do you like networking?

[RidonKs]

i mean talking to people for the explicit purpose of getting ahead in life?

[kNIOKAS]

Yes. I have few people that I know - because not a party type - but I like asking around.


Off topic - if you're in crisis I can be your friend..?

[plowking]

It is a necessity nowadays.

Before a degree was enough to set apart most people, then masters and post grads, but now more than ever we live in a society where entrepreneurship and networking is becoming more and more prominent and important.

I'm not a huge fan of it, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

[Swaggin916]

I like it better than small talk

[DeuceWallaces]

No. Although it's not necessary in my field.

I do it at conferences, but it's usually enjoyable under those circumstances.

[sundizz]

If you look at it purely like that then no it is not enjoyable. It is better to meet 2 to 4 and create a connection rather than meet 10 to 20 on a so-so basis.

It is why I find going to network events sooooooo much easier if I go with a friend/colleague that I already know well. If I'm having fun already it is really easy to pull people into that group and get to know them casually.

On the other end of the spectrum, I wouldn't mind going to something where networking is the only and end goal (e.g., speed dating, but networking style, and everyone exchanges business cards afterwards).

In reality, I find that a poor way to approach life though (cast a wide net). Better to figure out what company you want to work for, find someone in that company and just reach out to them politely and ask if they wouldn't mind answering a few questions.

That is how I got a job interview/offer from the Warriors (reached out to someone through LinkedIn, messaged a few times, called, and he submitted the resume to the hiring guy directly). During the interview the hiring guy said there had been 10,500 applicants. The only other people that made it through all had family members that already worked for the Dubs.

All the proof I'll ever need that being a bawse + direct networking works.

[Stempel, HERB]

I like it better than small talk
Your idea of small talk is looking at somebody's elbow and rubbing sweat off your forehead so who cares what you think?

[iTare]

Only if it's that network.

[Draz]

Definitely. Networking helps you get places. I haven't for the past few years. I'm starting too back again.

[JohnnySic]

I dont like it. Its necessary sometimes, but its self-serving and 100% fake.

[NBAplayoffs2001]

I know someone who went to like a subpar undergrad who makes a ton more than some successful ivy league graduates I know and they are of the same age.

[NBAplayoffs2001]

Networking is huge in certain fields too. It can help break someone past a boundary that they couldn't get through without a connection with someone in the field.

[sportsfan76]

I like it better than small talk


whats wrong with small talk

[bladefd]

I thought you meant IT networking :lol

Anyways, in the world today, it is often more about who you know rather than what you know... whether right or wrong, it is how things work. Build connections & know the right people..

I'm still trying to learn the intricacies of that - for a big-time introvert like me, it is VERY difficult for me to keep connections. I don't gossip or talk on the phone so people think of me as an selfish a$shole, but you can't be any further from the truth. I care much more about people & what they think than they may realize - I don't know how to express it. I just lack verbal communication skills and I don't know what to talk about with people. Most people don't share the same interests as me (things like physics, philosophy, etc) OR they might & I simply don't know how to start a discussion into deep topics like that.

While I realize the importance of networking & the benefits, I simply lack the confidence to speak to people. I don't know HOW to start a conversation. F*ck being so introverted - I dunno how to help myself :hammerhead:

[sportsfan76]

Networking is who your friends and family KNOW not so much you.

[RidonKs]

Networking is who your friends and family KNOW not so much you.
that's a good point. expanding your network in a brand new capacity is way more difficult than just showing up with a friend of a friend of your mom.

[sportsfan76]

that's a good point. expanding your network in a brand new capacity is way more difficult than just showing up with a friend of a friend of your mom.

The job I was got wasn't because of who I knew, it was because of who my Aunt knew.

[GimmeThat]

unconventionally, I think the process and success of networking has something to do with ratio. Something I'm certain the founder/CEO of facebook or any sociologist would have no problem telling you that.

Whether or not one, or I would enjoy networking?


Ever tried to grade whole cheese or slice it?