There’s this saying circling around the professional development space that your network is your net worth. And for as long as I’ve been an entrepreneur, this has been the truth. 

Now, as I prepare to attend an event a whole year in the making, I can’t help but think back to where this all started. By “this all” I mean my crazy desire to start a business. I was only able to do it because of the connections I had made, the favors I could ask and the people I was introduced to through my connections. I also had one person who believed in me that has lead me to where I am today. I’m about to meet 3 of the people I have been following, admiring, reading and consuming content from for the last year.

It literally feels like a pinch me moment…but I literally don’t want it to be just a moment. I want them in my orbit moving forward. Which also feels crazy, huge, weird and so amazing all at the same time. 

The people who I love and adore will be at the Powerhouse Women event. This is what feels literally like a pinch-me moment because just one year ago. Because I didn’t have the money, I attended the event virtually for free in my home office. I didn’t miss a thing either. 

I logged on right away for this one day event and connected with other people inside of the virtual community. It was in that energy that I said, “I am attending LIVE in person in 2024.” I declared it and ever since then I moved differently towards achieving it. 

The Power Of Networking

Let’s go back a few steps and unpack this concept of networking. It can sometimes feel transactional or even insincere, but when done authentically and with creating a new friendship at the center of the purpose, it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Here are three reasons why your network is so powerful in growing your net worth:

1. More Opportunities

One of the most immediate benefits of having a solid network is more opportunities. Whether it’s job openings, potential clients, partnerships, or collaborations, your network can be a goldmine to open doors and endless possibilities. The key is to build genuine relationships based on mutual respect and trust. That means while your friends are keeping you in mind, you’re also doing the same. When you nurture these connections, you become top-of-mind when opportunities arise.

I know from personal experience, over the years I’ve been able to partner and work with brands that I loved because of referral relationships and people trusting me to take care of their clients. THIS right here is the power of your network and being extremely good at your craft. 

Also, I was just watching the Netflix series Dirty POP. The premise is about Lou Pearlman who founded the popular boy band groups The Backstreet Boys and ‘NYSNC, about his not so great business dealings. But I’m not here to talk about Lou, in watching the 3 part series, I was actually very intrigued by how they recruited the talent. It was Lou who found the first member, but then that member just brought his friends along. There were no auditions, just friends referring each other for the opportunity of a lifetime. Now that’s powerful. 

2. Support And Guidance

Entrepreneurship can be a very lonely road, filled with lots of challenges and uncertainties. Having a network of like-minded individuals who understand your journey is a must-have because these are the people who can provide invaluable support and guidance. My entrepreneur friends have offered advice, shared their experiences, and even helped me navigate difficult situations, both in business and life.

I have my biz besties on call,  within the boundaries we hold for each other, because you never know when you’re in need of a shoulder to lean on…or cry on. A few very close friends and I have a code and you’re welcome to borrow it and use it as you need too. It’s a text we send when we need to urgently talk and all it says is, “Do you have 8 minutes?”. It was mentioned in a podcast I listened to long ago that it takes an average of 8 minutes to talk through a problem and move towards a solution. So, if something happens and my close friends and I need to talk it out, we text, “Do you have 8 minutes” and we talk it out.

3. Expanding Your Knowledge And Skills

Your network is not just about who you know but also about what you can learn from them. Engaging with people in different industries exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and skills that can enhance your personal and professional development. This continuous learning process is essential for staying relevant and competitive in any industry.

Through my connections, I have gained so many insights I would not have on my own into various aspects of running a business, from different marketing strategies to financial management and a whole lot more. I also learned so much from attending events, participating in 1:1 discussions, speaking to their audiences and collaborating with others. All of these things have expanded my knowledge base and equipped me with the tools and deepened connections needed to grow my business effectively.

Building Business Relationships, Friendships And Network

Networking is not just about professional gains; it’s also about building meaningful relationships that can enrich your personal life. The line between business relationships and friendships can often blur, leading to powerful connections that go well beyond your typical office hours. Basically, these are also the people I’ve cried with and we’ve been able to experience real life together, even from afar. Because most of my biz besties live states away from me and when proximity is power, making time and energy to maintain these relationships needs to be something you continuously prioritize. 

Stay Connected To Maintain Your Network

Maintaining relationships requires effort. As I shared before, proximity matters, but if you’re not geographically close to your network, it can be easy to fall off each other’s radar. Regularly check in with your connections, celebrate their successes, and offer support during challenging times. Simple gestures like sending a congratulatory message or sharing useful resources can ensure you’re always connected. 

Always Be Yourself

The foundation of any strong relationship is authenticity. People can sense when you are genuine, and this builds trust. It’s important to note to always be yourself, show interest in others, and be willing to offer help without expecting anything in return. Authentic connections are more likely to stand the test of time and provide long-term benefits. Plus, anyone can sniff out a fake. So don’t be fake. 

Be Open To New Connections

While it’s important to nurture existing relationships, don’t be afraid to expand your network. There are endless ways to do this – in fact – I had to create a boundary for myself to keep my calendar in check. Make a note to attend events, join professional groups, and engage in online communities like Like-Minded Collective or Entreprenista. [Two I am a part of and would love to see you in there too!]

The power of your network and building business relationships cannot be overstated.

The true value lies in prioritizing friendship and genuine connection over transactional interactions. By focusing on building meaningful relationships you can create a network that is not only valuable for business success but also enriching for your personal life. By embracing the power of connection and prioritizing friendship, we can create a network that is truly worth our net worth.

I’m Ready To Grow My Network

As I prepare to attend this long-awaited event and make my manifestations real and meet the people who’ve inspired me, I am reminded once again of the importance of connection. They have been so instrumental in my journey, and I’m just so excited about the potential for them to evolve into lasting friendships. 

So, naturally I’m totally gonna be that girl who is fangirling out inside while totally trying to keep it cool on the outside. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes. 

Follow along on Instagram as I share real life hugs, coffee chats and living life with those who up until now have only been in my Zoom room, earbuds or their books in my hands. Here’s to your pinch me moments – may they be in your very near future too. Because in the words of the lovely Jamie Kern Lima from her latest book Worthy, “You don’t rise to what you believe is possible, you fall to what you believe you’re worthy of.”