Why Your Network Is More Than Your Net Worth

If you've spent any amount of time in business, you've probably heard the phrase, "Your network is your net worth."

For a long time, I understood what people meant by it, but I never really connected with it.

To be honest, networking always felt a little... transactional.

Like I was supposed to collect business cards, send awkward follow-up emails, and hope that somehow those conversations turned into opportunities. That approach never sat well with me because I don't want to build relationships based on what someone can do for me.

This week's conversation with Susie Adelson and Rita Nalbandian reminded me why the best relationships are never built that way.

 

One of the things that struck me most during our conversation was hearing both Susie and Rita talk about community as something that exists far beyond work.

Susie doesn't separate her "business self" from her real life. She builds relationships everywhere—from the gym to the airport to her neighbourhood—because she's genuinely curious about people. Rita shared how moving countries multiple times taught her that building community isn't optional. It's something you create intentionally, over and over again.

That perspective shifted something for me.

The strongest business relationships often begin long before business ever enters the conversation.

 

I think one of the biggest mistakes we make when we're trying to grow our businesses is putting too much pressure on every interaction.

We attend an event thinking we need to leave with clients.

We send a message hoping it leads to a sale.

We reach out wondering if it'll be "worth it."

But relationships don't work that way.

Instead of asking, "What can this person do for me?" try asking:

Ironically, when we stop forcing outcomes, that's often when the opportunities show up.

 

This conversation also challenged me personally.

Like many women, asking for help isn't something that comes naturally to me.

When someone offers to make an introduction or open a door, my first instinct is often to politely decline because I don't want to inconvenience anyone.

Susie reminded me of something so simple, yet so powerful:

If someone offers to help you, believe them.

Take them at face value.

Most of us are more than willing to support other people, yet we struggle to let others support us in return.

That's a habit worth changing.

 

One of my favourite takeaways from this conversation is something I think every entrepreneur needs to hear:

You don't have to be the most interesting person in the room.

You just need to be the most interested.

Curiosity creates connection.

Asking thoughtful questions creates trust.

Listening creates relationships.

And those relationships often become the foundation for opportunities you never could have planned for.

 

At the end of the day, whether you're a coach, realtor, photographer, service provider, or CEO, you're in the people business.

People buy from people they trust.

People refer people they enjoy working with.

People remember how you made them feel long after they've forgotten your elevator pitch.

So yes, growing your network matters.

But not because you're trying to collect contacts.

Because you're building a community.

And that's something that will always outlast a transaction.

If this episode reminded you that business doesn't have to feel lonely, I think you're going to love this conversation. Susie Adelson and Rita Nalbandian share practical advice, honest stories, and a refreshing perspective on building relationships that support both your business and your life. It's one I know I'll be thinking about for a long time.