In this episode of The Imperfect Podcast, Wendy begins a journey through her book, Stop Wasting Your Time Networking, by reading the introduction and revisiting the ideas that inspired it.

It begins with a wonderfully cheeky lesson from her friend Dave... you can often get what you want if you know what you want and are willing to ask for it.

Wendy explores why networking can feel awkward, expensive, and rather unproductive when we approach it as an opportunity to sell. She also introduces the golden rule of strategic networking: thou shalt not sell.

Because networking is not about finding someone to buy from you today. It is about better conversations, meaningful relationships, and discovering who you might meet along the way.

In this episode of The Imperfect Podcast, Wendy Lloyd Curley speaks with Andrea Hernandez from Adventures Web Digital about business, belonging, bravery, and the very human side of networking.

Andrea shares her story of moving from Colombia to Spain, then to the UK, and eventually to Australia, where she and her partner began building their own digital agency. With a background in creativity, web development, public service, and a deep desire to help people, Andrea’s journey into business is thoughtful, honest, and refreshingly real.

Together, Wendy and Andrea explore what it feels like to start a business in a new country, how isolating entrepreneurship can be, and why finding the right business community can make such a profound difference. Andrea speaks openly about her early experiences of networking, from awkward rooms and superficial connections to discovering BNI and finding not just referrals, but confidence, accountability, friendships, and a renewed sense of identity.

The conversation also touches on generational differences in networking, especially the way younger business owners often begin relationships online, while still deeply craving genuine face-to-face connection. At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful idea: no matter our age, background, or business experience, networking works best when it begins with human connection.

This is a warm, reflective conversation about building a business, finding your people, and remembering that life really is one big adventure.

In this episode of The Imperfect Podcast, Wendy shares the story behind a new research project that has quickly grown into something much bigger... an exploration of how different generations approach networking, relationship building, and business development. Inspired by a chapter she has written for an upcoming book, Wendy reflects on the similarities and differences she sees between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, and why understanding those perspectives matters more than ever.

If you've ever wondered whether age, personality, upbringing, or experience has the greatest influence on how we connect with others, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a conversation that is only just beginning.

Want to contribute to the research? We'd love to hear your perspective. Complete the Networking Across Generations Survey here: https://strategicnetworking.com/networking-across-generations-survey-page