Authentic Networking
Learn the Secrets & Skills to Build Relationships within Any Company
Grow Your Skills and Your Network
Do you view networking as a daunting, awkward, yet important task?
Do you look upon your well-networked colleagues with envy, awe, and a bit of intrigue?
Do you wish you had a robust network in place to help you gain new perspectives, accomplish your job goals, form mentoring relationships, and increase job exposure opportunities?
My answer used to be a resounding and wistful yes to those questions, as I was never taught how to successfully network in a manner that resonated with my introverted personality. Attending happy hours and passing out business cards were simultaneously uncomfortable and ineffective. I stumbled through the first few years of my career until I discovered the power of developing authentic relationships one conversation at a time, one cup of coffee at a time. Along the way, I unlocked a hidden secret: when done properly, networking makes people feel really good!
In my book, Relationships at Work: How to Authentically Network within Your Company, I share my proven approach to demystify the art of networking. I offer my unique perspective with 20 simple, yet often overlooked, tips to organically build relationships across departments and chains of command. I’ve packed it with over 200 examples, in which I outline practical, tactical guidance for planting and nurturing the seeds of a reciprocal network, and enjoying the blossoms of success.
This material is for everyone who seeks broader and deeper relationships with their colleagues. It's designed with a comprehensive list of strategies to form human connections and create a meaningful impact in the workplace. You will hold the power to improve the way you collaborate with co-workers, accomplish goals, and quite possibly change the trajectory of your career!
Order Today on Amazon or BN.com!
About Rachel
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I love my career as an executive at AT&T, one of the world’s largest companies and most recognizable brands. I began as a college hire from the University of Texas and have served in key roles in Privacy, Finance, and Customer Care for almost three decades. Along the way, I’m proud to have been the co-founder of the AT&T Women of Finance and the founder of DINE!, which facilitates small group discussions centered around DEI. I’m grateful for the fulfilling connections and meaningful work.
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I love mentoring – both individually and through mentoring circles. In the best relationships, I get as much as I give!
That’s how my book came to be: I've been giving a speech for the past 9 years on how to network within a big company like AT&T. I make my tips come to life by displaying real emails that my colleagues have sent me or that I've sent to them (with their permission of course!). The speech is extremely popular because it demystifies networking and I love seeing the lightbulbs go off for people as they realize how they can make the simple-yet-effective strategies work for them.
Every time I present, someone tells me I should write a book. After hearing that request countless times, I finally did. And I'm proud to say it turned out quite well. It will absolutely help a lot of people, especially introverts like me!
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I love my family. I live in Dallas with my husband, Jason, of 24 years and we are the proud parents to two young adults, Abigail and Ethan.
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I love serving the community. In fact, 100% of the profits from my bestselling book Relationships at Work: How to Authentically Network within Your Company go to the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
Speaking Topics
Workshop
Build Your Network
During my flagship workshop, I engage participants to understand why networking is important and to reframe negative stereotypes they may associate with the activity. We dive into my 20 tips, each accompanied with real email examples to illustrate each point.
The participants are each given an assignment: to put two of the tips into motion and send me an email within one month to let me know how it went. Although the homework is optional, I have thousands of testimonial emails telling me the assignment was exactly what was needed to get started, as it provided the momentum for their networking journeys. I respond to their emails 100% of the time with encouragement and support.
Workshops are available for 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 4 hour options.
Opening Keynote
Discover Why Relationships
Matter within Your Company
During my opening keynote address, I enthusiastically explain to participants the prime opportunities to build connections that are right before them. I teach participants how to unlock the power of networking in ways they never thought possible at a large event – especially for introverts.
I reframe the concepts of networking, explain why it matters, and provide tangible examples of how this important skillset translates into personal and professional fulfillment.
Attendees gain the confidence and skills to engage in networking from the first session of the event kickoff, which translates into meaningful discussions throughout the sessions and breaks.
How powerful would it be if each participant left the event with new contacts and novel ways to keep in touch?
Closing Keynote
Optimize Your Network
During my closing keynote, I help conclude the event by teaching attendees how to leverage the connections they made. I teach them how to take the relationships they created and supercharge them to derive maximum benefit for themselves and their organizations.
I emphasize the point that people and organizations function best when a strong network is present. In every industry, modern challenges create complexity and a strong network can unlock higher levels of collaboration, new opportunities to build value, and create a deep sense of personal fulfillment in the workplace.
Attendees leave the event feeling empowered to take their own networking skills to the next level. This genuine and authentic call to action instills a belief that everyone can succeed by connecting others around them.
Testimonials
"Such an impressive story and so very impactful on demystifying how to network!"
Liz Griffin
XSELL Technologies
"I tell everyone that your Networking presentation is the best presentation that I have even heard!"
Kathy Stevens
AT&T
"So many executives will benefit from your valuable lessons on professional networking and building more relational connections."
Craig Coffey
Way Maker Leadership
"Really excited about this! I still have a screenshot of your networking tips and recommend a lot of them today. You embody networking with grace and authenticity. Congratulations on putting it all together and making it a resource for many more individuals."
Elaine Dizon
Coach
"Listening, understanding, and authentically connecting with others is more important than ever, especially in our remote/hybrid world. You have always set the example on how to develop and maintain professional and personal connections and relationships."
Andrew Gratz
Attorney
