Networking needs New Name

Networking is a strange thing...I wish we could give it different names when we do it for different reasons.  I will contact Websters Dictionary and ask them to work on that.  Until that happens, consider the different ways in which you network.

The overall definition is as simple as having casual conversations with people you know to share or retrieve information.  We do this all the time. 

Personal Networking

You are walking through a store and you run into someone you know and you talk with them. You each exchange information. You like someones jacket and you ask them where they got it.  You read a good book and you talk about it.  Your neighbor is out of work and you talk about it.

Professional Networking

You attend a conference or meeting and talk about the latest trends, you talk with coworkers about current issues, you help a customer, you ask a vendor for advice on a new product or service, etc.

We don't think twice about having any of these conversations.  They just happen.  We don't worry about what to say.  In most cases we don't plan what we are going to say. We are polite and say please and thank you.  We don't feel guilty that someone has offered information or help because these conversations(networking encounters) are based on existing relationships, we know what to do.

Networking for New Business

If you have ever been in sales or own a business, you had to prospect for new business and clients and customers. All businesses do it.  You make sure that your name is recognized so you talk about it in meetings, in stores where you shop, etc.  Many businesses focus on good customer service because they know customers will talk about their positive experience.   

Job Seeker Networking

Networking while looking for a job is a totally different animal, yet really shouldn't be.  Remember the definition "having casual conversations with people you know to share or retrieve information".   You are asking for advice or information-not a job. 

If you are still reading this post...thanks for your perserverance.  I've run out of steam and can't get my point across.

Comments

[Ram]

I agree with Hannah to some extent. Although as Mike says there are cross overs where one category of resources leading to other helpful instances, at the same time, at times, it makes (sounds) appropriate to use the right term in respective contexts. Well, at the end of the day, what matters is how I can leverage the contacts and resources I know of. Either it could be to find valuable information i need Or it could be pointing somebody to my known resource if that helps the needy.

Looking at our activities as a Team Work (i know it is easy to say than done), and considering being there and be of some help to the society is what matters, specially, at the moment where if every individual could do something to improve our economy.

just a thought...

[Mike Lally]

Hi. I've been thinking about this post. I don't know if I segment my attempts at networking like this. To me, its all relationship building. I feel like I have a lot of crossover - personal relationships resulting in business leads. Business relationships developing into great friendships. I just look at it as "talking to people".

I think we should call it "linking". I love to a)develop new relationships b) develop old relationships and mostly c) finding the linkages between people that I didn't know existed. Finding the links.

[Miriam Salpeter]

Hannah - Thanks again for your kind comments on my blog! We should network...I mean "have a casual conversations to share or retrieve information." :-)

I can't tell you how many things I've read just this week that suggest a new name for networking! I am going to have to think of a post in response!

I'd love to be in touch and will happily add your blog to my list of blogs to review for inspiration!
Best,
Miriam