When I lived in Minneapolis, my greatest professional strength was my connections to others. More often than not, at a restaurant or event, I could look around and find someone I knew. I knew the chefs at restaurants, I knew the Executive Directors of nonprofits, I knew the SVP’s in corporations. And I heard these three words often: “You know everyone!” I took pride in it. It meant something to me to have a network that I worked to create, a network that worked for me when I needed it. And one that was trusted and valued.
It’s been just over 9 months here in Chicago, and last night, someone said to me, “You know everybody!” It was a validation of the fact that I have networked like a crazy woman since the moment I arrived in Chicago. From women’s groups to corporate seminars to professional clubs, I’ve seen it all. And at this point, I’ve met an enormous group of women, some of whom I call acquaintances, but many of whom I call friends. Last night’s Step Up Women’s Network event reminded me that moving to a new city doesn’t have to take away your “I know everyone” status. It’s simply a call to action.
I have to keep thinking to myself, “If I did it in Minneapolis, I can do it here.” And so far, it’s worked. Part of my dream for Career Girl Network is to help all of you to build networks so powerful they will work tirelessly for you and you for them, so you’ll all be able to experience the feeling of someone saying, “You know everybody!”
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
Networking and relationship building is SO important. i like to know everyone too