Stop Building Your Network. Start Feeding It.

Welcome to The Real Work, weekly insights for high-performers and entrepreneurs who've outgrown their current success and are ready to rebuild from their authentic foundation.

This newsletter is sponsored by Folk, the CRM that captures the full context of your relationships in one place. It's my system for turning relationships into measurable outcomes and revenue. If you've ever lost track of a connection that could've turned into a deal, this is the fix.

Now, let's get started . . .

I was making dinner for my 4 kids the other night.

One wanted to know why the sky is blue. Another needed help with homework. The third was upset about something that happened at school. The fourth was just... loud.

Then my phone buzzed.

Email from Dorie Clark. She'd introduced me to someone who might need my services. That was the second person she connected me to that week. Then I thought about Valerie Trapunsky, who also made an introduction recently. I met that person at an event hosted by Amy Nelson.

Three people. Three different rooms. All looking out for me while I was managing chaos in the kitchen.

An introduction isn't just a favor. It's a co-sign. That's not something people do lightly.

And none of this would be possible without my wife, Domenique Rice. She holds it down when I'm on the road for keynotes. She spots the blind spots in my business I can't see. She's the reason I can even be in a position to receive these opportunities.

The time crunch is real. You can't be everywhere. You can't do everything. You definitely can't network like you used to.

So here's what I've learned: with the time I do have, I just try to show up for my network somehow. A comment. An introduction. A text that says "thinking about you."

You Don't Need a Bigger Network. You Need a Better Relationship With the One You Have.

I get it though. Maintaining your network when you have a business, a family, and a life is not easy. So I built a system around it.

I use a tool called Folk. Yes, it's the CRM I use to track speaking engagements and business partnerships. But I also have a separate section dedicated to my professional network. The 100 people I really need to stay in contact with to keep growing my business and keep supporting theirs.

Every week, I open Folk and it actually sets reminders for me to follow up with specific people. That way I never forget. I'm not relying on memory or good intentions. I have a system that does the thinking for me.

That's how I'm generating inbound leads while stirring pasta for my kids.

Your Turn

Think about the best things that have happened in your life. A job. A business deal. A partnership. A friendship.

Now trace it back. How did it start?

For most of us, the answer is the same: someone who knew us, trusted us, and thought of us when an opportunity came up.

So here's a question: Is there someone you haven't talked to in a while who deserves a check-in this weekend? Not because you need something. Because you used to be close and life got in the way.

Send that text. Make that call. You'd be surprised what happens when you just show up.

Your network is your net worth, but only if you feed it.

Stay Up ✌🏽

Terry

Real Quick: If you're curious how I run my businesses, manage my content, and stay organized while raising 4 kids, check out my full tool stack here.

One More: Curious how I hit the gym 6 days a week and actually make the most of every session? Check out my routines app here​

Last One: The CRM I use to stay on top of my 250+ relationships (and never miss a follow-up) is Folk. Worth a look if you're tired of letting good leads and connections go cold.