SAS 10: Intentional Networking in Midlife
Building Real Connections That Move You Forward
Who’s in your corner right now? Someone who could introduce you to your next opportunity?
If your first thought was, “I’m not sure,” you’re not alone. That’s exactly what we’re going to change.
As women in midlife, we’ve gathered decades of experience, stories, and skills. Yet when it comes to building what’s next, whether it’s a side business, a new role, or a creative project, many of us try to go it alone. That’s a mistake. The right network can open doors faster than strategy ever will.
Let’s talk about what intentional networking really looks like and why it matters more now than ever.
1. Confidence Builds Through Exposure, Not Isolation
If you’re starting something new, a business, a blog, a pivot- you can’t refine it in a vacuum. Talking to people helps you test ideas in real time. You can see when something lands or falls flat. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s essential.
Truthfully, you’ll get more honest feedback from people outside your immediate circle. Friends and family mean well, but they’re not always objective. Entrepreneurs and peers in your space will ask sharper questions that help you grow.
2. Networking Sharpens Your Ideas
Sometimes you don’t realize how unclear something is until you try saying it out loud.
Ever had that moment where your “perfect pitch” sounded messy once you shared it? That’s the power of feedback. Explaining your offer or idea to someone else forces you to clarify it, and that clarity is gold.
One of the best exercises I’ve seen: share your elevator pitch with someone and ask, “What did you get from that?” Their response will tell you exactly what’s landing and what’s not.
3. Women Supporting Women Creates Momentum
I genuinely believe that women in midlife have incredible value to offer one another.
We’ve lived enough life to know the ups, downs, and pivots are all part of it. A good network becomes your built-in accountability circle, the women who will say, “You’ve been talking about this for a year. When are you actually doing it?”
That’s the kind of push that moves dreams off your list and into reality.
4. Invisible Opportunities Live in Conversations
Networking doesn’t just build confidence; it creates opportunities you can’t find on job boards.
I’ve seen it firsthand. Through casual conversations, I’ve had people ask me for help setting up Pinterest or getting started on Squarespace, something I didn’t even realize others might need from me. Those small exchanges made me rethink what’s possible for my next phase.
The takeaway? The more you talk to people, the more you uncover about yourself and your potential.
5. Networking Keeps You Current and Inspired
The people you surround yourself with shape how you think. When you’re connecting with others who are building, learning, and experimenting, you naturally stay sharper and more creative. You learn about new tools, resources, and ideas you might have missed. It’s not just about who you know—it’s about what you’re exposed to.
6. You’re Not Starting from Scratch
When you’re reinventing yourself, it can feel like you’re rebuilding from the ground up.
Networking reminds you that you’re not. You’re bringing decades of experience to the table, and that’s valuable. Sharing stories with other women in transition helps you see your background as an asset rather than a burden.
7. Community Shortens the Learning Curve
I’ll be honest: I spent most of my first year blogging and creating quietly behind the scenes.
I learned a lot, but it was slow. Once I started connecting with other women, everything accelerated. Community shortens your launch time and expands your perspective. You start to see yourself as someone who belongs in the room.
When you consistently show up, people notice. Your name starts coming up in the right conversations. That’s how doors open.
8. Find Networking That Fits You
Not every space will be the right fit, and that’s okay.
I’ve joined groups like We Meet Wednesdays, Women in Alignment, and Alignable, and I’ve attended events through my local Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Small Business Development Center. Some resonated. Some didn’t.
Here’s the lesson: try it. If it’s not your space, pivot and find another. There’s no shortage of ways to connect—virtual coffee chats, community groups, library workshops, Facebook communities, or small business meetups. The key is to show up.
9. Try This Week’s Networking Challenge
This week, do one of two things:
Reach out to a woman you admire. Send a message. Start a conversation. Tell her what you respect about her work.
Find one free networking opportunity. A workshop, a meetup, or even a virtual coffee chat—something that gets you talking to new people.
Put it on your calendar and commit to it. Real progress happens through connection, not isolation.
10. Build Your Own Midlife Support Circle
I’m currently creating a free community for women in midlife who want to network, share ideas, and build their next chapter together. If that sounds like you, make sure you’re on my newsletter list. You’ll get the invite when it launches.
If you’re ready to explore your own next step, start with my free Second Act Pathfinder. It helps you figure out what you really want next and what steps to take in order.
You can find it in the show notes or on OurDailyLifestyles.com.
Before You Go
You don’t need a massive network.
You just need a few people who see your potential and remind you to keep going.
Start small. One message. One conversation. One intentional connection.
That’s where your next opportunity begins.
Show Notes
Ready to figure out what’s next? Join the Second Act Pathfinder , my free clarity tool to help you map your next chapter with confidence and calm direction. https://www.ourdailylifestyles.com/second-act-pathfinder
Join our newsletter for practical tips, updates, and first access to new membership opportunities. https://www.ourdailylifestyles.com/contact
Virtual networking for women at www.WeMeetWednesdays.com. If you sign up, please list me (Jaime Westhause) as your referral!
I am part of the Free version of Women in Alignment at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/262285735228391
