“Your Network Is Your Net Worth.” That’s the title of a book published 10 years ago by Porter Gale (back to her in a sec), with a subtitle reading “The Hidden Power of Connections for Wealth, Success, and Happiness in the Digital Age.” That resonates with Chris, who started 2LabsMarketing in late 2022 and has quickly learned about the importance of networking. “I got into this business to help other businesses succeed,” he said, and it starts by ensuring that his clients are known and noticed. Because when they are, he is, too – especially in back-channel conversations that lead to more referrals. “It’s hard work,” Chris says of networking, “but it’s clearly very important.”

Originally from Rhode Island, Chris earned a degree in communications and marketing from Central Connecticut State University and then worked for a spell in the corporate world. But most of his marketing know-how has been honed in the public sector, promoting and running municipal recreational programs in the Greater Hartford area. Coming out of the COVID years, though, he decided to scratch the entrepreneurial itch. ‘I always wanted to start my own agency,” he said. “It’s certainly scary – but it’s exciting, too.”

A Labrador lover, Chris named the company after his beloved Bailey and Sophie in a nod to the attributes his curious, loyal, trustworthy pets possessed. As a new business owner, he knew he’d depend on such traits as well but first had to do for himself what he now does for others. He built a website. Created and fed his social networks. Started blogging and making promotional videos. And clients have followed. Chris provides everything from social media content, strategies and training to branding and digital marketing. Most of the organizations and businesses he has supported so far are small but Chris knew that would be the case at the outset. He is also spending lots of time networking – one-on-one coffees and Zoom chats as well as group Chamber and local Business Network International get-togethers. “You’re planting seeds,” he said.

What will grow from those seeds, and where Chris’ journey will lead … time will tell. But he’s optimistic because of how well others have done and what he can learn from them. Which brings us back to Porter Gale. She is a bigshot, having gone from an ad agency intern to a corporate marketing executive. She’s now a consultant in high regard in part because of the book she wrote, which has been called a fresh take on the classic “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Gale says that networking has evolved from a transactional game to a transformational process. “I believe it is the quality of the relationships and your ability to make authentic connections that most greatly impacts your true worth,” she says.

Chris is all good with that. Like so many second-career entrepreneurs, he’s willing to bet on himself because he is confident that hard and smart work will pay dividends. Until he started 2Labs, he always could count on his salary and he took pride in doing his best work in whatever role he had. But now? “This is completely different,” he said. “And it’s very, very exciting.”