What if the reason your networking isn’t working has nothing to do with the group—and everything to do with how you’re showing up? In this episode, we explore the subtle but damaging behaviors of takers—people who expect quick returns without ever investing in the relationships that drive real business growth. Sometimes it’s unintentional, but the impact is the same: missed opportunities, strained collaborations, and burned bridges. We’re sharing what this looks like in real networking groups, how it affects your reputation, and why taking the time to genuinely pour into others changes everything.

What you'll learn:

• How to recognize if you’re unintentionally showing up as a taker
• Why collaboration beats cold pitching—and how to start
• How to make a shift from short-term selling to long-term growth

Connect with your hosts:

On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

(locally in St. John's Co. FL)

Have you ever posted and ghosted? In this episode, Tiffany and Donna break down how to actually connect through social media. They're calling out the like-and-leave crowd (including themselves) and sharing why commenting with intention makes all the difference.

You'll hear:

• Why social media should be about real relationships
• How four-word comments can change the algorithm—and your visibility
• The right way to slide into DMs without being salesy
• When to take the conversation offline and what not to do when you meet up
• How to be memorable in a sea of noise

Your thumbs (or voice-to-text game) are about to get a workout. This is the connection-first strategy you've been missing.

Connect with your hosts:

On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

(locally in St. John's Co. FL)

Think social media feels fake, draining, or like it’s getting you nowhere? You're not the only one. In this episode, Tiffany and Donna get real about why most of us are doing it wrong—and how to fix it with a few simple shifts that actually spark connection.

They unpack the quiet habits that build trust, visibility, and genuine relationships—without spending all day online or sounding salesy.

What you’ll pick up in this episode might surprise you:

• The small move that makes your comments actually get noticed (and remembered)
• A better way to slide into DMs that feels natural—and gets replies
• Why you don’t need perfect content to grow your network, just this one thing
• How to turn a casual like into a real-life connection
• One mindset change that makes showing up online feel less awkward and more rewarding

If you’re ready to stop shouting into the void and start seeing real results from your time online, hit play.

Connect with your hosts:

On IG: @the_LinkUpLounge

Tiffany Mason on IG @VirtuallyYouPods

Donna Rueppell on IG @Rueppell_1KeyAtaTime

Email the Link Up Lounge: info@thelinkuplounge.com

Come Network with us: WWW.BondandBeyondNetwork.com

(locally in St. John's Co. FL)