Learn the Art of Intentional Networking with Lizzie Resnick
Lizzie Resnick goes by many titles: seasoned customer care leader, expert business consultant, and beloved CCWomen+ member. When it comes to intentional networking, she leverages both empathy and compassion to foster mutually inspiring connections that go beyond the surface. All it takes is one person to make a difference, and she leads by example with her refreshingly human approach.
During her April webinar presentation, Resnick shared:
“I’d always networked to grow my career, so I knew how beneficial it could be. But when I needed to look for a new job, I leaned into LinkedIn more heavily, attended conferences, and engaged deeply with different communities—especially CCWomen. I’ve met amazing women, found incredible resources, and truly built my confidence.”
Whether looking to expand your circle, make a new career move, or meet more like-minded leaders, her insights are here to guide you. Here, we share Resnick’s top networking tips for women leaders who strive to create deep, resounding connections and engage in meaningful community experiences.
1. Networking is about nurturing your curiosity and maintaining expectations.
Required for any fruitful relationship, curiosity drives networking. You want to genuinely get to know the other party, listening to their unique stories to empathize or learn different perspectives. But it’s important to remember that every connection isn’t going to land you your dream job. Some will build you up gradually while others are more short-lived.
“If I meet someone, I’m not guaranteed a job. That’s outside of my control,” explained Resnick. “I focused on figuring out what I could control, like what my goal is with a particular person, and how I want to connect with them.”
For most, networking doesn’t come naturally. It’s a skill that requires you to constantly walk outside your comfort zone, exchanging vulnerable authenticity for potential opportunities. Resnick listed out simple, but concrete action steps to help people get started:
- Get connected online. Whether on LinkedIn or through email, outreach is key. Take some time to send a brief message, then propose a 10- to 15-minute chat to get acquainted.
- Do your research. Read their profiles thoroughly and see if they’d recently participated in an event, like a podcast episode or an in-person panel. Think of possible questions you can ask regarding their experience.
- Learn more about the person behind the role. Look into the ins and outs of their job and industry. Is it something you’re familiar with? If not, how can you express interest? Brainstorm creative and more personal ways to offer a listening ear.
Remember: the end goal is a memorable conversation. Not every interaction needs to lead to a long-lasting connection.
2. Don’t take silence as a personal rejection.
Reaching out first is always intimidating, especially when you’re not guaranteed a response. People don’t owe us reciprocal behavior, even if we make all the effort to meet them in the middle. Resnick admitted her own learning curves, and how she came to not taking a lack of engagement personally:
“I’ve definitely reached out to folks that didn’t reply back. Oftentimes, it’s about patience. Sometimes, you might hear from someone several months later, saying, ‘I’m not really on LinkedIn,’ or ‘I’ve had a lot going on at my job.’ They might also be extremely busy. It could be something so simple; everyone has busy lives and loved ones to take care of. I usually do a few follow-ups, but move on if I feel that the connection will likely not happen.”
Fortunately, the networking pool is large. When one door doesn’t open, look for others that might seem more receptive.
3. Be intentional about your relationship-building.
Paying attention to someone can be as simple as liking their LinkedIn posts, or offering to meet up briefly at a conference. Just like when we build personal friendships, networking can yield mixed results—some connections will simply be easier than others depending on mutual interests. What started as a congratulations or a basic inquiry can lead to unexpected outcomes, and even help you build your own confidence.
Resnick reflected on building relationships with two people within the CCWomen community, and how they impacted her differently:
“Emily Dunn gave me huge kudos during a CCWomen lunch about a year ago when I shared that I was starting jiu-jitsu. And then recently, I had a milestone moment—I earned my stripe—and I messaged her just to say, ‘Hey, I know you celebrated with me back then, and I wanted to let you know what just happened.’ It might sound silly, but it’s not—it’s amazing. Own it, right? But that kind of follow-up, whether you're the one receiving it or sending it, is a great way to build the relationship. It makes people feel really great.”
Martha Sager is another great example. Early on, when I first joined CCWomen, I had a meeting with her. She already knew what company I worked for, she had done her homework. But what really stuck out was that she knew I rode horses, and she brought up that her niece also rides. She made that personal connection. And those little things—they really matter. Finding those points of connection takes a bit of preparation, but it goes a long way.”
Looking to connect with leaders like Resnick for mutual support and empowerment? Join our network today!
Watch the full webinar here:
