Networking tips to build stronger relationships with Sydney Davis
WORKPLACE
Sydney Davis is helping shape more sustainable systems for modern working women through her work in wellness, workforce innovation, and community capital.
Davis is the founder of TotalCare Studio, a women-centered coworking and wellness space redefining how mothers balance work, childcare, and self-care under one roof. A 2x exited entrepreneur and economic development leader, she is recognized for building innovative, communitydriven businesses that support women, families, and underserved entrepreneurs.
In our chat with Davis, here’s what we learned about how to build stronger relationships when networking.
CM: How do you define successful networking and what’s the best way to stand out these days?
SD: People think successful networking is exchanging business cards or doing business referrals. For me, it has been about building relationships based on my genuine interest in other people.
The best way to stand out is by being personable. When someone invites you to an event, ask how you can volunteer or help. Share the event with others, show up to the event, and send a thank you note afterwards. Listen to what people need to move the needle, and share tips or resources that may be helpful to them. That genuine consideration makes people want to lend their name, lend a hand, lift you up, and make sure you are in the room.
CM: How do you determine when it’s worthwhile to build a relationship with someone? And how do you move forward when the connection isn’t a good fit?
SD: I ask myself if there is anything I can offer them and if they align with my needs. If the opportunity does not align with my lifestyle, work style, or the projects I am taking on going forward, it may not be the right relationship to build deeply. I may still connect with them on LinkedIn to stay in touch, but I may not invest much into moving that relationship forward.
SD: I have gotten the most out of online communities, cohort programs, business-related groups, and professional networking organizations. They usually serve two purposes for me: The people in the group are great for building lateral networks, but the people facilitating, managing, or sitting on boards can create more vertical movement. When you engage in these spaces, it’s important to show up, be engaged, and follow up with people. That makes them see you as trustworthy, reliable, and committed.
CM: Do you have any networking suggestions for introverts?
SD: If I see an event online, I look at who is going. I may check profiles, mutual friends, projects, or industries. Then I might send a message like, “I see you are going to this event. I will be there too. It would be great to connect.”
That way, I feel like someone is anticipating me, and I am anticipating them. If you have to jump into an existing conversation, lead with curiosity. Ask questions. People like when others are curious about what they do. You do not have to force small talk. Just show genuine interest.
CM: What’s the biggest networking mistake you see people make?
SD: The biggest mistake I see is people networking without knowing or sharing what they need. If someone asks, “How can I help you?”, you have to be clear on what you need, when you need it, and why it’s important to you.
Sydney Davis TotalCare Studio x
Marci Bryant, MBA is the founder of Sync Digital Agency, where she helps service-based business owners scale successfully with automation and artificial intelligence. Connect with Sydney and Marci on LinkedIn.
