What if the loudest person in the room is doing networking completely wrong and the quiet one smiling in the corner is the one building a real business? And what if "working the room" is exactly the habit that's leaving you drained and empty-handed? In this grounded, refreshing episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast, host Melissa Taylor sits down with Tami Robinson, certified yoga therapist, integral associate coach, founder of Wellness with Tami, and lead instructor for the Great Yoga Wall. As a proud introvert who serves first and sells last, Tami shares how she approaches networking like a practice: with presence, warmth, and zero interest in handing out business cards like Halloween candy. Top Takeaways Networking is a practice, not a performance — Tami treats every room like her yoga practice: smile, be warm, get to know the person, and stay present. No pitching, no taking over the conversation. Protect your energy if you're an introvert — She schedules buffer time before and after every event, takes the pressure off "how many people can I meet," and looks for "warm-eyed" people instead of working the whole room. Serve first, sell last — In the wellness world there's a taboo around talking money. Tami's answer: nurture the relationship, give something helpful in the moment, and only transition to "I'd love to work with you" after you've genuinely served. Your approachability factor is everything — A smile breaks the ice faster than any opener. So does open body language — off your phone, facing the room, not turning your back. Many people walk in with a serious face and wonder why no one approaches. Lead with a low-key, non-business opener — "Is this your first time at this event?" beats "Here's what I do." Get the human conversation going before anything else. Choose events where you can serve, not just show up — Tami favors formats where she can speak, ask questions, and create real give-and-take — not a "mad crush" of people exchanging names and nothing else. Sponsorship is networking too — From inviting people to experience the Great Yoga Wall to donating sessions for nonprofit auctions, she meets people where they are and lets them say yes when they're ready. Drop the brag mode — The fastest way to lose her: turn the first conversation into a highlight reel or a name-drop. Mutual sharing builds trust; a pitch right away kills it. About Tami Robinson Tami Robinson is a certified yoga therapist and integral associate coach, and the founder of Wellness with Tami, where she helps people feel better in body, mind, and heart. Rather than large studio classes, she works one-on-one and in small, specialized groups to help clients build support, stability, and ease decompressing from the hustle, whether they're solopreneurs, corporate high-performers, or parents under pressure. She's also the lead instructor for the Great Yoga Wall company, training teachers and students to use the prop system safely and effectively. Through "traction," the Great Yoga Wall works with gravity to deepen stretches and make postures accessible to people who never thought they could do yoga. Resources & Links 🌐 Network Build Grow Community: networkbuildgrow.com 🧘 Wellness with Tami — Yoga therapy & coaching for body, mind & heart (one-on-one and small groups) https://www.wellnesswithtami.com 🧱 The Great Yoga Wall — Prop system for deeper, more accessible practice; teacher training available Subscribe & Connect If this episode gave you permission to network as your authentic, introverted self to serve first, protect your energy, and build real relationships instead of collecting contacts. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur, business owner, or anyone who dreads "working the room." 👉 Not yet part of our community? Visit networkbuildgrow.com to join us. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on networking, leadership, branding, and business growth 🌐 Join the Network Build Grow community at networkbuildgrow.com
