Your network is a web of people.
What are you spinning and why!
Your network is a compilation of relationships and connections. I recently participated in an International Women's Day event on caregiving, hosted by Ready. Set. Pivot. and Wendy S. Wiesman and Katie Hjelmstad Severt, MBA. It was a powerful day of connection and discussion about apps and caregiving—how caregivers can make the most of this experience while juggling everything else in life. What struck me most was how many people in the audience (maybe even you!) don’t realize they are caregivers. That’s the thing about caregiving—it’s a slippery slope. One moment, you're helping a family member with small tasks; the next, you're spending hours managing doctor’s appointments, medications, and logistics. Suddenly, it’s consuming your physical, emotional, and mental energy.
Caregiving doesn’t just impact personal life—it significantly affects work, too. 61% of caregivers in the U.S. are also working professionals, struggling to balance their jobs with caregiving responsibilities. Many companies still don’t realize the financial and emotional toll this takes on employees. More than $522 billion in lost wages occurs annually because workers have to cut hours, take unpaid leave, or even leave their jobs entirely.
That’s why solutions like Wellthy , founded by Lindsay Jurist-Rosner, are so important. Lindsay created this app after years of caring for her mom, and it’s a game-changer for working caregivers. If your company offers Wellthy, take advantage of it. If they don’t, invite Lindsay and her team for a conversation—because supporting caregivers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart business decision.
The Role of Your Network in Caregiving and Business
Through speaking, coaching, and training, I always emphasize the importance of building a network that helps you reach your goals. But here’s the reality—70% of working caregivers report work-related difficulties due to their responsibilities. When you’re under stress, whether from caregiving or running a business, it’s easy to show up as less than your best self. You might unintentionally neglect relationships, miss opportunities, or struggle to ask for help.
That’s why strong networks matter. I’ve learned that networking isn’t just about collecting business cards—it’s about weaving a resilient web of relationships. Like a spider web, your network needs to be intentional, interconnected, and adaptable. If one strand weakens—due to stress, miscommunication, or life changes—you have to reinforce it. And sometimes, you might need to rebuild certain connections entirely.
Years ago, Harvey Mackay told me, “Agreements prevent disagreements.” I didn’t always set clear agreements with my network, and I found myself exhausted and resentful. I wasn’t asking directly for what I needed, and it led to frustration. The key? Be clear about expectations—whether in caregiving, business, or networking. If you want support, referrals, or opportunities, communicate that with your network.
Strengthening Your Web
One simple but powerful way to strengthen your network is by celebrating others. I love taking photos at events with people I admire—it gives me a chance to share their successes and introduce them to my network. Try this:
Connect with event speakers or fellow attendees on LinkedIn.
Highlight their work in a post.
Ask how you can support their goals.
The faster and stronger you build our web of connections, the more we can accomplish—even with limited time and energy.
Caregiving has tested my networking skills in ways I never expected. Over the past five years, I’ve solved more problems than I did while raising my three kids. I’ve learned who to lean on, how to find resources, and how to navigate the emotional highs and lows. And I’ve realized that no one should do this alone.
If you’re not actively part of at least one organization where you build meaningful relationships, I highly recommend finding one. Take time to engage, show up, and invest in the web of connections that will support you through both personal and professional challenges.
And as always, I’d love to have you join me as a guest on the AllStar Networking Show. Let’s talk about your journey—how you’ve built a network that supports your success.
What’s one way your network has helped you during a challenging time? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Rock on!
Cathy Paper
You were amazing on the panel! Thanks for being vulnerable, transparent and funny. I learned a lot.