Pondering...On The Subject of Networking, Dodgeball and Stuff
Because It’s Sunday And Because I Can
Because it’s Sunday. I ponder. And then I digress. Because I can.
There’s a contest this month in the ActiveRain community about the power of networking. So instead of yet another market report...I am going to focus on this contest...well, at least my take on it. And maybe a diversion or two along the way.
Because it’s Sunday. And because I can.
First things first:
A definition from Merriam Webster:
Networking: The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.
Merriam Webster states that the first known use of the word(or maybe it was a concept) came to existence in 1967.
I’m not sure of my first involvement with the word but some of my earliest experiences in life were also occurring in those early days of the term "networking".
Sure, it involved more dodgeball and some other elementary school classroom projects than the cultivation of productive business practices...it was networking just the same, right? Now I digress and then I ponder... Wasn’t dodgeball a rather sadistic game?
Back then networking was probably pretty basic -- so basic we might not have even identified it with the term. We worked out problems. Chose teams. Traded lunches...no, Mom -- I didn’t participate in that ritual. I told you...I didn’t and it’s true. Okay, I digress. Again
I’m guessing most of my life has involved networking at some level and I’m imagining that’s true for most of us. Right?
But because it’s Sunday...I ponder. About networking. And then I found some quotes from a rather interesting cross section of people.
Sometimes, idealistic people are put off the whole business of networking as something tainted by flattery and the pursuit of selfish advantage. But virtue in obscurity is rewarded only in Heaven.
To succeed in this world you have to be known to people.
Sonia Sotomayor
Networking is all about connecting with people.
But then again, isn’t that what life is about?
The more time you can find to get out of the office and build true friendships, the farther your startup will go. Entrepreneurs need to remember to spend as much time working on their business
as they do in their business.
Jay Samit
I think the whole aspect of social networking
is vulgar and repulsive in a lot of ways.
But I also see why it's appealing - I've had that little high you get from posting stuff online. But then you think, 'Did I need to say that?' I've explored that enough to know to stay kind of quiet these days.
Trent Reznor
Now back to the subject - or at least one of them -- that is involved in these ramblings. My involvement with networking. You know...post-elementary school and onto life in real estate:
I believe ActiveRain is a particularly important networking platform. I participate here on a daily basis. I post. I comment. I answer questions. I believe I am involved. I believe I contribute.
On occasion I have reached out to others.
Virtually and in person.
Sometimes by email or a phone call.
The occasional rant in a text. Ahh, that felt good.
And yes, it has resulted in some business too.
Some outgoing referrals for relocating clients and acquaintances. And then there’s the benefit from the public.There’s nothing quite like hearing “I found you online” and although “ActiveRain” may not have been mentioned -- you know this place is the reason.
I didn’t have any particular expectations when I joined here in 2010 and promptly forgot about this place for a few months. I wasn’t even particularly active until much later.
So this is a place that has been good for my business. My knowledge of my market(and other markets too through reading and following) has increased.
ActiveRain is continuing education for me.
Sometimes it’s a lesson in self-control and lip-biting too.
And it’s a place to have some fun. To form relationships.
Virtually and in real life too.
For me that’s a real networking experience.
And I appreciate it. A lot
Now back to that sadistic game - dodgeball. I never saw the movie by the same name but while writing this post...and pondering...I found the YouTube preview of it. I digress. But I’m glad I didn’t see it. Maybe I pondered too long. It's okay. Pondering does have its advantages.
And that’s it...Pondering on a Sunday. Because I can.
Published: July 23, 2017
First two images in this post: CanStockPhoto
Pondering...On The Subject of Networking, Dodgeball and Stuff
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