Hey friend,

Can I be totally honest with you? Last Thursday, I was this close to bailing on that Coterie Executive Women's Membership networking event. You know the one I posted about on Instagram.

I was sitting on my couch in my comfy clothes, laptop open, thinking "I should just stay home and schedule next week's content..." I had so much busy work to do and tbh staying home would have been the easier choice.

But then I thought about all the conversations I have been having about feeling stuck behind your computer screen. How collectively we've been pouring hours into our businesses website and creating content but still feeling disconnected from the ideal clients we really want to work with...

So I dragged myself off that couch, put on real clothes (not just the Zoom-appropriate top half!), and went.

Let's Talk About Your Digital Presence (Or Lack Thereof)

Whether you've invested in a beautiful website and consistent content, or you're still figuring out your online brand (I see you, and you're not alone—about half the people reading this are in the same boat!), there's something important we need to talk about.

Even if you have the most gorgeous website and perfectly curated Instagram feed, or if you're still working from a basic template and posting whenever inspiration strikes—either way, the digital stuff is just the beginning.

Everything we thought we knew about connecting with our ideal clients is changing—fast.

• Potential clients are doing their own research before ever booking a consultation.
• The younger generations are making purchasing decisions completely differently than we're used to.
• And don't even get me started on how AI is changing the game for businesses!

It's no wonder you've been feeling overwhelmed and unsure if all your efforts are even working for you.

Here's What Actually Happened When I Stepped Out

So back to Thursday night. I walked into the event, awkwardly holding my wine glass, scanning the room full of women I hadn't met in real life yet.

But then something wonderful happened—the conversations just started flowing with everyone! These weren't cold, awkward small talk exchanges. They were warm, engaging discussions that felt natural from the start.

I finally got some alone time with Autum, the event host. I really wanted to introduce myself and thank her for creating this space for women to connect.

We talked for what felt like a good minute, and the amazing thing was—the conversation was already warmed up because I follow her online, and she's the type of business account that always shows up authentically. I already knew she had kids and understood what she did and the general area she served. We got to skip all the formalities and jump straight into meaningful conversation about her new group.

By the end of the night, something even more magical happened.

Autum's whole point for this event was to connect high-power women with other high-power women. Connection is currency is literaly her brand's tagline... She handed out connection cards—a brilliant networking strategy—and guess who I got paired with? AUTUM HERSELF! Turns out she had also started to check out my content from the info I put on my RSVP card... and whether it was completely coincidental or intentional, she decided to connect with me.

✨ **CONNECTION SPOTLIGHT** ✨

If you're looking for a high-caliber networking space where women truly support each other's growth, the Coterie Executive Women's Membership might be for you. Autum has created something special that goes beyond typical networking. Her intentional connection-building strategies (those connection cards are just the beginning!) create an environment where meaningful relationships form naturally. Find her at @autumnceniza on instagram to learn more about upcoming events and membership opportunities.

‍

Can you imagine if I had stayed home that night? This divine connection would have never happened!

By the end of the event, my phone had five new contacts—all incredible women who are crushing it in their service businesses. One of them even DMed about a potential collaboration!

And here's what I keep thinking: If I hadn't shown up in person, I'd still just be another name lost in Autum's followers list, another service provider silenced by the digital noise. I would have missed this divinely timed connection that feels like it was meant to be!

What This Means for Your Service Business (With or Without a Brand)

I hear from so many of you who feel overwhelmed—whether you're struggling with a brand strategy that isn't connecting, or you haven't even started building your online presence yet. Either way, that feeling of shouting into the void or not knowing where to begin is real.

But here's the truth I discovered at that networking event: sometimes the most powerful brand-building happens when you close your laptop and show up in person. And this is true whether you have a polished digital presence or nothing at all.

Here's what I want you to try:

1. If you're already creating online content, remember it's meant to START conversations with potential clients, not replace them. And if you haven't started creating content yet, don't let that stop you from making in-person connections!
2. Use your real-life experiences as inspiration for content (when you're ready). Your weekend adventures? They're content gold that shows the human behind your business—but they're also great conversation starters at events.
3. Pick ONE in-person industry event next month where your dream clients might be hanging out. This applies whether you have 10K followers or zero—in-person connections can accelerate your business either way.
4. Be exactly the wonderful, sometimes awkward, always brilliant person you are when you're just hanging out. That authenticity is your superpower, with or without a polished brand.

Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

The first networking event often feels awkward. So does the first tutorial video or the first Instagram post. That's completely normal!

Your first attempt probably won't be perfect (hardly anyone's is!), but your 10th? Your 20th? Your 30th? By then, you'll have found your signature style and developed a confidence that comes only through consistent practice and showing up.

In-person networking follows the same pattern. Each time you attend an event, introduce yourself, or strike up a conversation with a stranger, you're building that muscle. And before long, what once felt terrifying becomes second nature.

Ready to Step Out From Behind the Screen?

I already have at least three amazing networking events lined up over the next 30 days that would be perfect for service providers like you! If you're ready to start making those in-person connections that can transform your business, send me an email and I'll share the details.

A professional website is valuable, but it's not a prerequisite for making meaningful connections. Your in-person energy can actually help shape what your digital presence should be. Some of the most successful service providers I know started with strong in-person connections FIRST, then built their online presence based on what resonated with people face-to-face.

Wherever you are in your business journey—whether you have a polished brand or are just starting out—you're exactly where you need to be right now. The key is taking that next step: showing up in person and letting people experience your amazingness in real life!

Remember, social media is SOCIAL—but sometimes the most powerful connections happen when you close the laptop and step into the room.

XX, Jenn

P.S. Think about the online connections you've made that eventually turned into real-life relationships. Chances are, those are some of your most valuable professional connections now. That's exactly the journey you want to create for potential clients—moving them from online awareness to genuine real-world relationships. The magic happens when digital and in-person worlds converge! ✨

‍