Featured Industry Voice
One of the most meaningful parts of writing Networking: A Real World Guide to Bold, Authentic Connections has been featuring real stories from professionals who built their careers through consistency, courage, and community.
Featured industry voice Sonia Freeman, owner of Aria Photo & Video, shared a story that so many professionals will quietly relate to.
Like many people entering networking spaces for the first time, Sonia described feeling intimidated and unsure where she fit in. As a self-described introvert rebuilding connection during a season of raising young children while growing her business, stepping into networking rooms was not easy.
But through consistent participation, intentional relationship building, and genuine support of others, those unfamiliar rooms slowly became community.
Today, Sonia is not only a respected creative and business owner, but also serves as President of her local ILEA chapter, helping create the same welcoming environment that once helped her grow.
One of my favorite parts of her story is this: when she walks into networking events now, she looks for the person standing alone.
Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do in a room… is help someone else feel like they belong there too.
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Networking can often feel intimidating, especially for introverts or those balancing demanding personal responsibilities, such as raising young children. I’ve personally experienced this, and like Sonia Freeman, found that the key to overcoming these challenges lies in showing up consistently and engaging with genuine intent. Initially, stepping into a room full of strangers can be overwhelming, but focusing on supporting others and intentionally building relationships gradually transforms those unfamiliar spaces into welcoming communities. One effective approach I've adopted is to look around and identify anyone who appears to be standing alone, just like Sonia does during her events. Reaching out to that one person can not only ease their discomfort but also deepen your own networking experience because it fosters authentic connections based on empathy and support. Through repeated participation in industry groups and local chapters, such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Sonia leads, you can develop leadership skills and contribute to making events more inclusive for others. This journey reminds me that networking isn’t about collecting contacts but about creating a trusted circle that nurtures professional and personal growth. For business owners and professionals wanting to build bold, authentic connections, focusing on consistency, courage to engage despite discomfort, and a supportive attitude brings long-term success. Embracing these principles can turn intimidating networking rooms into communities where everyone feels they truly belong, propelling your career forward while enriching your social and professional life.
