Your Network is Your Net Worth, Make it Count
Let’s talk about the one thing that has opened more doors in my life than any résumé or degree ever could: my network. And I don’t mean schmoozing at boring events or dropping business cards like candy. I mean real relationships, the kind that led to dream jobs, leadership roles, speaking gigs, and lifelong friendships.
When I was at Microsoft, I remember Jill Rowley dropping a truth bomb that stuck with me forever: “Your network is your net worth.” That one line shifted how I moved in every room. I stopped thinking of networking as transactional and started viewing it as transformational.
For example, I was the former City Champ for Together Digital in Austin, and it opened the door for me to speak at SXSW in 2019. That opportunity didn’t come from a cold pitch or a viral post. It came from community. Whether you’re introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in the messy middle, this isn’t about becoming someone you’re not. It’s about leaning into consistent, intentional connection, your way and embracing the real currency of success… RELATIONSHIPS.
Chemistry Is Overrated, Show Up Anyway
One of the biggest “aha” moments in my career was realizing you don’t need instant chemistry with someone to build a powerful relationship. There’s this concept called the mere exposure effect, which basically says, the more we see or interact with someone, the more we tend to like them. It’s not about hitting it off on the first try. It’s about showing up, again and again.
Back in my Microsoft days, Kati Quigley and Tracey Pretorius were two women who helped change my trajectory. Kati and Tracey gave me the keys to the Microsoft Partner Network channels. That trust didn’t happen in a single conversation, it was built over time, through small wins, shared pressure, and consistent execution.
Kati and I getting some quality time in, and I am forever grateful for her belief in me.
The same thing happened in my mom group after Ava was born. From the very beginning, I felt surrounded by women who just got it. We were navigating the same messy, beautiful season of life, and those connections grew into real friendships that I still cherish today.
Ava and I soaking in the vibes.
Key reminder: Relationships take time. Keep showing up, even when it feels awkward, and realize that you’re likely feeling awkward because of some insecurity you have inside of you.
Stop Talking. Start Listening.
The most magnetic people in any room aren’t the ones pitching themselves. They’re the ones asking thoughtful questions and actually listening to the answers. If you see a great post on LinkedIn, don’t just scroll past. Drop a comment, send a message, ask a real question. Something like:
“Hey [Name], I loved your post about [topic]. What’s been your biggest learning since you started implementing that?”
Simple. Genuine. And powerful. True networking isn’t about saying the perfect thing. It’s about making people feel seen. Curiosity is your edge.
Try this today: Message someone you admire, appreciate them for their contributions, and ask one thoughtful question. Then listen. That’s where the relationship starts.
The LinkedIn Rule You’re Probably Ignoring
Before, during and after every event (virtual or in-person), send personalized connection requests. If I speak at a conference or join a virtual panel, I go straight to LinkedIn and connect with speakers, hosts, and attendees. And here’s the key move: personalize the invite by mentioning something they said on stage, from your conversation, or what they posted. Make it specific.
It takes 15 seconds and can lead to years of collaboration. That’s how I continue to build lasting relationships with powerhouse leaders like Kelly Hopping. We started as colleagues at Gartner and today, she’s a friend who’s seen me through career pivots, entrepreneurship, and even motherhood.
Kelly and I go way back, and I am so grateful for her friendship and support.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Still not convinced your network is worth investing in? A report by Chief and Morning Consult found that over 80% of women leaders have used networking to secure paid board seats, land C-suite positions, and negotiate higher pay. Networking isn’t just about career milestones. It’s also a powerhouse for driving organizational success, with more than 70% of women leveraging their networks to win new business, lead successful projects, and improve processes.
And here’s the crazy thing… 94% of women above management level feel confident in the power of their network to support or advance their careers. Yet, too many of us hesitate to lean into networking because we don’t want to seem pushy or self-serving.
🚨 Reality check: Networking isn’t pushy, it’s strategic. 🚨
I joined The WIT Network, showed up and networked, and received the opportunity to emcee the International Women’s Day conference this year. Here I am with the CEO and Founder of WIT Network, Christine Bongard.
What’s Your Networking Superpower?
Everyone connects differently. Some of us are vibe queens. Some are great in 1:1 conversation. Others light up on video calls or group chats. There’s no “right” way to network, just your way. What matters most is that you stop waiting for permission and start showing up. Whatever your style is, OWN IT. Authenticity wins in networking, every single time.
Here’s my challenge for you:
✅ Attend one event (virtual or in-person) and connect with 5 people on LinkedIn.
✅ Send a personalized invite and mention why you admired their input.
✅ Share your experience by tagging me on LinkedIn (I’d love to celebrate you!).
The relationships you nurture today could become opportunities, allies, and inspirations tomorrow. Women, leaders, change-makers, always remember that we are our own biggest champions. Do me a favor, play big, connect boldly, and remember every single new person in your circle is a new possibility waiting to happen.
💜ICYMI: How to Turn Your Personal Brand into Real Business Growth
Most people treat personal branding like it’s a social media game, but it’s not. It’s your business asset. Your brand is your voice, your values, your reputation. And when you show up with intention and consistency, it will open doors. That’s exactly what I talked about on the Season 3 premiere of Blue TV with the incredible Denise Murtha Bachmann , hosted by Top Voices Unite.
We got real about:
✅ Building brand equity that actually converts
✅ Behind-the-scenes of brand deals and partnerships
✅ How content turns into cash (without selling your soul)
If you’re growing your influence, building a business, or just tired of shouting into the void, this one’s for you. 📺 Watch the full replay, and let me know what your biggest takeaway is, I’d love to hear it!
🔥YOU’RE INVITED …
Let’s be honest, AI can feel like a lot. Shiny tools. Overhyped promises. And now, everyone’s claiming to be an expert. I’ve learned after years in corporate marketing, agency life, and now running a business: AI is only as powerful as the human behind it.
The strategy. The voice. The intention. That’s the part you still own.
On April 23rd, 2025 Wednesday, I’m joining forces with Joshua B. Lee and John Stix of Nucleus AI for a fireside chat. It’s not going to be your typical “stereotypical” AI convo.
You’ll hear how to:
✔ Use AI to amplify your personal brand, not dilute it
✔ Build trust and scale without burning out
✔ Balance automation with connection
✔ And… how to get a free AI employee to start working for you immediately
John’s been a leader in ethical innovation for decades, his work has reached over 3M customers across 50 countries. Now he’s sharing how small businesses can scale with integrity.
📢 This isn’t theory. It’s action. Join us.