Networking wasn’t something I ever felt particularly good at, in all honesty. It wasn’t until I started on this new path in my work life that I began to find my place and my value in a way that made me very comfortable connecting more with others.
Sometimes we misinterpret networking as the need to provide one another with an immediate ‘win’. A transactional relationship. I can do this for you, you can do this for me, then we go our separate ways.
Forbes (2020) states ‘building a strong and diverse network is one of the most valuable things you can do for your career.’ Although we know that to be true, what about the impact it has on us personally, as individuals?
Connecting with others, both professionally and socially, is directly linked to managing our mental health. Networking provides us with:
- Community and connection. It gives us the opportunity to find others that are like us, with similar values and goals. Simply spending time learning about each other. Find those people.
- Motivation! People are doing WILD things in our pediatric therapy field. Technology and social media give us a way to be connected now more than ever and one huge benefit of that is just seeing all the amazing things therapists are doing. If they can do it, why can’t we?
- Confidence. I have to tell you, the pediatric therapy world is here for you and values you. Finding others who are like-minded and find value in what you say and do can really transform your self-doubt. Finding those who cheer for you versus take from you is life changing.
- Amazing resources. Have you always dreamed of having a pool of amazingly talented colleagues to connect with when you have a question? A problem? A new idea? They are out there and ready to come alongside you – but remember, this is a team and you must do the same in return.
- Future collaborations we haven’t dreamed up yet. Seriously. The opportunities that show up when you least expect them because you spent time showing up and listening to someone else really blow my mind.
- Accountability. I’m a big fan of accountability. Those people that have gotten to know you so well that they can honestly and kindly hold you accountable. Whether it is actually putting that big, new idea you had into action or to work LESS and set better boundaries – your people are out there.
The number of amazing people that come to mind will turn this short blog into a novel if I share about all of them, so I’ll keep it short for your sake.
From first connecting at the TSHA (Texas Speech & Hearing Association) Conference to a virtual connection in the weeks to follow, I’ve experienced Farwa Husain (SLP) as someone who is all about collaboration and reminding you of how and why this field needs you. Farwa is a private practice owner and founder of First Phrases. First Phrases is a research-driven, digital platform providing the tools and opportunities for caregivers and clinicians to give their children to increase their ability to advocate, comment, protest, share joy, and so much more. Not only is Farwa an innovator, she is a queen collaborator and supporter.
I’m not sure I could write a blog about networking, support, and confidence without talking about Marcia Church. Marcia is an SLP, private practice owner, badass businesswoman, and all things in between. Mutual friends and colleagues told me I should connect with her. Over the last year, Marcia’s ability to listen, take a chance, and trust has been invaluable. Her no-nonsense vibe is what I respect the most — authenticity truly goes a long way. Marcia has been the definition of a collaborator and partner… our companies hold the same values, and want the best for pediatric therapists and clients in all ways possible.
Researcher and social worker Brene Brown reminds us to find and surround ourselves with people who love to see our light shine and want to help protect it. Find those people.
Written by Vanessa Reynolds, MS, CCC-SLP
Director of Strategic Development & SLP Education Coordinator, Knowledge Is Now
References:
- Ton, J. (2020, October 15). Networking: It’s not what you think. Forbes Technology Council. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
- The Networkers. (n.d.). Business networking for stress [Webpage]. Retrieved June 17, 2025, from https://thenetworkers.co.nz
- Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the Heart: Mapping meaningful connection and the language of human experience. Random House.
