Does this sound familiar?

You sign up for a networking event, professional development opportunity, or training. You get all dressed up, walk in the room and your eyes light up with all the energy of the room. You grab a coffee and soon enough you've made a new friend in your industry!

Finally someone else who gets it.

It feels so good to be able to let down your guard and really connect with another leader who knows what you're going through. And it seems like they even have some good ideas you could learn from!

You exchange phone numbers and part ways committing to reconnecting soon.

And then....

Radio silence.

Awkwardness sets in.

The initial spark of connection fizzles.

And you find yourself hesitant to network again.

If this has happened to you, don't fret! I see this mistake being made ALL the time. One-off connections can't sustain us as leaders. The work is too difficult and unrelenting to get relief from short-lived networking interactions.

How can you avoid this pitfall?

1. Pick a date, time and location to meet up next before you walk away

2. Send a calendar invite or a text message and confirm the other person got it BEFORE you say goodbye

3. Join a community of practice in your field to provide ONGOING support and deeper relationships with leaders in your industry

Looking for a community of practice to build deeper relationships with peers?

Mindful Mastermind Groups are now open for the 2024-25 school year to principals, assistant principals, directors of operations, and directors of student support services. These virtual groups of job-alike leaders from will meet monthly to build deep connection and trust, learn from each other, and provide support needed to thrive in these roles!

Join NOW!