Why I Stopped Networking (And Found Someone Better at It Than Me)

Shelley Pillado

There’s a reason people love Patti.
And no, it’s not because she’s loud, flashy, or trying to work the room.

In fact, it’s the opposite.

Patti is genuine. She listens. Really listens. Not the polite nod-and-smile kind, but the kind where you feel seen, remembered, and cared about long after the conversation ends.

She’s the friend who follows up, the one who checks in, and the one who shows up without needing to be asked.

A great friend, a devoted wife, and a loving daughter, mother, and grandmother, Patti ensures you always know where you stand—right in the center of her heart.

People trust Patti. They feel safe with her. In a world full of surface-level networking and awkward small talk, that kind of presence is rare.

(And for the record, if networking required stamina points, Patti would have them all and I would have cashed out early.)

Why Patti Stands Out

She’s not just kind. She’s incredibly good at what she does.

So good, in fact, that she was named Ambassador of the Month for March, an award given to individuals who consistently go above and beyond in building and supporting their community.

What makes this especially meaningful is that Patti was the first person to ever receive this award in her very first year as an ambassador.

And honestly, that surprised absolutely no one who knows her.

Patti doesn’t show up halfway. When she believes in something, she shares it fully, genuinely, and with heart. Rather than promoting people or ideas for her own benefit, she does it because she truly wants what’s best for others.

And if she can help make that happen?

She’s not cheering from the sidelines.
She’s front and center.

Finding the Role That Fits

When Patti offered to help with HolistiCare, I wasn’t immediately sure what role she would play. Then it clicked.

She didn’t need to run the house.
She didn’t need to manage systems.
She didn’t need to be me.

She needed to be our connector.

I like people, but only in small groups, in controlled doses, and with an exit strategy.

Small talk, mixers, and “So what do you do?” conversations drain me faster than a dead phone battery.

She goes to these events for me. She builds relationships that last. She keeps us visible, present, and grounded in the community.

And because she does what she does so well, I get to do what I do best: one-on-one connection, problem-solving, assessing needs, building routines, and supporting families through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Stop Trying to Do Everything Yourself

This is what happens when you stop trying to be good at everything and start building around strengths.

Everyone deserves a Patti in their corner.

If you’re navigating this season and realizing you can’t (and shouldn’t) do it alone, there’s a space for you.

Read More About Shelley’s Journey

If you want to follow along and see more of what it’s like to build HolistiCare and navigate big decisions in elder care, check out these stories:

These posts give more context and insight into the journey behind HolistiCare and the experiences that shape how we help families.

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You don’t have to be good at everything. Find the people who complement your strengths, let them shine in what they do best, and you’ll create something far stronger together.

Your partner in care,

Shelley