What actually makes networking work and why does it feel so uncomfortable for so many people?

In this episode, Sophia breaks down the biggest mistakes people make at networking events and offers a refresh approach to building relationships that actually lead to opportunities (without feeling slimy, salesy, or cringe).

You’ll hear why treating networking like a transaction almost always backfires, and how shifting into a mindset of curiosity, generosity, and genuine connection creates far better long-term results. Sophia shares real stories from nearly two decades of networking experience to show why being fully yourself is not a liability, but your greatest advantage.

She also walks you through how to clearly and confidently explain what you do without rambling, confusing people, or launching into an awkward elevator pitch, and why clarity is one of the most underrated networking skills. You’ll learn how to create a simple one-liner that helps people instantly “get” what you do, remember you later, and refer you naturally.

Finally, Sophia covers how to think about follow-up in a way that feels aligned and sustainable, whether that’s inviting someone to coffee, a consult, or simply staying connected over time.

If you want to grow your business through relationships, referrals, and word-of-mouth, this episode is for you.

To register for the free webinar No More Cringe: A Simple, Human Way to Network and Grow Your Business, happening December 18 at 1 p.m. EST, Click here.

Purchase your copy of Unleash Your Favorite Self book and the corresponding journal.

Interested in one-on-one coaching? Click here to schedule a Roadmap session with Sophia.

Download the Favorite Self app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Connect with Sophia on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube

Have a topic you would love to hear Sophia address on the podcast? Send your ideas to hello@sophiahyde.com

In this episode, Sophia digs into a topic everyone encounters—how to walk into a room with confidence and actually enjoy yourself once you’re there. Whether it’s a Chamber of Commerce event, a work conference, a family gathering, or a kid’s birthday party, we all end up in spaces where we feel unsure, awkward, or out of place. Sophia shares her top five strategies for “owning a room,” drawn from nearly two decades of in-person networking experience, countless trainings, and plenty of trial and error.

She explains why your mindset matters more than anything you say, how your thoughts shape your energy, and why people pick up on that energy instantly. Sophia also talks about the trap of trying to act how you think you “should” in a room and why being your true self is always more effective.

You’ll learn her powerful 7-2-1 Rule for understanding connection dynamics, the one simple goal she sets for every event she attends, and how to redirect conversations so they feel natural instead of draining. She also shares Brandon’s brilliant advice for introverts: how to navigate a room without forcing yourself into uncomfortable social gymnastics.

This episode is a blend of practical tools, personal stories, and the mindset shifts that make networking—and being in any room—feel easier, lighter, and more human.

Sophia also announces her upcoming free webinar, No More Cringe: A Simple, Human Way to Network and Grow Your Business, happening December 18 at 1 p.m., where she’ll teach her full, actionable system for building real relationships that support your business in 2026 and beyond. Click here to register for the webinar.

Tune in for a warm, insightful conversation that will help you feel more grounded, authentic, and confident no matter what room you walk into.

Purchase your copy of Unleash Your Favorite Self book and the corresponding journal.

Interested in one-on-one coaching? Click here to schedule a Roadmap session with Sophia.

Download the Favorite Self app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Connect with Sophia on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube

Have a topic you would love to hear Sophia address on the podcast? Send your ideas to hello@sophiahyde.com

In this week’s episode, Sophia kicks off a brand-new series that speaks directly to the entrepreneurs, dreamers, and business owners in her community—whether you’re just getting started, rebuilding from scratch, or already successful but craving something that feels more aligned.

After months of talking about living your 10/10 life, Sophia realized a huge portion of her audience is hungry for guidance on creating a business that actually supports the life they want—not the other way around. Today, she lays the foundation for what she calls your favorite business: a business that fits your strengths, your personality, your season of life, and your deepest values.

Sophia breaks down the three essential pillars every entrepreneur must build before their business can truly thrive:

1. Value: Are you solving a real problem?

Business only works when people are willing to pay for the solution you offer. Sophia shares tangible examples—from glasses and purses to real-world photography and handmade products—of how value is defined by the customer, not the creator. She unpacks why so many new entrepreneurs struggle to communicate the problem they solve and why clarity is everything.

2. Alignment: Does the business model actually fit you?

This is the piece Sophia sees entrepreneurs overlook the most. She shares stories from multiple industries—coaching, photography, Etsy shops, financial services, even plumbing—to show how small pivots can transform burnout into joy. She also opens up about her and Brandon’s journey in the video production world and why stepping away was the best decision for their mental health and marriage. The message: success means nothing if it’s not aligned with who you are.

3. Visibility: Are you in the right rooms with the right people?

Most businesses don’t fail because the offer is bad—they fail because the owner isn’t meeting enough of the right people. Whether online or in person, Sophia explains why showing up strategically matters more than posting endlessly on social media. She introduces her powerful “7–2–1 Rule” from her book and explores how the culture of the room changes everything about who you attract and who you’re meant to serve.

This episode is a grounded, honest, and encouraging invitation to rethink how you run your business heading into 2026. With more coming next week, Sophia sets the stage for a podcast mini-series that will help you build a business that feels deeply aligned, deeply valuable, and deeply yours.

Purchase your copy of Unleash Your Favorite Self book and the corresponding journal.

Interested in one-on-one coaching? Click here to schedule a Roadmap session with Sophia.

Download the Favorite Self app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Connect with Sophia on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube

Have a topic you would love to hear Sophia address on the podcast? Send your ideas to hello@sophiahyde.com