What netowrking is and is not (imho)

What is networking?

Networking is building relationships for the purpose of mutually beneficial outcomes.    These outcomes can be friendships, and in business, it usually results in some form of referral relationship.

Networking is NOT socializing.  While socializing is part of a networking process, if there is no purpose behind the socialization, it is not networking.

How often should I network?

You can look at this two ways. 

•1.      Networking is done through formal events

•2.      Networking is done whenever an opportunity presents itself

Formal Events:

Often, because people fear rejection, they tend to attend social events, be social, but in general, they do not network.  They may hand out a business card, or several and while that is better than nothing, it does not put you in control of the process, nor is it overly purposeful.

That does not mean that formal events are not great opportunities, just that because of the fear of rejection, and to be honest, the lure of a good time, it is easier to talk to people, and give them a card, than it is to communicate on purpose with them and get the information you need.

Whenever:

This literally means what it means....if you are in line at a store, at a meeting, sitting next to someone in a restaurant, these are all opportunities to network.  Each person will have to decide what their limitations are.  The trick is to balance the goal and aspiration for more contacts, relationships, and consequently business, versus the fear of rejection or the general dislike of seeming "pushy" or rude.