Ep 233: How to Actually Get Leads From a Networking Event (Without Feeling Salesy)
Networking doesn’t grow your business—relationships do.
In this episode of The Lazy Entrepreneur Podcast, Kristy sits down with Rodger, co-founder of Network Build Grow, to break down what actually makes networking work—especially for entrepreneurs who want growth without burnout.
Rodger shares how he and his wife built a values-driven networking community from scratch, why most entrepreneurs struggle with follow-up, and how shifting your mindset around relationships can unlock long-term opportunities in business.
This conversation is practical, honest, and refreshing—perfect for entrepreneurs who are tired of transactional networking and want relationships that compound over time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why networking isn’t about collecting business cards
- How real opportunities come from follow-up, not first impressions
- Why most entrepreneurs avoid follow-up (and how to shift that mindset)
- How to build referral relationships without feeling salesy or awkward
- What effective follow-up actually looks like after networking events
- How to nurture relationships long-term without forcing outcomes
- How technology can support networking—without turning it robotic
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Network Build Grow: https://networkbuildgrow.com
- NetEffect (Networking Follow-Up Tool): https://neteffect.io
- Rodger & Melissa: https://rodgerandmelissa.com
Final Takeaway
Networking is a long game—and the entrepreneurs who win aren’t the ones who meet the most people, but the ones who consistently follow up, lead with value, and give first.
If you want relationships to work for your business—without feeling awkward, pushy, or exhausting—this episode will change how you think about networking.