March / April

The Power of Networking: Who You Know (and Ask) Matters

Let’s be honest—leading a business today isn’t easy. Markets shift, challenges arise, regulations change, and no matter how much experience you have, there’s always something new to navigate. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone. Having the right people in your network can make all the difference. The best solutions don’t always come from a textbook—they come from conversations with peers who have been in your shoes. The key is knowing who to ask and, just as importantly, not being afraid to ask. 

Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about building real relationships. The strongest connections come from shared experiences—whether that’s tackling a tough business problem together, attending industry events, or simply bonding over another brutal Wisconsin winter. And let’s be honest, if we’re going to endure months of subzero wind chills, we might as well spend some of that time strengthening our personal and professional networks.

Spring is here, bringing new opportunities, warmer weather, and (hopefully) a few rounds of golf or outdoor lunches.  But we still have a few more opportunities this chapter year to work on our networks at an FEI event.  Build relationships, ask for help when you need it, and pay it forward when others do the same. A strong network of relationships can mean a world of difference in our personal and professional lives. 

Jim Rubright
Membership Committee Chair