How Together Digital Built a Trust-First Business (video)

In a world where professional networking often feels like a cold, transactional exchange of business cards, genuine human connection is a rare commodity. But what if the secret to lasting business success wasn’t about rapid growth or aggressive sales, but about building deep, authentic trust?

That’s the core philosophy behind Together Digital, a national network for women in tech and creative fields. In a recent episode of the Sales POP! podcast, Together Digital’s CEO, Amy Vaughan, shared powerful insights on how prioritizing community and trust can create a ripple effect of empowerment and tangible change for both individuals and their careers. This article unpacks her key lessons, offering a blueprint for anyone looking to foster a more meaningful, trust-driven network.

From Isolation to Connection: Together Digital’s Origin Story

Together Digital was founded in 2016 by Elena Shear in the wake of the #MeToo movement, aiming to create a safe space where women could openly share their professional and personal experiences without fear of judgment. Amy Vaughan, who joined as a member and later became CEO, speaks to the profound impact of this support system, noting how it helped her overcome the isolation of being a working mother in a male-dominated industry.

The big takeaway here is simple: Community isn’t just about collecting contacts. It’s about building a space where people can be their authentic selves, find real support, and grow together.

The Trust-First Business Model: A Different Kind of Success

Unlike traditional business models that often chase numbers and rapid expansion, Together Digital focuses on a slower, more intentional kind of growth. Amy Vaughan outlines a few key principles that serve as the foundation of their success:

• Radical Transparency: Open communication and vulnerability are not just encouraged—they’re expected at every level.
• Unwavering Consistency: The organization’s values aren’t just a mission statement; they’re lived out in every single interaction.
• True Empowerment: Together Digital actively works to remove the systemic barriers that prevent women from advancing into leadership roles.

This approach works because trust is much easier to build in a flat, nimble organization where bureaucracy doesn’t stifle authenticity. When an organization’s values are truly lived, members feel safe to share, collaborate, and advocate for themselves and one another.

Actionable Steps to Cultivate a Trust-Driven Community

Based on Amy’s insights, here’s how you can foster a culture of trust within your own organization or network.

1. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Together Digital intentionally curates its membership to create a supportive environment instead of just chasing rapid growth. You can apply this by screening new members to ensure they align with your values and onboarding them personally to understand their needs. Instead of just tracking the number of members, measure success by the quality of impact, such as stories of collaboration and professional advancement.

2. Curate Supportive Spaces

Together Digital’s “Ask and Give Exchange” is a perfect example of this. It’s a structured platform that allows members to ask for support without shame. To implement this, establish clear community guidelines that prioritize respect and confidentiality, and model vulnerability from the top down.

3. Live Your Values, Don’t Just Say Them

The organization’s values are evident in every interaction, from member onboarding to their daily programming. You can achieve the same by auditing your customer journey to ensure your stated values are consistently present. Train your team to embody these values, especially in how they use technology.

4. Invest in Coaching and Peer Support

Together Digital offers peer groups and master classes that provide members with invaluable coaching and a built-in support system. Create similar mastermind groups or “Power Circles” for regular peer coaching, and offer ongoing education through expert-led workshops. Remember that professional coaching is a “hidden superpower” and a worthy investment.

5. Leverage Technology for Connection

Together Digital masterfully blends online and offline engagement, using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection. Consider using virtual platforms for peer groups and summits, but also offer in-person meetups to balance digital convenience with real-world connection.

6. Listen and Adapt to Member Needs

The community stays relevant by regularly surveying members and adapting its programming based on feedback. Implement regular feedback loops and be willing to adjust your offerings based on what members truly want and need.

7. Amplify Member Success

Together Digital consistently shares stories of collaboration and achievements, which reinforces the value of the community. Make it a point to highlight member achievements in your newsletters and on social media, encouraging peer-to-peer recognition.

The Power of Authentic Relationships

Amy Vaughan notes that word-of-mouth is their primary driver of new membership. When people experience real value, they naturally become ambassadors for the community. The lesson is clear: focus on delivering exceptional experiences that people want to talk about. Build trust first, and the growth will inevitably follow.

Navigating Career Growth and Pay Equity

One of the most powerful stories from the podcast was about a member who, with the community’s support, successfully advocated for a significant pay raise. Amy’s advice for navigating these challenges is a powerful reminder of how a strong network can be a game-changer:

• Come Prepared: Gather data and practice your approach.
• Seek Support: Use your network for advice and to role-play difficult conversations.
• Act Professionally: Shift your mindset from anger to constructive action.
• Know Your Worth: Don’t internalize systemic issues; advocate for yourself with confidence.

Ultimately, Together Digital proves that a business built on a foundation of trust and community can achieve a deeper, more sustainable kind of success than one driven by transactional relationships alone. It’s a powerful model for the future of professional networking.