Walking Into a Room Alone: Lessons From My First Dance Class
On a rainy Seattle day, I nervously walked into my first adult dance class and discovered how one small connection can transform an unfamiliar space. The experience reminded me that whether in a dance studio or a networking event, sometimes all it takes is introducing yourself to one person to feel like you belong.
Why You Should Send Regular Status Update Emails to Your Network (Even If No One Responds)
Sending status update emails helps your network remember you, even if they don’t reply. Just because someone is silent doesn’t mean they aren’t reading—and staying in touch can make all the difference when opportunities come up.
4 Career Assets You Need to Be Networking-Ready
To network effectively, come prepared with four key assets: a polished resume, a concise introduction bio, a practiced elevator speech, and an up-to-date LinkedIn profile. They don’t need to be perfect—use them to make connections, communicate your value, and keep momentum in your job search or career pivot.
From Kindergarten Coffee Chat to Startup COO: Why You Have to Keep Pulling the Thread
Having a clear, repeatable process kept me focused, moving forward, and avoiding overwhelm—proving that deliberate steps, even small ones, can lead to big career leaps.
The Follow-Up Is the Strategy: How to Turn Conversations Into Opportunities
Great networking doesn’t end with the meeting—it’s built through thoughtful follow-up and consistent communication. By sending prompt thank-you notes, acting on feedback, and sharing regular progress updates, I stayed top of mind and turned conversations into real opportunities.
Stop Planning, Start Meeting: How Action Builds Opportunity
Setting a clear goal—three networking meetings a week—kept my job search focused and moving forward despite a full-time job and parenting. Over seven months and 85 conversations, those meetings sharpened my understanding of startup CFO roles, strengthened my network, and opened doors to new opportunities.
Who Should Be in the Room? How to Identify the Right People for Your Career Goals
To connect with a startup across the street, I leveraged a colleague in Luxembourg for an introduction—proof that great networking often spans continents. By identifying target companies, updating my network, and asking for introductions, one conversation ultimately led to the role that launched my tech startup career.
Start With One Question: The First Step in Building a Powerful Network
A reorg at Expedia pushed me to explore tech startups—even though I didn’t yet understand what a startup CFO actually did. By intentionally networking to learn the ecosystem and roles, I landed a role at a tech startup, gained startup credibility, and eventually became a cofounder and COO.
