In this episode, host Rachael Wonderlin sits down with networking powerhouse Emily Merrell, a business coach, marketing strategist, and founder of Second Degree Society, to unpack what actually makes networking work for entrepreneurs today.
Emily shares her journey from the 2008 recession to building her own global networking community, how she transitioned into coaching without a traditional certification, and why the coach–consultant labels have become so tangled. The conversation expands into running events that don't suck, the pitfalls of modern virtual summits, MLM echoes in coaching culture, and the power of doing your due diligence before saying yes to anything online.
Key Takeaways:
– Networking that works is intentional, not accidental. Emily built Second Degree Society around curated, hand-picked introductions, solving the problem of people attending events but never truly connecting.
– Coach vs. consultant is more than semantics. Entrepreneurs often use these terms interchangeably, but Emily breaks down why they require different skill sets and expectations.
– Good coaches have done the thing. Lived experience matters more than certifications, and people want mentors with real-world proof of concept.
– Virtual summits and list-building can get sketchy. Emily and Rachael compare notes on summit "scripts," email list grabs, and why due diligence matters before participating.
– Internet transparency has changed the game. Scammy business models are harder to hide when Reddit, reviews, and digital footprints exist…if you pause long enough to look.
Memorable Quotes:
"I didn't intend to start a business—I intended to start a space where people could genuinely connect. The business came after."
"Consultants do the work for you. Coaches teach you how to do the thing. Those roles get lumped together, but they're not the same."
"At conferences, you just float around, grab a snack, and leave with business cards you never use. Curated connections change the whole experience."
"Not everyone has people around them who will say, 'Hey, that doesn't sound legit.' Community matters."
"Being an entrepreneur means wearing a lot of hats, but hiring help is still one of the hardest things to do."
About the Guest:
Emily Merrell is a business coach, community builder, and the creator behind the global networking community Second Degree Society, known for its curated, meaningful connections between entrepreneurs. She is also the co-founder of Ready Set Coach, where she helps coaches launch and grow businesses rooted in real experience, instead of empty promises. With a background in luxury fashion (Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Intermix), event planning, and nearly a decade in entrepreneurship, Emily blends strategy, storytelling, and thoughtful connection into everything she builds.
About Rachael:
Rachael Wonderlin is a dementia care consultant and gerontologist. She founded her consultancy, Dementia By Day, in 2014. She is the author of When Someone You Know is Living in a Dementia Care Community, Creative Engagement, and The Caregiver's Guide to Memory Care and Dementia Communities.
Find out more at www.rachaelwonderlin.com and Instagram.com/dementiabyday.
