Too often, women underestimate the influence they possess and the wonderful outcomes it can effect. If you know more than a few people, there is usually an introduction that you can make that often proves to be very helpful to both parties. And imagine how good you will feel when you realize you were the start of something big!

Here's but one example:

A few weeks ago, I volunteered at a women's conference. I attended a session showcasing a remarkable young woman whose startup is just finishing a website that will allow women all around the world to have a voice. She mesmerized me. Her description of what she wanted to accomplish was so well thought out and so clear that everyone in the room was spellbound.

I left the room knowing that I had to do something to increase this project's chances of success. I made an effort to meet with her the next day to try to figure out where she needed the most help. She was gracious and encouraging. She said it was fundraising. I knew that my networks in Sacramento and Dallas were not likely to give the level of investment needed. But I was pretty sure I could figure out how to get her introduced into a national organization with members that would get what she was doing, hear the passion in her voice and react accordingly, which could give more credibility to her project. This would help her raise funds from those who had them to invest.

I contacted someone I knew is well-regarded by the organization and asked for help. I got a note back to say my idea was interesting and she would give it some thought.. I took it as a positive, but not a promise to act in an expeditious way.

I waited a week or two more and when I had no further response, I moved to Plan B. I sent an email to the head of the organization, mentioned the person I know who is well-regarded by his organization, dropped a couple of credentials of my own that would give me credence with the organization, and then introduced the woman and her startup that I was trying to promote.

Success. I got a note back almost right away saying they had made an attempt to partner with the woman and her startup and had gotten no response but were still interested in moving forward. I send a note to the young women. It triggers her memory that she has dropped the ball. She sends a note to the head of the organization and a super relationship begins. They are both gracious enough to send me thanks for putting them together. The national organization actually asked me what I wanted out of the relationship (he is thinking finder's fee, proceeds from an upcoming conference where I have suggested she speak, etc). Get used to people misinterpreting your intentions - most people can't believe you do this because you enjoy introducing people and seeing how the combined relationship maximizes each of their lives. I emailed him back that I was expecting nothing - I just truly believed it would be a win-win relationship for both of them and most importantly for the women of the world.

I can't tell you the satisfaction making important connections for others gives me. You can't put the proceeds in the bank, but believe me the results are bankable in your own internal self-worth bank.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen