Want to expand your network?

By Michele Schwartz, executive director of ALCEP and AWC Austin board member

It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.

He appears on national television on a regular basis. She is a best-selling author of two books. I am on a first name basis with both of them!

How did I get to meet and know this year’s Get Smart keynote speakers, Matthew Dowd and Stephanie Klein? By attending events and conferences like Get Smart!

I met Matthew Dowd after hearing him speak on a panel in 2008. Following the presentation, I asked him to autograph his book, “Applebee’s America.” Now, we regularly exchange emails.

When I saw Stephanie Klein speak at a book fair, she opened by saying, “Everything good starts with a breakup.” Having just gone through one myself, I laughed and my eyes welled with tears. I emailed Stephanie to let her know her statement gave me hope. And with that, Stephanie is a part of my network now.

Am I friends with either of these speakers? No. But, I do feel comfortable enough with both to consider them part of my expanding network of influencers. If we play six degrees of separation—the two of them connect me to former presidents, publishing executives and probably even Carrie Bradshaw.

Don’t miss your chance to gain access to not only these two influential figures but to many others who will be at Get Smart on October 21. We have speakers who serve on nonprofit boards, are business owners, published writers and leaders of the largest network of women’s leadership development. Plus, you will be there with 149 other women of influence in Austin and beyond. Don’t miss this critical step on your journey towards excellence.

Plus, if you register before 5 p.m. today, you’ll receive the early-bird rate. Late registration prices go up by $10. Don’t wait! Register now: http://getsmartaustin.com