Why networking is about more than your next job

Networking is a key tool in today's business environment. That's for sure. But many people seem to think that networking exists solely for the purpose of finding a job. I was speaking with a friend of mine a few days back who had an opening and was looking for some help to fill it. She told me how sad it was to see all these people whom she had met at one point come out of the wood work and say, "oh do you remember me from XYZ event, well I saw your opening."

Needless to say, she found this very off putting. Quite obviously these people had believe that one previous interaction or maybe a prior conversation or two had put them on some level whereby they were very close and were able to network to a much higher degree than someone just off the street. In some regards, someone just off the street may be a better candidate because there is no supposition of familiarity that these people are trying to project.

True networking is within a small circle and extends to include business life as well as none business life. If you belong to a network you keep your network involved on major areas of interest that might concern them. I know to some this is a gray area but it really should not be. If you know of some great charitable event and think others in your network maybe interested, you share it with them. If you are having a baby or get a new job, go ahead and share that. But keep in mind a network is like the proverbial ripples on a pond. The further out in the network, the more likely they are not interested.

So I would counsel what I counsel to college grads I network with, use the person you are networking with to gain from their experience and insight. Don't go into networking thinking it is entirely focused on securing a job. Also, find time to enjoy networking. The social aspect is one of it's best components!

On the less serious side, I woke up this morning to a thermostat that read 49 degrees. For July 10th that is just not right! Well at least the sun is shining bright and the forecast is for a nice weekend! Perfect for laundry!!!