The Awkward Handshake

They unpack why networking is the start of a relationship, not a sales floor. They talk about realistic timelines and how many conversations it takes before money changes hands. They cover reading economic signals at events, avoiding desperate or extractive approaches, and simple systems for follow-up and reactivating contacts.

They break down how to evaluate networking rooms using vibe checks, audience composition, timing, and logistics. Learn why ticket price, venue, and moderation matter more than surface energy. Hear red flags like heavy substance use or aimless programming and a rule for trying events more than once. Discover how to scout organizers, choose times that fit your goals, and protect your boundaries.

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