Is Traditional Networking Dead?

The Pam & Glen Show – Episode 1

Welcome to the first episode of The Pam & Glen Show—where we have real conversations about all things career, growth, and the new world of work. In this kickoff conversation, Pam and Glen dive deep into the concept of networking—why the old way no longer works and how to build meaningful career relationships in today’s professional landscape.

🎤 Speaker 1: Pam

Hi everyone! So excited to kick things off with Glen. I’ve had a career that spans retail, higher ed, and corporate roles at companies like Salesforce and BlackRock. Now, I’m an entrepreneur with a couple of ventures and still coach people on career development. It’s something I’m deeply passionate about.

🎤 Speaker 2: Glen

Thanks, Pam! I’ve walked a pretty winding path myself—starting in banking and finance at Bank of America, then working at a hedge fund before moving into teaching and entrepreneurship. I now run a company called WorkSchool, where I help professionals design their career paths, and another company, Trifecta Venture, focused on investing in people’s growth journeys.

🧩 Is Traditional Networking Dead?

🎤 Glen:

Let’s be honest. Traditional networking—showing up at a big event, collecting business cards or scanning QR codes, making small talk for hours, then never hearing from anyone again—is dead. It’s transactional. It lacks depth and follow-through.

🎤 Pam:

Exactly. We used to teach students, “If you want a job at Bank of America, go talk to someone who works there.” But that approach often turns into a fake “let’s connect” just to get a resume passed on. It’s not a relationship—it’s a transaction. That’s not networking. That’s shortcutting.

💡 So What Is Networking Today?

🎤 Glen:

It’s about relationships, not results. You should be focused on offering value, learning, and building connections over time—not extracting something immediately. A real relationship might take five years before it leads to an opportunity, and that’s okay.

🎤 Pam:

I love that. My job at North Highland didn’t come from a job board. It came from a former student I’d kept in touch with for 20 years. We’d check in every now and then, catch up, and build a real connection. One day over lunch—six months after scheduling it—he handed me a job description that was perfect for me. That’s how networking actually works.

🎯 Mentors vs. Sponsors: What’s the Difference?

🎤 Glen:

Mentors give you advice. Sponsors put their reputation on the line for you. A sponsor advocates for you in rooms you’re not in. You earn sponsorship through performance, trust, and consistency.

🎤 Pam:

Yes! Mentors often develop naturally—they’re people you vibe with and stay connected to. But a sponsor? That person says, “Pam is ready for the next level,” and makes it happen. You owe it to them to deliver, because they’re staking their credibility on you.

🔁 So How Do You Build These Relationships?

🎤 Glen:

1. Be Memorable: At that first conversation—event, classroom, meeting—show up curious. Talk about something meaningful.

2. Follow Up Thoughtfully: Send a message afterward that adds value or shows you were paying attention. “Congrats on your promotion” or “Saw this article and thought of you.”

3. Track Conversations: Know who you spoke to and what you talked about. That way, when you follow up months or years later, you’re continuing the thread—not starting over.

4. Give Before You Ask: Don’t ask for a job. Offer insight. Solve a small problem. Be useful. Be thoughtful.

🎤 Pam:

Exactly. Be human. Ask great questions. Stay curious. People love to talk about themselves—so let them! And even if you don’t talk for years, a real connection is never too old to reignite.

🧠 Final Thoughts

🎤 Pam:

Curiosity is your career superpower. Whether in-person or online, relationships are built on genuine interest, consistency, and care—not transactions.

🎤 Glen:

And remember: sponsors, mentors, even peers—they all show up when you show up consistently. Don’t chase business cards. Build real connections. And most importantly, add value first.

Thanks for joining us for Episode 1 of The Pam & Glen Show. Stay tuned for more real talk on navigating your career with heart, strategy, and boldness.

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