Choose your networking wisely

Lately I have been wondering about the ups and downs of networking. Because it’s no secret that when you’re battling it out on your own, networks can play a very important part in deciding whether you prosper or fail miserable.

Basically networking to me is about being accessible and treat people like you yourself want to be treated. If you have that basis in place, your apple will never fall too far from the tree.

Having said that it’s a good idea to be conscious about which official networks, you’re part of and why.

My own experience seems to indicate that there is more to be won in networks, where your focus is on giving rather than receiving. Because when you give and share, you build up trust. And trust is the gas that fuels every good network.

Put in plain terms I would rather spend an evening hanging out with people who share the same interests as me but may not know me personally, and who are willing to share and listen - in short: Have a dialogue - than I would spend an evening in some formal networking group, where you have to pay to become a member, and everyone is basically just looking to receive, take advantage and exploit. Because the latter brings me nowhere, and it’s simply not worth it.

Therefore make sure to remember that the most expensive network is very often the best.