Who Likes Networking Anyway?

Well... I do.

Growing up in an entrepreneurial home, I have always been fascinated by people with an entrepreneurial spirit. I watched my parents struggle to run their own businesses and for most of my life I avoided it like the plague. I wanted stability, security, and a guaranteed paycheque. Until I lost my job in 2016.

You might have heard me tell the story before about 2016 being my Perfect Storm year - my dad was diagnosed as palliative with liver cancer, my relationship with my kids' dad was failing, and I lost my job. My life was turned upside down. I took advantage of losing my job by collecting Employment Insurance so I got to spend the last few months of my dad's life with him. What a gift. But, I digress.

After 16 years at a big insurance company, I was sick of office politics and "strategic initiatives" that were so far removed from what the actual people doing the work were capable of, I decided I would strike out on my own. I circled back to my passion for the entrepreneurial spirit and created Embrace Network Guelph. My focus was creating a community of heart-centred entrepreneurs focused on building relationships rather than focusing on transactions. I was lucky enough to be an expert on Zoom when the pandemic hit, so we easily switched to virtual meetings and Embrace Network grew.

I love the community we built together, but it didn't feel totally aligned with my focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Plus, after 8 years, I needed a break. So I shut it all down. I felt relieved and it confirmed I made the right choice.

I stayed connected to most of the members of Embrace Network and often asked what networking events they were attending and how business was growing.

And then last week, more than a year after shutting down my community, I attended a Halton Women's Networking event in Milton with my bestie Kimberley Rivando-Robb of RetroScripts. She did an amazing presentation on Holiday Marketing Magic - Crafting Content that Converts and Connects. I met a fantastic, diverse group of women and I realized I really miss networking. I miss meeting new people and asking why they do what they do and what their magic is. I miss sharing Shanan's 3 Tips For a Great Referral. I miss seeing that spark when two people realize their businesses can help each other.

Hi, it's me. I'm the problem, it's me. I LOVE networking.

So with the idea of possibly re-launching Embrace Network Guelph, I have created the 2026 Networking Forum on Wednesday December 3rd at 2:00pm on Zoom. My goal is to have as many people as possible bring ideas for how they want to network in 2026.

This is your chance to be heard.

If you hate networking and you are looking for something that FEELS different - bring your ideas to the 2026 Networking Forum. Details are on Eventbrite.