I used to think networking was just for extroverts, salespeople, or people trying to land their next job. Then I learned that real networking—the kind that builds trust, opens doors, and helps people stay and grow in their careers—is just consistent, human connection.

That realization shaped everything I do now.

Today, I split my time between two worlds:

At Retention and Rewards Partners, I work with HR leaders to solve complex problems around compensation, benefits, and employee retention. I’ve led total rewards teams through M&A deals, culture transformations, open enrollments, and board-level pay strategy. But underneath all the spreadsheets and systems is one simple goal: build workplaces where people want to stay.

And as the founder of The Introverted Networker, I teach professionals how to build strong relationships—without small talk, events, or pretending to be someone they’re not. I write a weekly newsletter, lead corporate workshops, and coach people on how to connect with others in a way that feels real and doable.

My work might look different depending on the day, but it’s all connected by one belief: when people feel seen, supported, and fairly treated, they stay. And when they build trusted relationships at work, they thrive.

If you care about building workplaces where people stay and succeed—or you’re trying to grow your network in a way that actually feels good—I’d love to connect.


Here are other ways I can help you:

⇨ Sign up for my newsletter, "The Introverted Networker," to get tips to improve your networking.

⇨ Get my FREE course, "5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network," to get the exact networking blueprint I follow every week to grow my own network.

⇨ Follow me to learn how to find new connections without going to networking events

⇨ Download my guide "15 Minute Networking"

⇨ Get my book "The Fast and Easy Guide To Networking For Introverts"

All the links for these resources are in my Featured section above!

The best way to contact me is via email: greg@gregsroche.com

Greg Roche

Your network won’t grow meeting 50 strangers at an event.

And, most people who talk about networking won't tell you this, but...

Stop casting a wide net.
Focus on one person at a time.

That's how your network grows.

Start with people you know.

Re-connect with them.
Talk to them about what they're working on.
Share your goals with them.

Who do they know?
Who should you meet?
Ask them to introduce you.

Expand your relationships from there.

It sounds time-consuming.
But, it's more efficient than you think.

This week, find one person to reconnect with.
Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

I teach professionals to connect and build trust. Founder Retention and Rewards Partners. Solving retention and total rewards challenges for HR leaders who need results, not more noise. Aka: The Introverted Networker.

Most people think networking takes hours.
I can do it in 15 minutes.

Can you grow your network in 15 minutes a day?
You can with the right mindset:

The Consistency Mindset.

When you spend 15 minutes each day, 
Over the course of a year, 
It's over 90 hours of networking.

When you do it consistently, you start seeing results.

What can you do in 15 minutes?
• Write a LinkedIn recommendation for a former co-worker
• Send a message to a someone you've lost touch with
• Have a short phone conversation with a connection
• Search for dormant ties thru LinkedIn
• Comment on LinkedIn posts

Any of these will grow your network.

But they only work if you show up, 

And do the work,
Consistently,
Everyday.

Have you spent 15 minutes networking today?

If not, what's stopping you?



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker! 

If you want to see my daily networking tips,

Do one of these:
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

Most people quit networking because they can’t see where it’s leading.
 
That’s the mistake.
 
I rarely know exactly what a new connection will turn into.

A job.
A client.
A referral.
Or nothing at all.
 
Like driving a car at night, all I can see is the next conversation.

But, that’s enough.

I'll get where I am going, if I keep going.
 
When you’re building a network, you don’t get a full map.

You get today.
That's as far as you can see.
 
One message.
One coffee.
One thoughtful follow up.
 
Over time, those small moments start to stack.

They create momentum you couldn’t have predicted at the start.
 
You don’t need certainty to move forward.
 
You just need to keep showing up for the next conversation in front of you.



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

One random conversation while Christmas shopping changed how I think about networking.

Most people think networking works like a funnel.
 
You reach out to a lot of people and hope a few good things come out the other end.
 
That approach always felt exhausting to me.
The way it’s actually worked in my life is much simpler.
 
It’s more like a chain.
One conversation leads to another.
 
Years ago I lost my job in October.
For weeks I did what everyone else does.

I applied online and waited.
Nothing happened.
 
Then one day in December I ran into a former coworker while Christmas shopping.

We talked for a few minutes.
I mentioned I was looking for a job.
 
She said, “You should talk to Dennis. He’s in the same situation.”
 
I met Dennis.  Dennis introduced me to Jorge.
Jorge and I were looking for the same type of roles.
 
In my search, I also connected with a guy named Jim.
Jim knew I was looking for a job.

He mentioned a role he’d heard about.
I wasn’t the right fit, but Jorge was.
 
I connected Jorge to Jim and Jim connected Jorge with the person hiring for the role.
 
Jorge got the job.
 
Here’s the lesson:
Networking rarely moves in straight lines.

Conversations connect to other conversations. 
People introduce you to other people.
 
You just keep adding one link at a time to your network.
The opportunities start to appear.

That’s why I don’t try to meet as many people as possible.
 
I focus on one good conversation.
Then the next one tends to appear.
The opportunities follow.

What networking links have you made that got you closer to the opportunity you were looking for?

Tell me your story!


I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!
If you want to become a better networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

This one thing will make every conference you attend this year worth the money you paid for it.

Most people walk into a conference and hope for the best.
 
They grab their badge.
They scan the room.
They look for a friendly face.
 
And then they feel stuck.
 
Conferences can feel like a full day of small talk with strangers.
 
Here’s what makes it easier:
Do most of your networking before you get there.
 
When I sign up for a conference, I don’t wait until I’m in the room.
 
I look at the agenda.
I connect with organizers.
I reach out to a few speakers I plan to hear.
I comment on their posts.
I trade a few messages.
 
Nothing fancy.
Just simple, real conversation.
 
When I walk in, I’m not alone.
I already have two or three people I can say hello to.
 
That changes everything.
 
You stop wandering.
You stop forcing random chats.
You build on conversations that already started.
 
One simple idea to try:

Before your next conference, 
 
1. Pick one speaker from the agenda.
2. Send a short note.
3. Tell them you’re looking forward to their session.
4. Ask one thoughtful question about their topic.
 
That’s it.
 
If you want to make conferences feel less draining and more useful, I wrote a full breakdown in this week’s 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳: https://lnkd.in/gJb_b_CA
 
It goes deeper into how to prepare, how to connect in person, and one small badge trick that makes you easier to approach.

Most people use LinkedIn wrong.
Here's what they're missing:

They lurk.
They scroll.
They log in only when they need a job.
 
Then they say networking on LinkedIn doesn't work.
 
Here's the mindset shift you need to make it work for you:
 
LinkedIn is not a billboard.
It is a conversation tool.
 
Your goal is simple.

Start small online conversations with people who sit near the opportunities you care about.
 
That's it.
 
One practical place to start is this.
 
Make a short Target Company List.
Five to ten companies you are curious about.
 
Then search for people who work there.
Start with 1st and 2nd degree connections.
 
If you already know someone, send a short note.
“It’s been a while. How are things going?”
 
If you don't know them, keep it light.

“I see you’re at X company. I’m learning more about it. Would love your perspective if you have time.”
 
No pitch.
No pressure.
 
If connecting feels like too much, Follow them.

If they post, Comment with something thoughtful.

Not “Great post.”

Add a question.
Add an insight.
Move the conversation forward.
 
That is how you become familiar before you ever ask for anything.
 
One question for you.
 
If someone looked at your LinkedIn account today, would it show quiet scrolling or real conversations?
 
I wrote more about how to use connecting, following, commenting, and even your own LinkedIn data in this week’s Introverted Networker: https://lnkd.in/gXb7GJRq
 
If LinkedIn has felt pointless, the full issue walks through a calmer way to use it.

My favorite LinkedIn ‘metric’ never shows up in the analytics.

It's the people who never "like" or comment on any of my posts, but tell me:

"You're post was what I needed to hear today."

I still get goose bumps when this happens.

It's usually someone I know.

• Recent connection
• Former colleague
• Friend

But, they never show up at the bottom of my post in the reaction or comment section.

However, they go out of their way to reach out to me in real life to tell me what I wrote made a difference in their lives.

I keep this in mind each time I hit "Post":

Behind every:

• Comment,
• Reaction,
• Email

There's a person who is struggling to figure it all out.

If what I write has an impact on one person,
It was a successful post.

For those who show up and share what they know on LinkedIn, even if your post flops in the usual metrics of engagement, you're making a difference.

For those who are moved by someone's post, let them know, even if it's in a private message.

It's the fuel that keeps most of us LinkedIn regulars going!



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

Over the weekend, most of the U.S. changed their clocks. Arizona didn’t. Yet my schedule still shifted.

It made me remember something:
Time is a made-up system.

We created it so people could coordinate with each other.
Daylight savings makes that obvious.

Most people will be complaining today about losing an hour of sleep.

That doesn't happen when you live in Arizona.
But, that doesn't mean I'm not affected.

Most of the people I talk to each day are in different states.
In one day, all my meetings moved an hour earlier.

Nothing actually changed about the sun.

The only thing that changed was our agreement about time.

I'll adjust my schedule so that I can show up as the same time as everyone else.
 
Networking works the same way.
We have to agree on a time to show up and connect.
 
People wait for the “right time” to reach out.

The right time to reconnect.
The right time to ask for help.
But time isn’t some magical force.
 
It’s just coordination between two people.
 
Most opportunities don’t happen because the timing was perfect.
 
They happen because two people stayed connected.
 
One conversation, no matter what the time.



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

Your best employee is already halfway out the door.
You just can’t see it.

Picture your best employee standing outside, alone.

At her feet is a white line.
Her toes are touching The Line. 

The side of The Line she's standing on is her current reality.
The other side is relief from the stress on her side of The Line.

• It could be the pile of unread emails in her inbox.
• It could be her boss.
• It could be her job.

Something's wrong and it's gotten so bad, she's standing with her toes on The Line.

She's vulnerable.

The next problem, request, or needless meeting is going to push her over The Line.

She doesn't know if life on the other side of The Line will be better or worse.

It doesn't matter.

All that matters is the other side of The Line is different from her current reality.

She didn't get to The Line because someone dangled more money in front of her.

She hasn't even talked to a recruiter or applied to a job.

Some days, when she gets to The Line, she can find a reason to step away.

But on the days when she's at The Line, something new might catch her eye.

She might return that recruiter's message.

She might respond to that email just to "learn more about the role."

At that moment, she's ready to step across The Line.

After that first step, she might take another, 
Then another, and at the end, 
She's telling her co-workers 
She's leaving for something 
New.

Her leaders will say she got offered more money.
They'll say, "we aren't competitive with our benefits."
Her former co-workers will get retention agreements.

They weren't planning to leave, but they'll take the extra money for doing the extra work created by her leaving.

Eventually, they'll get pushed to The Line, too.

They'll be asked to respond to the fire drill.

They'll be told to do one more project because it's a business need.

No work will be taken off the to-do list.

The one-off requests will keep rolling into their inboxes.

Maybe one of these co-workers is the next to The Line

He knows how she got to The Line.

He had never been there himself, but once she left, he took on her work.

He's stepped up to The Line more lately.

He's stepped back, gone to the team offsite, laughed with his co-workers and gone home feeling better about things.

The next morning, when he opens his inbox, there are more things than he can do by the end of the day.

And he feels alone.
With no one to talk to about how he feels
And no one to help him step back from The Line.

Everyone is approaching The Line.

They've all had enough.
They're all vulnerable.

If they get the call or email, they'll step over The Line and start the journey to a new job.

It happens every day. 
It happens to everyone.

Do you notice when you're at The Line?
Do you notice when your employees are at The Line?

Can you step back?
Can you help them step back?

If they can't step back, they're done.
So are you.

If you trained at the gym like you network, would you ever get results?

If not, here’s how to train your networking muscle:

1️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
You don't get your PR the first day at the gym. 
You start light and add weight.

𝗜𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴:
✅Start connecting with one person.
✅Comment on one person's LinkedIn post.
✅Send one message to a former co-worker.


2️⃣ 𝗣𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝘀
Getting to the gym is a good start. 
Then you have to put in the reps when you're there. 
No wasting time or messing around.

𝗜𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴:
✅Make your comments on LI valuable. No "Nice post" BS.
✅Find ways to give some valuable to your connections.
✅Make introductions. Connect people to each other.


3️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆
Consistency brings the gains!

𝗜𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴:
✅It's ok to skip a day, but don't make it a habit.
✅Track your efforts. Tracking holds you accountable
✅Get an accountability partner. Everyone needs a spotter.

Networking, like working out, isn’t about one big day.

It’s about steady effort over time.

Show up.
Put in the work.
Get the gains.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝘆𝗺/𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴?



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

By day, I help companies retain talent.
By night, I learn from people who've already finished their careers.

By day (and honestly, a lot of nights too), I've been focused on building my business Retention and Rewards Partners. 

I help companies with total rewards, employee engagement, and retention strategies.

At the same time, I keep showing up as The Introverted Networker.

Writing about networking, publishing my newsletter, and creating new resources to help people connect and grow their careers.

Two different themes. 

Both fueled by the same passion: 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

Recently, I've started writing (privately) about being a non-retired person who lives in a retirement community.

Focusing on what it looks like to do the work you want to do while learning from people who have already passed the work phase of their lives.

Not sure if it's right for LinkedIn, so I'm asking that question today:

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻?



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker! 

I talk a lot about networking, building more connected workplaces, and maybe living with retired people.

If you want to see more of me

Do one of these:

✅ Save this post so you can come back and find me later
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

What do you want me to write about on LinkedIn?

The author can see how you vote. Learn more

After 27 years in corporate, I quit my job. My first client showed up 24 hours later.

Not because I got lucky.
 
Because a couple months, I had a conversation with someone I'll call Katie.
 
We both worked in HR in Denver.
Different companies, different roles.

We stayed in touch.
No agenda.
Just a professional relationship I kept up over time.
 
When I was thinking about leaving corporate after 27 years, Katie was one of the first people I called.
 
I told her exactly what I wanted to do.
The specific problems I solve.
In the words a client would use.
 
Then we went on with our lives.
 
The day after I resigned, she texted me.
 
"Do you know anyone who could do fractional total rewards consulting for a client in Denver?"
 
I texted back: "Yeah. Me. I just resigned yesterday."
 
That was client number one.
Then she hired me for a project at her own company.
 
Two clients.
One relationship.
One conversation I'd invested in before any of this was real.
 
Here's the lesson:
 
When you're networking for a job, you connect with people at your target companies.
 
When you're networking for your own business, you connect with people who already serve your target client.

Either way, you have to get specific about what you're looking for.
And, tell people what it is.
 
They become your advocates, your referral sources.
You're not selling yourself.
They're doing it for you.

But you have to start the conversations to get to the part where you tell them what you're looking for.
 
I tell the whole story in this week's issue of The Introverted Networker: https://lnkd.in/gsR7fdVb



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I talk a lot about networking. 
And building better workplaces.

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

Ever feel like you need just one hour to get started with your networking?

I've got a solution for you!

Join me and Shayna Cavanaugh next week for You Can Sit With Us!

It's an our dedicated to anything you are working on when it comes to job search. Including networking!

You put the event on your calendar
Block the time
Show up and get more done in that hour than you have all week.

It's a great way to get help and get yourself started.

Join us!

Details below!

Interview Prep, Salary Negotiation | Helping burnt-out professionals to not feel like crap at work | Real HR Experience/Real Results ✨

Not sure where to start when it comes to networking?
 
Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think
 
Join us for our next co-working hour on Thursday, 3/5 where Greg Roche, The Introverted Networker, will share some simple tips and strategies for intentional networking.
 
You’ll leave with real strategies to help you:
➜ Network in a way that feels natural (even if you’re introverted)
➜ Build genuine connections without small talk or events
➜ Create trust through simple, human conversations
 
RSVP through the event below and be sure to share with your introverted job search bestie!
 
P.S. – Raise your hand if you’ve ever overthought a LinkedIn message before sending 🙋🏻‍♀️

Multi-Plant Director of Manufacturing & Plant Operations 

RESULTS-DRIVEN PROFESSIONAL with over 25 years Management experience Industrial Manufacturing and Automation, Food Processing, Medical Device & Plastics industries, over 20 years of which at Senior Management level with full P. & L. responsibilities. 

Dynamic team player and leader; interacts and communicates effectively with individuals at all levels.

Skills include but not limited to:
• Problem Solving • Hoshin -Kanri • Plus 1 Customer Service & Relations • AS9100 Compliance, ISO & SQF Implementation  • Team Development • Labor Relations with Union contract negotiation experience • Operations / Project Management • Process Improvement /Continuous Improvement-Kaizen-Lean Mfg. Specialist • Quality Assurance • Team Facilitation • FDA- HACCP - OSHA / EH&S Safety Regulations • Total Quality Management • A3, DMAIC, PDCA, PPI, MDI & LEAN – 6 S • LSS Sigma Black Belt Project Sponsor • Vendor Relations Experience • Contract Negotiations. • Industrial Sales Professional with project quoting experience.

 Competencies Include:
• A consummate leader and developer of people - bringing strong culture and values orientation and ensure every employee understands how they contribute to the success of the business, while working on coaching and development as needed.
• Proven ability to build and develop organization and cross-department processes and scale in a high-growth environment where change is the only constant.
• Data and metric-driven with the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure and the ability to anticipate operational challenges, risks, and opportunities.
• Outstanding business and financial acumen.

Community Activities:
Former Board Member, Emcee, Festival Coordinator at Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association.   
Former Elected City Council Member and Planning Commissioner. 
Mattawan Mi. Little League Umpire and Volunteer.

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Greg Roche

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The Battle

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Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Greg Roche's LinkedIn Performance

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