunity or e...

Episode 75.0 - Making Yourself Valuable to Your Network

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard to make the connection with others unless you recognize the value that you bring to the table. Join Debby and Greg as they discuss the imp...

Eduan Snyman, Making the Connection from Engineer to Entrepreneur

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes it takes a real number cruncher to recognize the power of networking. Join Debby and Greg as we chat with our South African connection, Edua...

Dalene Allen, Make It Easy for Them to Start a Conversation with You

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Covid pandemic and the resulting reliance on remote communication technologies has made the world a smaller place. Case in point, this week Greg a...

Using Speaking as a Networking Tool

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you considered adding public speaking to your networking repertoire? You should! Join Greg and Debby this week as they talk about some of the rea...

Angela Barth, Be Curious and Make the First Move to Connect

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is both the Executive Director of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce and a freshly-minted (and happy) Dog Mom. While the latter d...

How to Develop Your Referral Sources while You Work

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our jobs, our businesses, they keep us so busy, how do you chase that next referral or the next referral source? It seems like if we take our eyes off...

Krisi Vadnais, Certified Negative Belief Clearing Technician

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest has surmounted formidable obstacles in her life, but, according to her, the network of connections she’s developed over the years was alwa...

Jason Madasz, The Networker’s Networker

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You want to know a few good ideas about networking? You should talk to the guy whose business it is to create opportunity for thousands of business pe...

Heidi Hooper, Staying Connected while the World Re-Opens

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Networking is a marathon, not a sprint and no one exemplifies this one better than Heidi Hooper. She tells the story of connections she made in her ea...

Jayson Hines, Just Drink Coffee and Be Yourself

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest today claims that the greatest compliment one of his clients paid him was that he doesn’t seem like an insurance agent. Maybe that’s bec...

With Networking Conversation, Are You Connecting or Cutting Off?

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know when it’s safe to interrupt another conversation at the networking event? It’s been a while since we’ve been in person to network. S...

Lori Cannon, The Joy and Pain of the Networking Introvert

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you an introvert, too? Sometimes, those of us who don’t get our energy from being in a crowd can feel like we aren’t adequate to the task of n...

Michelle Pommeranz, Building Your Own Networking Community

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when you are trying to grow your business, but can’t find a networking group that serves your target market? Why, if you are Michelle...

Anne Bonney, Igniting Influence and Managing Change

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dealing with change lately? You might want to listen in. Our guest, Anne Bonney (not to be confused with the 18th century pirate) has a few tips on ho...

5 Reasons You Need a Personal Networking Brand

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to stand out from the networking crowd or fade into the background? Do you want to be known for something or forgotten for everything? Do ...

Travis Lattimore, Standing Out in a Very Busy Marketplace

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you maintain your presence in the digital world and still run your business, career, or life? You could hire a marketing crew with a dedicated ...

3 Steps to Being More Outgoing at the Networking Event

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No one suspects, but Debby and Greg are both introverts. Most people are shocked to learn this. Wouldn’t you like to know the secrets behind their s...

Interview - Kerri Brimmer: Marketing, Design, and Customer Connection from an Early Age

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You know that someone who starts her design and marketing career at 5 years old has a pretty good feel for the business. Join Debby and Greg as they c...

7 Gifts You can Offer Your Network Other than a Sale

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The best way to strengthen an existing relationship is to find ways to be of service, but what if you can’t find a referral for your networking part...

Interview - Kristin Meyer, Bringing Magic to Maumee

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Starting her professional life at Disney World, how could our special guest, Kristin Meyer, not bring magic and Disney Sparkle to the Maumee Chamber? ...

Dealing with 3 Negative Networkers Whom You Might Meet

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you run into a negative networker? They aren’t bad people necessarily, but they behave in ways sometimes that aren’t very productive when it ...

Three Ways to Improve Your Life with Networking

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you are only using your network to find the next sale for your business, you are missing out on some of the best benefits of building your web of r...

Are You Spoiling a Connection with a Pitch?

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Networking is about connecting, not selling. If you truly want to make a lasting connection with someone whom you meet at a networking opportunity, st...

Interview: Diane Spadola, Chief Encouragement Officer and Director of Fun Progamming

28 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you go from corporate marketing to answering a challenge to face paint your own face every day for a year? Join Greg as he chats with Diane Spa...

Navigating the Ickiness Factor When Asking for What You Want from Your Network

21 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s good to know where you stand in each of your networking relationships. Equally important, though, is to know what to do with that information. ...

Four techniques to avoid “commission breath” when networking

14 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have been so inundated with advertising in our everyday lives that it’s hard to avoid the feeling that every contact is someone who wants somethi...

7 More Success Techniques for Remote Networking

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve been doing this remote networking thing for almost a year now. With an abundance of caution for many of us, this means Zoom events, Zoom coffe...

Ramp Up Your Networking Bottom Line with Referral Partners

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Serendipitous referrals can be a wonderful surprise. Unfortunately, you can’t count on them to be there every week or month over the course of the y...

Are You Overstepping the 3 (or 5) Levels of a Networking Relationship?

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The members of your network range from your newest acquaintances to those whom you’ve known for years and are in your inner circle – and everythin...

5 Tips to Capture Information about Your Network

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Having conversations with your networking contacts is great, but it’s not enough. You need to capture and act on the information you gain from every...

3 Tips to Supercharge Your Networking Practice with Sponsorships

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What’s a simple step you can take to warm up your connections in any group? Sponsor an event – and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Join Greg ...

One Tool You Need to Make Speaking a Valued Part of Your Networking Practice

03 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You are an expert in your field. People would love to hear about your perspective and how you understand the world from your unique point of view. Wha...

3 Creative Ways You can Give to Your Network

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The members of your network are more than just representatives of their jobs or businesses. They are real people with needs and wishes that go beyond ...