Always Be Connecting, Communicating, and Collaborating

Mackinac Moments: Connections, Conversations & What I Learned

One of my personal mantras has guided me through every stage of my career: Always be connecting, communicating, and collaborating with your community. It’s simply another way of saying network with purpose—and those relationships are instrumental in advancing our careers, strengthening our leadership, and growing our businesses.

I’ve been attending the Mackinac Policy Conference since the mid‑1990s, first as a reporter and now as a storyteller and communicator. Every year, I’m reminded why this gathering matters. The Detroit Regional Chamber brings together more than 1,500 leaders from government, business, nonprofits, media, education, and industries across the state. For three days on Mackinac Island, people come together to do exactly what I believe in: connect, communicate, and collaborate for the greater good.

I attended this year sharing stories as the contact creator for The Chaldean Voice, which is a global LIVE stream of news stories about Chaldeans, as well as a local radio program airing for five hours on Saturdays.

We also create content for The Bottom Line Magazine and share the Midwest Independent Retail Association’s story about the campaign to recycle the current Michigan Bottle Bill. Andrew Doud was gracious to allow MIRA to host an event about the Bottle Bill at his store, Doud’s Market on the island, the oldest grocery store in America.

This is the second year I have been able to have my daughter join me as an assistant in my company. She helped tell the stories for our clients, and she is learning valuable skills as a storyteller and in networking. She sees the value and has made a note of how the experience will look good on her resume.

After decades of attending, observing, interviewing, and engaging, I’ve learned what truly makes networking at events like Mackinac meaningful—not transactional, not superficial, but intentional and relationship‑driven.

Here are some of my best tips.

Top Tips for Networking at Events Like the Mackinac Policy Conference

1. Do Your Homework Before You Arrive

Great networking starts long before you step onto the Island.

I always research who will be attending, what organizations are represented, and which leaders I want to meet. Knowing someone’s background helps you start a deeper conversation—not just small talk.

Pro Tip: Create a short list of 5–10 people you want to connect with. That clarity keeps you focused.

2. Lead With Curiosity, Not Your Business Card

People remember conversations, not pitches.

Ask thoughtful questions. Listen more than you speak. Show genuine interest in the work others are doing.

Pro Tip: Use openers like:

• “What brings you to the conference this year”
• “What issues are top of mind for you right now”
• “What’s one thing you’re hoping to walk away with”

3. Be Present—Physically and Mentally

Put the phone away. Make eye contact.

Mackinac is full of porch conversations, hallway introductions, and unexpected encounters. Presence is your greatest networking tool.

4. Connect People to Each Other

One of the most powerful ways to build trust is to introduce people who should know each other. When you become a connector, people remember you—and they appreciate you.

5. Follow Up Quickly and Thoughtfully

This is where most people drop the ball.

I always follow up after the conference—sometimes with an email, often with a handwritten note. It reinforces the connection and sets the stage for future collaboration.

Pro Tip: Reference something specific from your conversation. It shows you were truly listening.

6. Keep the Relationship Alive All Year

Networking is not a once‑a‑year activity.

Check in periodically. Share an article. Congratulate them on a milestone. Invite them to coffee. Relationships grow through consistent, intentional touchpoints.

Final Thought

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building community.

And events like the Mackinac Policy Conference remind us that when leaders come together with openness, curiosity, and collaboration, we all move forward.