Let me be real with you for a second—when I left the corporate world, I thought networking meant awkward coffee meetings where everyone pretended to care about each other’s elevator pitches while secretly checking their phones under the table. Turns out, I was completely wrong.
Here’s what nobody tells you about networking when you’re a business owner: sometimes you show up to what you think is just another professional connection opportunity, and you accidentally find your people. Like, your actual people. The ones who get that there’s life outside of business and welcome you in like you’ve been part of their crew since day one.
Networking is Not About Collecting Business Cards (Thank God!)
I’m a self-proclaimed introvert who’d rather organize a messy email inbox than work a room full of strangers. So when I started building The Mindful Virtual Assistant, the whole “you need to network” advice made me cringe.
But then something weird happened.
I stopped trying to network the “right” way and started showing up as myself—quirky obsessions, Enneagram 1 tendencies, and all. I stopped worrying about having the perfect pitch and started having actual conversations about the things that matter: Why does everyone think they have to hustle 24/7? How do you build systems that don’t make you want to scream? What’s the deal with email marketing that doesn’t feel gross?
And that’s when the magic happened.
When “Networking” Becomes “Oh Hey, You’re My People”
The connections I’ve made in my networking group have turned into some of the most genuine friendships I have. These are the people who:
- Celebrate your wins like they’re their own (because they actually care)
- Help you learn how to be a better business owner and a better person (because we all need to)
- Call you out when you’re overcomplicating things (looking at you, fellow perfectionists)
- Understand that sometimes “How’s business?” is code for “I’m drowning and need help”
- Show up with solutions, support, and maybe a good meme when you need it most
There’s something about being in the entrepreneurial trenches together that creates a bond you don’t find elsewhere. These people understand the highs, the lows, and the “What the hell am I doing?” moments in a way that your non-business-owner friends just can’t.
Why Networking Matters for Your Business (And Your Sanity)
Look, I talk a lot about streamlined operations and simplified workflows. But here’s what I don’t always say: you can have all the SOPs and systems in the world, and you’ll still burn out if you’re doing it alone.
Finding your tribe isn’t just nice to have—it’s crucial for:
- Staying sane. When you’re overwhelmed and questioning everything, these are the people who remind you why you started in the first place.
- Getting real advice. Not the cookie-cutter “just hustle harder” garbage. Actual, practical, “Here’s what worked for me” wisdom.
- Building something sustainable. Because the bubble gum and scotch tape approach only works for so long. You need people who understand what you’re trying to build and can help you get there without losing your mind.
- Creating accountability. The good kind, where someone checks in because they genuinely want to see you succeed, not because they’re trying to sell you their coaching program.
Your Challenge: Go Find Your People
Here’s what I want you to do (and yes, I know you’re busy, but humor me):
Think about where you’ve been showing up lately. Facebook groups? Online communities? Local business meetups? Coffee shops where other entrepreneurs camp out?
Now think about who you’ve connected with—really connected with. Not just the “nice to meet you” exchanges, but the conversations that left you feeling energized instead of drained.
Your challenge is to reach out to three of those people this week. Not with a pitch, not with an agenda. Just a genuine “Hey, I really enjoyed our conversation about [whatever it was], want to grab coffee/jump on a call/continue this chat?”
That’s it. No pressure. No weird networking tactics. Just show up as yourself and see what happens.
