It’s kind of odd, considering that PTO leaders are often at very crowded school events, but the PTO leader job can actually be quite isolating. Very few people know what you do every day and the challenges you overcome and the unique satisfaction of watching your hard work pay off for the school.

It's why I think it's so important to find a network of other leaders to connect with. Whether it's real or virtual, finding your own coffee club of PTO or PTA leaders is a huge win. Practically speaking, trading ideas and best practices is really helpful. But it's just as important to have folks who can pick you up on that day when the principal says just the wrong thing and to keep you going when it seems no one else will volunteer for anything.

This week, I have three great ways for you to find that network:

1. The message boards at ptotoday.com. More than 100,000 posts make up the most active old-school community around. Add your own questions and insights.

2. Our Facebook community. You'll find tons of great ideas and discussions (and yes, funny cartoons!) on our Facebook page every day.

3. Finally, if you're near one of our nine remaining PTO Expo locales for 2014, then you have the best networking opportunity out there. Come and join us for an hour or two or a whole day of networking and ideas and samples and prizes and fun. I guarantee you'll enjoy the experience and get a lot out of it. More than 25,000 leaders have attended one or more of our Expos these past few years. It's an awesome chance to connect -- we hope to see you there!