I've usually been of the mind that 'networking' was a dirty word and a thoroughly uncomfortable experience. I came across a primer on networking that turns this assertion on its head. Consider these few paragraphs:
Misner's cardinal rule of networking: "Never, ever ask for anything from someone you've just met, who you don't have any relationship with."
"Networking goes bad when a complete stranger says 'let's do business together, hook me up, etc.... That's not networking, that's direct selling."
Above all, Misner repeats that networking isn't about passing out your business cards or asking people you don't know well for favors.
This site makes clear that networking is about cultivating real relationships....not cold calling people you barely know. The upside: networking is not supposed to be a cold, disingenuous, non-engaging pursuit. The downside: networking is hard work requiring real investment in finding and getting to know the right people.
Check out the rest of the advice at this link:
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-network-like-a-pro-2010-4#why-is-networking-important-1
Cheers,
Akosua
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