Inever expected a networking group to change my life. But back in 2006, when I bought a sign company with confidence in my business skills, reality hit hard: opening your doors doesn’t guarantee customers. It wasn’t until a chance introduction to BNI that I began to understand the true power of relationships in business.
What started as a way to meet potential clients quickly became something deeper. In that room full of professionals, I found people who genuinely wanted to help each other. They showed up with generosity, authenticity, and heart—and that changed everything for me. Eventually, those connections helped me realise that what I loved most wasn’t the technical side of signage. It was the relationships.
“There’s freedom in knowing you can’t please everyone. I no longer try to.”
By 2011, my husband and I had the opportunity to purchase the BNI franchise in our region. We jumped in—and we’ve never looked back.
Business is Personal
I’ve always believed in doing business with kindness, courage, and authenticity. But I won’t sugar-coat it—this journey has been tough at times. The hardest part hasn’t been the work itself; it’s been the assumptions people make about my motives.
There are days when people see me as “just in it for the money.” That stings. Because truthfully, this work isn’t sustainable without heart. It takes resilience, emotional labour, and a deep desire to serve others. I often joke, “I’d love BNI if it weren’t for the people,” but behind the humour is a real truth—people can be unkind. And I’ve had to grow a thick skin.
One of the hardest moments came during the pandemic. As BNI transitioned to online meetings to keep members connected, someone launched a petition against me, calling for everything to be shut down. They saw our decision as greedy. But I still wonder what might’ve happened to the 400+ businesses in our region if we’d backed down. It was painful—but it affirmed the importance of staying true to your convictions.
Change Is Inevitable—Connection Is Essential
The pandemic didn’t just test our resolve—it accelerated a digital shift in networking. BNI went global online, connecting over 300,000 businesses virtually. Even now, nearly half of our chapters remain fully digital. That shift was necessary, but it also revealed something deeper: in a digital world, authentic connection matters more than ever.
AI is part of this transformation. I don’t see it as a threat—I see it as a tool. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about amplifying our ability to connect, collaborate, and serve. Of course, we need to be wise about how we use it—ethically, strategically, and responsibly. AI literacy will be crucial for business owners who want to stay relevant.
And as we navigate all of this change, I keep returning to one core truth: business is still about people. It’s about showing up with empathy. It’s about understanding that we don’t all share the same lived experiences.
I love seeing more women-led groups emerge, along with those designed for newcomers to Canada. These groups are powerful because they speak directly to real, specific needs. If you’re thinking about starting something, build it around a clear purpose—and stay grounded in service.
What I Know Now
There’s freedom in knowing you can’t please everyone. I no longer try to. I lead with kindness and assume that everyone is fighting a battle I can’t see. And if that grace isn’t always returned, I remind myself I’m here for the ones who are ready to grow, connect, and build with purpose.
If you ask me what to wear to a networking event, I’d say: dress with respect for the setting and comfort for yourself. Personally, I’ll reach for a breathable blazer or a dressy cardigan—something that feels like me, but polished. Because when you show up as yourself, the right people will find you.
Smart, Heartfelt Networking Tips from the Trenches
Lead with generosity.
Give before you ask. Whether it’s a connection, a compliment, or simply your full attention, show up ready to contribute.
Be clear about who you serve.
The more specific you are about your niche, the easier it is for others to refer the right people to you.
Follow up with heart.
A thoughtful follow-up—whether by email, text, or handwritten note—can set you apart more than any pitch.
Don’t try to be for everyone.
You don’t need to win over every room. Focus on real relationships, not popularity contests.
Be consistent.
Great networking isn’t about a one-time event—it’s about showing up, again and again, with sincerity and reliability.
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