In this joint episode of Small Business School and Community, Staci Millard and Kristina Bartold, Co-Founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women dive into one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) parts of entrepreneurship: building meaningful relationships and a strong professional network. Staci and Kristina reflect on their real-life experiences growing referral-based businesses, navigating in-person and online networking, and learning how to build connections that are rooted in authenticity, not pressure.

Together, they unpack what it really means to approach networking from a place of service, how to avoid “taker energy,” and why the strongest business growth often comes from the relationships you nurture over time.

Key topics covered:

Why relationships are more powerful than traditional marketing for long-term business growth
The difference between building relationships online vs. in-person networking
Shifting from “what can I get?” to a service-first mindset when entering a room
Recognizing “taker energy” vs. “giver energy” in networking situations
How to approach events when you’re feeling nervous, introverted, or out of your comfort zone
The importance of follow-up and how to do it in a way that feels natural, not transactional
How to create value for others first and why that often leads to unexpected opportunities
Navigating boundaries in relationships as your business grows
Letting go of perfection in networking and focusing on consistency over time

Building a strong network isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about showing up with intention, leading with service, and trusting that the right relationships will grow your business in ways you can’t always plan for.

Connect with Kristina:

Instagram: @kristina.bartold

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.