#160 - You Don't Need Permission • Alex Canavan

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott Grates sits down with Alex Canavan, founder of the CNY Women's Network and host of Cultivate. Alex shares the unconventional path that took her from bridal makeup to building a growing professional community. Along the way she learned the value of showing up before you feel ready and letting people see the journey as it unfolds.Scott and Alex dive into personal branding, authentic networking, and what it takes to build a true community. Alex explains why genuine curiosity has been one of her greatest relationship building tools. She also shares how becoming the connector can open doors without making every interaction feel transactional. The conversation is a reminder that meaningful relationships begin when you focus less on what you can get and more on making others feel seen.In This Episode:• Why Alex believes readiness is a myth and action builds confidence.• How showing your progression can strengthen your personal brand.• The difference between building a real community and traditional networking.• Why becoming the connector can transform the way you build relationships.• How curiosity and better questions help people feel genuinely seen.---Alex Canavan's Links:Website - https://www.cnywomensnetwork.comLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcanavanInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexcanavan.co/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@alexcanavan.coSubstack - https://alexcanavanco.substack.com/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CultivateWithAlexCanavanSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23RixpKg8eXPROY42uFLvT?si=120a0a1f03024e10&nd=1&dlsi=0c2480fe73724589---Scott Grates' Links:Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.orgReferrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.comLove Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgratesTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates