Connection Over Collection: A New Take on Networking

Connecting People. Empowering Possibilities.

When I first stepped into the world of parking, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was stepping into. I didn’t come from the industry. I didn’t know the history, the players, or even what half the acronyms meant. But I had just landed a few clients in parking, and something about the industry intrigued me. It felt complex, essential, and strangely overlooked. So I made a choice: if I was going to do this, I was going all in.

I started reading everything I could get my hands on from articles and blogs to case studies and presentations, I consumed anything that gave me a peek into how this world worked. But something was missing. Reading gave me information, but not insight. I wanted to understand how people in parking actually thought. What mattered to them? What kept them up at night? What excited them about the future?

So I did something a little unconventional: I started reaching out. Cold. I sent messages to parking professionals across the country—executives at management companies, founders of parking tech startups, even the Chairman of IPMI at the time. I didn’t have a pitch. I wasn’t selling anything. I just asked for five minutes to ask a few questions and learn more.

And they said yes.

That experience did more than teach me the ropes. It gave me real connections with people who not only helped me get up to speed, but also stayed in touch, offered support, and played a role in shaping the business I’ve built today. It also changed the way I think about networking. At its core, networking isn’t about working a room or collecting business cards. It’s about showing up with curiosity and building something real.

If you’re a woman in the parking and mobility space, especially if you’re still finding your footing in a male-dominated industry, having a strong network can make all the difference. And you don’t have to follow the traditional playbook. Here’s how to approach networking in a way that feels more human and a lot less like a chore.

1. Start With Curiosity, Not an AgendaYou don’t need a perfectly rehearsed pitch or a list of talking points. You just need to be genuinely interested in other people. Ask questions, listen closely, and learn what drives them. Find out what they’re working on, what challenges they’re facing, or what trends they’re watching.People don’t remember how impressive you sounded. They remember how you made them feel. Be someone worth remembering for the right reasons.

2. Lead With GenerositySome of the best networkers I’ve met are those who offer value without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s sharing an article, making an introduction, or offering thoughtful feedback, small gestures go a long way.When you approach relationships with a mindset of helping first, trust and opportunity tend to follow.

3. Networking Doesn’t Just Happen at EventsNot a fan of happy hours or conference mixers? That’s perfectly okay. Networking does not have to happen in a crowded room with a nametag. Some of the most meaningful connections I have made started through LinkedIn conversations, email exchanges, or short Zoom calls.Creating content, whether it’s sharing your thoughts on LinkedIn, writing a blog post, or commenting on someone else’s post, invites people to engage with you. It shows what you care about and what you’re thinking.Never underestimate the power of a simple message, a thoughtful response, or a quick phone call. Small, consistent actions can lead to lasting professional relationships.

4. Find the Right RoomsYou don’t have to show up everywhere. Focus on spaces where you feel welcome and seen. That might be a local industry meeting, an online group, or an organization like Mobility Pathfinders.When you’re in the right environment, conversations flow more naturally. You are not trying to fit in. You already belong.

5. Be YourselfYou don’t need to present a perfectly polished version of yourself to make a good impression. Be clear, professional, and confident, and most importantly, be real. People connect with authenticity much more than perfection.

6. Follow Up ThoughtfullyAfter a great conversation, don’t let the thread go cold. A simple follow-up note that references something specific you discussed goes a long way. Share a relevant article, ask a follow-up question, or invite them to join you at an upcoming event.Relationships take time to grow. Often, it is the follow-up where real connection starts to build.

Why It MattersWomen are still underrepresented in parking and mobility leadership. When you’re one of the few, it can sometimes feel like you are navigating it all on your own. A strong network can change that. It gives you people to learn from, lean on, and grow with.The good news is that you don’t need to approach networking the way it has always been done. You can do it your way, in a way that feels natural and genuine.And when you do, it works.