An example is appropriate. As a woman in technology, I frequently found myself as the only women in the room, particularly earlier in my career. With this increased awareness, women’s issues became important to me. A second passion is job creation, and its precursor - education. To me, in order to make lasting, generational positive impact on the world, create jobs. I am here today because someone in Ireland over 150 years ago could not find a job. Given these passions, how did that direct my social capital, or networking, strategy?

First, I joined WITI. I found an incredible community of smart, caring, passionate women to explore professional strategies with. Second, I did pro-bono consulting for an organization that supports women entrepreneurs. As a result of this, I was invited on to the Mayor of Chicago’s technology advisory council, a group dedicated to creating high-tech, high-wage jobs in the city. This work resulted in being awarded NAWBO’s Outstanding Woman Leadership Award. And through all of this, I have been building my business by building tremendously rewarding relationships and making a positive impact on the world.

There truly are so many causes and organizations that call out to us and our talents. With time so very limited, focus is critical. I urge you to think with both your head and your heart, strategically and passionately, about where you spend your time and talents. Who do you need to know to further your business and personal goals? Where are they contributing to their community? Which of those causes appeals to your heart? Where you can make a meaningful contribution and build rewarding relationships? How can you take care of yourself, your family, your business and make the world a better place? Thoughtful and rewarding questions to consider as you continue on your journey.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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