I find that many people confuse “networking” with “prospecting”.

Often, when people say they´re “networking”, they´re actually “prospecting” — in other words, looking specifically for prospective customers and treating everyone they meet as a prospect.

So it´s not surprising that some people are uncomfortable or squeamish about “networking”. They´ve probably either been on the receiving end of “prospecting”; or they think that that´s what “networking” really is and that´s what they must do. Or worse: both!

Srirupa Dasgupta
http://www.EffortlessNetworking.com

I can’t help to read and re-read that post many times…I’m not kidding.

If only everyone of us network the right way rather than trying to sell each other stuff the moment we meet whether physically or online, spamming would be a thing of the past

Warmly,
Roger

Great question you asked — it’s something I’ve given thought to and have commented on in the past.

In my humble opinion, I would say it’s not as much that the type of services you mentioned have changed the way folks network (aside from the obvious fact that they can make keeping in touch easier) per se as the way in which they’ve helped to bring everyone “closer together” (i.e. things like physical location, and other common barriers to making an initial contact in the past aren’t near the issue they once were).

Certainly the features these sites offer can be very helpful in keeping up with what’s happening in the lives of those who are members of our network. Yet, it’s still about creating quality relationships. If there’s one thing I see (fortunately not that often) that some folks do wrong is to view things from a point of quantity vs. quality. Meaning, they think it’s about having this massive number of people who are connected to them, as opposed to focusing on building real relationships with those that they connect with.

Obviously, just because you’ve met someone, doesn’t mean you’ve built rapport, or loyalty with that particular person. What you have is a new acquaintance. It’s at this point where one needs to focus on building up value in the other persons eyes if they want to develop a lasting connection with that person, and in turn gain from the benefit of having another in their “network”.

In summary, I’d say that the services you mentioned can be terrific tools for meeting new connections, and of course in building stronger connections with those same folks. However it’s the work that one puts into building the relationship that will make the difference. I’d also say that meeting folks in person, at events, via blogs (we’re doing that right now ), forums, etc. are also excellent sources for networking/connecting with others.

No matter what resource a person uses, the ideas for building and creating value for oneself in the eyes of another is the key to building a strong and lasting network.

Happy networking, Josh Hinds