Your Hidden Network: How to Leverage the Connections You Didn’t Realize You Had

We’ve all heard the phrase, your network is your net worth. And while that might sound motivating, it can also feel discouraging if you believe you don’t have the “right” network to help you achieve your goals. #beenthere

But here’s the aha moment—what if you’re sitting on a whole network of opportunities, and you just haven’t recognized it yet?

You already have access to more connections than you think—you just need to shift how you see the people around you.

The Real Reason We Think We Don’t Know Enough People

I recently had a call with a brilliant woman who had been dreaming about starting a business for years. She had the skills, the vision, and the drive, but when I asked what was holding her back, she said something I hear all too often:

👉 “I just don’t know if I really know the right, or enough, people to make this work.”

Sound familiar?

It makes sense why we feel this way. We interact with the same small group of people every day—our coworkers, family, and close friends. And if none of them are in the field we want to step into, we assume we have no access to the right connections.

But in that assumption, we're missing the GOLD that's already within reach!

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

There’s a story about a little girl who adores her kindergarten teacher, Ms. Jones. She talks about her all the time—her pink jacket, her classroom, her lessons. Then one day, she spots Ms. Jones in the grocery store… but something doesn’t compute. Ms. Jones isn’t at school. She’s with her family. And she’s not even wearing her pink jacket!

That little girl suddenly realizes that Ms. Jones isn’t just a teacher. She’s a whole person with a life beyond the classroom.

And guess what? We do the same thing as adults.

That HR coworker? He might have a side hustle in graphic design.

The woman you always see at the gym? She could be a lawyer with insight into business trademarks.

Your friendly neighbor? She might have a brother who runs the exact type of business you’re trying to break into.

How to Start Leveraging the Network You Already Have

So how do you actually tap into the connections you didn’t realize were right in front of you?

Here’s where it gets simple. You don’t have to cold-call or knock on strangers’ doors or show up at networking events that make you cringe. Instead, just start showing up authentically in your existing conversations.

1. Drop Your Interests into Everyday Conversations

You don’t have to make a big announcement—just start casually mentioning your goals.

💬 “I’ve been really interested in therapy dogs lately. I’d love to learn more about that world.”

💬 “I’m thinking about starting a side business, but I’m still figuring out the right idea.”

💬 “I’ve been curious about real estate investing. Do you know anyone who’s done it?”

You’re not asking for favors. You’re just planting seeds. And when someone has a relevant connection, they will offer it naturally.

2. Get Curious About the People You Already Know

Start paying attention to the people around you. Ask more open-ended questions. Instead of assuming you know someone’s full story, find out what excites them.

💡 “What’s something you’re really passionate about outside of work?”

💡 “How did you get started in your field?”

💡 “Have you ever considered doing something completely different?”

You’ll be surprised at how many unexpected doors these conversations open.

3. Stop Playing Small with Your Dreams

So many of us shrink our goals because we assume we don’t have the connections to make them happen. But the truth is, you don’t have to have all the right people in your network—you just need one person who knows the right person.

When you start speaking your goals out loud, doors open. A friend of a friend. A former coworker. A distant connection you never considered.

One conversation leads to another… and another… and another.

Your Network Is Bigger Than You Think

The biggest takeaway? You don’t need a bigger network—you just need a better perspective.

Start where you are. Get curious. Show up authentically. And before you know it, the connections you thought you needed to “find” will reveal themselves—because they were right there all along.

Until next time, keep expanding, keep dreaming, and keep showing up. 🚀✨

✨ If this blog gave you an aha moment, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a note to brittney@brittneytollinchi.com or share your biggest insight with me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

🔥 P.S. If you’re ready to step into a more confident, purpose-driven life, let’s talk! Be sure to complete the Coaching Inquiry Here and we’ll schedule your free consult call to see how coaching can serve you!

EXTRAS:

**If you have ever considered starting your own business but you're just not sure where to start. Be sure to join the Free Webinar: Find Your Profitable Business Idea & Take Action (Without Overwhelm)! Be sure to check the Coaching page for available dates & times. See you there! Click here to register for the upcoming 3/6 webinar

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