Hello Reader,

I've done business in downtown Toronto for many years, and it's still where many of my clients are. I love the energy there. People are warm and generous with their networks, and they're also wonderfully focused. In my experience, meetings tend to be strategic: thirty to forty-five minutes, a clear agenda, calendars stacked back to back. Relationships matter deeply, and they're often built around a shared purpose, where your track record, case studies and testimonials help open the door.

Then I Moved to Durham Region

Discovering how people network in a smaller community has been one of the most beautiful surprises of the move. In Durham, the pace is different. People want to know you and like you before the business conversation even begins. A friend of mine runs a networking group that goes for weekly walks together. First meetings I expected to wrap in 45 minutes have stretched to almost two hours, because getting to know each other was the agenda.

Two Paths to the Same Place

​Networking is one of my most requested workshops right now, and no matter the room, the conversation comes back to trust. It’s the currency that drives every opportunity. Both communities value it deeply; they simply build it at a different pace. In my experience, Toronto tends to lead with purpose, and the relationship grows from there. Durham tends to lead with the relationship, and the business grows from there. The best networkers I know are comfortable in both:

1. Lead with focus when time is tight. Come with a clear agenda, a clear ask and evidence of your work, and still make room for a genuine personal moment.

2. Lead with curiosity when the pace is slower. Ask about the person before the business, and let the conversation wander.

3. Bring both, always. Credibility and connection aren’t opposites. Everywhere, people do business with those they know, like and trust. In an upcoming newsletter, I’ll share where these two worlds meet: the introduction, and the one question you should always ask before making one.

What's Happening at Boost

The Boosted Podcast Turns One! Last week, the Boosted Podcast celebrated its first birthday! Season 1 started with just me, solo, covering all things workplace etiquette. As I learned the fine art of podcasting, Season 2 took on one of my favourite topics: the etiquette of "Where are you from?" I spoke with guests from around the world about their experiences with that question, and boy, did I learn a lot about culture, history and so much more. If you haven't tuned in yet, I'd love for you to give it a listen. 👉 Listen to the Boosted Podcast​

Co-Design Your Network (FREE Workshop) - Monday, November 16 | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. 📍 Durham Region HQ, Oshawa Room, 605 Rossland Rd. E, Whitby Part of Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week, hosted by BACD Most networking workshops tell you what to do. In this one, you build your strategy in the room and leave with a personalized networking plan that fits your goals, industry and personality. If you haven't signed up yet, now's the time. 👉 Reserve your free spot​

Speaking at the Whitby Chamber Business Summit - I was recently invited to speak on networking at the Whitby Chamber of Commerce's Business Summit. My talk, The Most Powerful Question in the Room, made the case that the more we hand over to AI, the more we need real human connection, because the one sure thing every business will always need is people. The recipe is simple: prepare, listen, be sincere and follow up. If you're interested in having me speak at a future event, please reach out.​

Networking Can Be Fun, Too - Speaking of community, I'm part of Be the Next 52 Women, a group of senior business leaders who curate the most incredible gatherings almost every month. This month, it was a paint and sip. Brushes moved, conversation flowed, the studio filled with laughter, and new connections formed while old ones grew stronger. My favourite moment? Everyone proudly holding up their paintings at the end, each one as unique as the woman who made it. A lovely reminder that the best networking doesn't always look like networking. Check out what it looked like here. ​

Until next time, stay curious and connected.

Warm regards,

Trina Boos
Founder & CEO
Boost Academy of Excellence
​boostacademyofexcellence.com​