Build Your Brand with Social Capital: Lessons from Erin Sisko

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In the latest episode of The Brand Is You podcast, host Robyn Savage sits down with Erin Sisko, founder of The Elleiance Network, to explore one powerful question:
"Are you building a brand… or are you building social capital?"

Because here’s the truth, your next business breakthrough isn’t about chasing more followers. It’s about building deeper, more meaningful relationships.

From her early days as a corporate banker to leading one of Canada’s fastest-growing mastermind networks for women entrepreneurs, Erin shares how connection, collaboration, and generosity have become the currency of her success.

Whether you feel like you’re building your business alone, or you’re ready to scale through partnerships and referrals, this conversation is your blueprint for growing a brand with intention.

What Is Social Capital and Why It’s More Valuable Than a Viral Post

For Erin, social capital isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the fuel that powers sustainable business growth. It’s the trust, credibility, and influence you build by showing up for others in a genuine way.

“Networking feels transactional,” she says. “Social capital is about relationships that actually mean something. It’s about showing up for people without expecting anything in return.”

Why it matters:

  • Opens doors algorithms can’t

  • Builds instant trust through referrals and word-of-mouth

  • Creates opportunities that cold outreach never could

And unlike traditional networking, awkward small talk, stacks of business cards, social capital is built over time through intentional, consistent action.

From Corporate Banking to Canada’s Largest Collaboration Project

Before founding The Elleiance Network, Erin spent nearly 20 years in the banking industry, including a decade at the Business Development Bank of Canada. In 2019, she became the bank’s Ambassador for Women Entrepreneurs in Eastern and Northern Ontario.

That role gave her a front-row seat to the struggles women business owners faced. One challenge came up again and again: making the right connections.

So Erin took action. She invited 10 women to a free mastermind meeting in October 2019. That single gathering sparked what’s now being called Canada’s largest collaboration project for female entrepreneurs.

By 2021, the movement had grown so much that she faced a career-defining choice: shut it down or leave her corporate job. She chose to leap despite having two young kids at home, fuelled by the belief that she was building something truly needed.

Scaling a Movement Through Collaboration

The Elleiance Network began with one mastermind group led by Erin. Soon, there were 6. But running that many herself was unsustainable. The breakthrough came when a member from Medicine Hat, Alberta, asked if she could lead her own group.

That moment unlocked the model for national growth. Today, Elleiance mastermind groups exist in:

  • Medicine Hat, Alberta

  • Lethbridge, Alberta

  • Calgary, Alberta

  • Cochrane, Alberta

  • North Bay, Ontario

  • Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Erin’s vision? 5,000 mastermind groups in every Canadian city with over 50,000 people.

Learn more about joining a mastermind group here.

Daily Actions to Build Social Capital

Erin believes building social capital is the most important thing you can do for your business. In the podcast episode, she shares 3 daily non-negotiables:

  1. Thoughtful Online Engagement
    Spend 30 minutes commenting meaningfully on others’ posts. “Something as simple as a genuine comment can lead to a DM, then a Zoom call, then an opportunity,” Erin explains.

  2. Strategic Generosity
    Share resources, make introductions, or offer help without asking for anything in return. “Zero expectations. Just pure trust that it will come back in the way it’s meant to.”

  3. Consistent Follow-Up
    Like any relationship, social capital grows with regular touchpoints. Keep showing up for the people in your network.

    Follow Erin on Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn to see how she applies these principles daily.

The Capital Elle Business Impact Award

Erin’s commitment to generosity extends beyond her network. In 2024, she launched the Capital Elle Business Impact Award, a grant for Canadian women entrepreneurs who’ve felt “unfundable” in traditional financing systems.

The award combines cash with critical business services, like:

  • Social media management

  • Accounting

  • Mindset coaching

  • Strategic business coaching

In its first year, the award provided $20,000 in value. This year, it has grown to 29 partners and will support 10 women-owned businesses with $50,000+ in cash and services.

Key dates for 2025:

  • Applications open: September 2

  • Applications close: October 28

  • Top 10 announced: November 13

  • Winners announced: November 27

For more information or to apply for the Capital Elle Business Impact Award, visit https://www.elleiance.ca/impact-award-2025

Final Takeaway: Connection Is Currency

This Brand Is You podcast episode with Erin Sisko is a masterclass in shifting your focus from chasing visibility to building genuine influence. As Erin puts it:

“You don’t need a bigger audience, you need deeper relationships.”

If you’ve ever felt like your next big break is “one connection away,” this is your invitation to take that step today.

🎧 Listen + Connect

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The Capital Elle Business Impact Award: Funding the Unfundable