Podcast Summary: Digital Social Hour | Episode 1289: Why Networking Events Are the Key to Success with Natalie Dawson

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in an insightful conversation with Natalie Dawson, the co-founder of Cardone Ventures. The episode, titled "Why Networking Events Are the Key to Success," delves into the pivotal role that networking plays in entrepreneurial success, the challenges of public speaking, building resilient business partnerships, and navigating the complexities of personal and professional relationships.

Natalie Dawson’s Journey to Success

Natalie Dawson opens the discussion by recounting her transformative experience at the 10x Growth Con in Las Vegas, where she and her husband attended in 2019. This event was a turning point that led to the formation of Cardone Ventures, a joint venture with Grant Cardone.

[01:11] Natalie Dawson: "Those four days changed my life. And we went up to Grant afterwards and said, are you interested in adding another billion to your net worth?"

Natalie details how, despite initial reluctance from Grant Cardone to partner, her and her husband's consistent presence and investment in his funds eventually led to a successful collaboration within three months.

The Crucial Role of Networking Events

The core theme of the episode revolves around the significance of networking events in achieving business success. Natalie emphasizes the importance of not just attending these events but actively engaging and making meaningful connections.

[14:55] Natalie Dawson: "We didn't know Grant, there's 35,000 people in the room. How do we show up and be different and really differentiate ourselves?"

Natalie and Sean discuss strategies for standing out at large conferences, such as purchasing front-row seats, taking detailed notes, and presenting themselves as competent and committed individuals. They highlight the necessity of having a clear plan and actionable steps to maximize the benefits of attending such events.

Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

Natalie shares her personal battle with public speaking anxiety, an experience that significantly impacted her early career. She narrates a harrowing incident during a leadership presentation that left her unable to speak in front of groups for four years.

[03:06] Natalie Dawson: "I just would not [speak]. What would you have done? Would you like dry, dry mouth? Is that your thing?"

Determined to overcome her fear, Natalie sought professional coaching and immersed herself in public speaking opportunities, gradually rebuilding her confidence. She underscores the importance of persistence and deliberate practice in conquering personal fears.

Building Resilient Business Partnerships

A substantial portion of the conversation focuses on the dynamics of successful business partnerships. Natalie credits her long-term partnership with her husband, Brandon Dawson, as a cornerstone of her business success. She highlights the balance between her structured, process-oriented approach and Brandon's visionary and relationship-driven strategies.

[28:15] Sean Kelly: "You balance your other... Well, I realized you need someone like that because I hate phone calls, I hate business meetings, but I got a right-hand man for that."

Their collaboration exemplifies how complementary skills and mutual respect can drive a business forward, fostering an environment where both partners can thrive.

Handling Negativity and Criticism

Natalie and Sean address the inevitability of facing negativity and criticism in the entrepreneurial journey. Natalie shares her approach to dealing with negative comments and public backlash, emphasizing resilience and focusing on constructive feedback.

[33:18] Natalie Dawson: "There's like, in some cases just like a tiny bit of truth to it and that really you can either choose to do two things."

Sean complements this by advocating for letting success be the response to negativity, avoiding engagement with baseless criticisms, and learning from valuable feedback.

[36:14] Sean Kelly: "Best way to deal with negativity is success, in my opinion. I don't even talk back anymore. I just succeed."

Personal Life and Business Balance

The episode explores the intricate balance between personal relationships and business endeavors. Natalie speaks candidly about her 20-year marriage to Brandon Dawson, highlighting how their strong personal bond translates into a formidable business partnership. They discuss the challenges and rewards of intertwining personal and professional lives, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and support.

[26:59] Sean Kelly: "That's beautiful. Yeah. There is no negative stigma when there's a big age gap. Yeah. It's interesting. A lot of shame."

Their relationship serves as a testament to the potential harmony between personal and business realms when founded on trust and shared goals.

Discussion on the Red Pill Movement

In a thought-provoking segment, Natalie and Sean delve into the Red Pill movement, a controversial trend aimed at empowering men. They express concerns about its implications on relationships and societal norms, debating its impact on trust and long-term commitments.

[51:14] Sean Kelly: "Red pill movement is basically the counter to feminism."

Natalie challenges the movement's ideology by emphasizing the value of stable, trusting relationships over casual engagements, questioning the long-term viability of such perspectives.

Impact of Social Media on Attention Spans

The conversation shifts to the pervasive influence of social media on human attention spans and productivity. Both Natalie and Sean lament how incessant scrolling and superficial content consumption are diminishing human potential and focus.

[48:23] Natalie Dawson: "Am I watching somebody die? Am I watching this half naked girl? Am I going and building this business? Am I going [to] help people? Like, I'm fucking confused."

They discuss strategies to mitigate these negative effects, advocating for intentional content consumption and focusing on activities that align with one's goals and values.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

The episode concludes with a synthesis of the discussed themes, reinforcing the message that networking events, when approached strategically, are invaluable for business growth. It underscores the importance of overcoming personal challenges, building strong and respectful partnerships, handling criticism with resilience, and maintaining a clear focus amidst the distractions of modern life.

Natalie and Sean leave listeners with actionable insights on leveraging networking opportunities, the significance of personal development, and the necessity of fostering meaningful relationships both personally and professionally.

Notable Quotes

• Natalie Dawson [00:00]: "For most women today, what do we talk about? Oh, you have a girl's night and talk about your husband. The jerk is like, that's normal. That's not. That's actually not normal."

• Sean Kelly [28:15]: "You balance your other... Well, I realized you need someone like that because I hate phone calls, I hate business meetings, but I got a right-hand man for that."

• Natalie Dawson [14:55]: "We didn't know Grant, there's 35,000 people in the room. How do we show up and be different and really differentiate ourselves?"

• Sean Kelly [36:14]: "Best way to deal with negativity is success, in my opinion. I don't even talk back anymore. I just succeed."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a rich exploration of the multifaceted nature of success in the entrepreneurial world. Through Natalie Dawson's compelling narrative and candid discussions with Sean Kelly, listeners gain profound insights into the power of networking, the importance of personal growth, and the value of authentic relationships in building enduring business empires.

For more episodes and insightful conversations, visit Digital Social Hour.