by Catherine Brine

I had never been to a networking event in my life. Not one.

So when I was invited to The Dot Signature Event last year, I felt equal parts honored and completely overwhelmed. Networking felt intimidating. I pictured perfectly polished women exchanging business cards with ease — and I wasn’t sure I fit into that world.

I was introduced to The Dot through my realtor, Olivia VanOrsdale. My mortgage lender, Ellie Brietbach, a 2025 Dot Ambassador, was speaking on a panel at the Signature Event, and Olivia encouraged me to attend.

I almost didn’t go. But I did. And that decision changed everything.

Walking Into the Unknown

I remember walking in feeling unsure of myself. I didn’t know the “rules.” I didn’t have a strategy. I didn’t even really know what to expect.

But here’s the thing about The Dot: there is no intimidation factor.

Within minutes, I realized this wasn’t a room full of women trying to outshine each other. It was a room full of women cheering for each other. The energy was welcoming. Conversations felt genuine. No one made me feel like I had to prove anything to belong.

Because at The Dot, you already belong.

From First Event to Fully Involved

Since that first invitation, I have attended almost every Dot event.

What started as one brave “yes” quickly became something I genuinely look forward to. Each event deepened my connections, strengthened my confidence, and expanded my network in ways I never expected.

And now, I’m proud to say I serve as a Dot Ambassador.

That still feels surreal to write.

The same woman who once felt overwhelmed walking into her first event is now helping welcome and encourage other women into the community. It’s a full-circle moment that speaks volumes about what The Dot truly represents: growth, belonging, and women lifting women.

More Than Networking

What I discovered quickly is that The Dot isn’t transactional. It’s transformational.

It’s not about how many business cards you collect or how polished your elevator pitch sounds. It’s about connection. Real connection.

Through events, panels, and smaller gatherings, I began meeting women both inside and outside of my industry. Some have become trusted resources. Some have become collaborators. Some have become friends. All of them have expanded my world.

There is something incredibly powerful about building relationships with women who think differently than you, work in different spaces than you, and bring perspectives you wouldn’t otherwise encounter. Networking outside your industry stretches you. It sparks creativity. It builds confidence.

And it reminds you that you’re not building alone.

Why The Dot Is Such a Valuable Resource

The Dot is valuable because it creates intentional space for women to grow both personally and professionally. There are a variety of events, from large signature experiences to smaller, more intimate gatherings. Whether you’re energized by big crowds or thrive in quieter conversations, there’s something for you.

It gives you opportunities to:

• Build your network organically
• Learn from women who are ahead of you
• Support women who are coming up behind you
• Find mentorship and offer mentorship
• Create meaningful partnerships

Most importantly, it helps you build a support system.

Finding My People

I walked into my first event feeling unsure. I walked out feeling connected.

The Dot made networking feel human. It made community feel accessible. It reminded me that when women gather with the intention of supporting one another, incredible things happen.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by networking, I get it. I was you.

But The Dot isn’t about walking into a room and selling yourself. It’s about walking into a room and finding your people.

So let me ask you, what’s holding you back from jumping in?

Is it fear? Uncertainty? Feeling like you don’t “know enough” yet?

You don’t need to be more polished.
You don’t need a bigger title.
You don’t need more experience.

You just need to show up.

And if walking in alone feels overwhelming, who can you invite to join you for your first event? Sometimes confidence starts with bringing a friend — just like mine started with one invitation.

That single “yes” changed my professional network, my confidence, and ultimately my role within this community.

It could change yours too.

– Catherine Brine