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!
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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 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 inclusion. I’m grateful for the fulfilling connections and meaningful work.
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I love mentoring and coaching – 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 12 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 25 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
Cracking the Code: Your Blueprint for Authentic Networking in the Workplace
In my keynote address, I enthusiastically share the prime opportunities to build connections that are right before us in the workplace. I teach participants how to unlock the power of relationships in ways they never thought possible throughout everyday work life, virtual settings, and large in-person events – especially for introverts.
By showcasing real email examples from my own inbox, I reframe the concepts of networking, explain why it matters, and provide insights on how to reach out and what to say. Participants walk away with a fresh perspective and actionable insights that lead to stronger collaboration, more joy and fulfillment at work, and even new career possibilities - all through the power of genuine relationships.
The 8 Relationships You Need
at Work
In my engaging keynote address, I dive into the 8 essential connections every professional needs to thrive: your boss, mentor, mentee, trusted colleague, advocate, person of influence, and challenger. And most importantly...YOU. Because without a commitment to feedback, reflection, and self-improvement, none of the other relationships can truly grow.
I incorporate real-world experiences, keen insights, and a dose of humor to show your audience how to identify, build, and sustain these powerful relationships - so they can navigate their careers with clarify, confidence, and connection.
Workshop: Building 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.
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
