"Is Networking The Crack Cocaine Of The Business World?"
This was a great title for an article but does it make sense?
- Is networking addictive?
- Does it add value to anything?
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"Is Networking The Crack Cocaine Of The Business World?" - the original article
13 comments:
I don't know. I haven't tried crack cocaine. Perhaps the author was in a better position to comment?
From observation it appears that networking is an OCD to some. I doubt it adds value. I don't believe face to face contact and a period of time taken to get to know someone can be beaten.
Networking adds value if you begin with the end in mind and are focused on what you want to achieve from attending an event.
I advise securing an attendance list beforehand to enable you to be tactical.
I used to find it addictive when launching my business and was a serial networker - which paid dividends and enabled me to build up a strong SME client base - but not anymore.
Combining networking in the real world with online networking is a powerful and potent formula.
An interesting analogy!
I think networking can be addictive, and indeed people can spend a great deal of time networking and actually not getting on with the real "stuff" (sorry - that isn't meant to be a pun!) that they need to do. Like phoning people, following up, developing effective marketing campaigns etc. I'm sure we all know the professional networker - and wonder if they do actually do any work!
But I also believe that, done correctly, networking can be extremely valuable. And that's all types of networking, both physical and online social networking. It's about doing it right and being selective. Sometimes difficult once you get on the bandwagon.
That's what happens with drugs I suppose. Some people think a little on a social level is ok. (I must stress I'm not one of those people - I'm totally anti drugs) But it is knowing when to stop that is always the problem.
To answer your questions "Does it add Value?", of course Networking does, especially in the financial services business. Without networking, referrals and leads would be hard to come by.
"Does it make sense?" - well I'm sure there are less shocking metaphors that could be used. For instance, "Networking, the Caffeine of the Business World!" or "Networking, the Red Bull of the business world!" or maybe even, "Networking: The Sugar Rush of the business world!"
"Is it addictive?" - I'd say it could be if networking were used as a means of stroking one's ego and it was more about making yourself feel good than trying to secure business opportunities. I think it may be better to say that it should be routine and part of your business plan.
BTW, if you are looking for a great book on networking, try "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. Keith is a master at connecting with people and he has some great insight and processes.
More like a tranquiliser; great for some people, but abused by millions who are either gaining nothing, or doing harm, but assume that it must be doing them good.
Probably in respect of online networking as it is addictive and you cannot help but log in to see if you have any new messages etc but the only saving grace with certain forums such as LinkedIn is that it does allow you to find like minded individuals involved in the same field, and catch up with lost friends/colleagues but quantifying a value is another matter...
I would like to respond but my counsellor is trying to wean me off it!
From my experience the events are usually too large so you end up speaking to people you already know. I haven't really found them a good source of new business.Most of my clients have come from direct mail or speaking to them on the phone. It is hard graft and can take time but I prefer a more direct apporach.
I also know of an IFA who gave up his job becuase he found the local networking events so close knit that he found it impossible to pick up work. He was treated like an outsider.
I suppose it depends who you want to target and for some they probably work but for others a different approach is better.
Provoking ... thanks.
We are talking here about learning new and emerging skills, and also about balance.
It is sensible to balance our lives between delivering value to others and the challenge of learning new skills.
The pace of change today suggests strongly to us that we have to learn new skills to keep up in our chosen fields of practice. But the plethora of choice and technology makes it difficult to select what to do, where to practice it, and most critically, how each skill is put to work productively.
The growth of "how to" articles online right now is no co-incidence.
Addictive aspects to learning new skills include "I won't be beaten", and "Wow, look at all this new stuff".
Ensuring a balance between routine but necessary service delivery and exploratory learning is in fact essential.
Learning new skills is also essential, but doesn't have to be in splendid isolation and totally consuming.
One approach is to find those at the leading edge (the cutting edge is as yet not sufficiently proven), and see what value-exchange can take place to help both move forwards.
There is always a place in learning and in business to stop for a while, and reflect on successes and failures. Adopt useful successes and put non-critical failures to one side for future re-visiting.
As always, we should never blame the tool, always the practitioner !
"Uniting Global Trade & Education"
I think we are heading towards the old "Twitter is for Losers" chestnut. Let's try to avoid it!
Agreed - and no more stalkers for you to deal with!
Yes - no more T4L epics please.
Provoking ... thanks.
We are talking here about learning new and emerging skills, and also about balance.
It is sensible to balance our lives between delivering value to others and the challenge of learning new skills.
The pace of change today suggests strongly to us that we have to learn new skills to keep up in our chosen fields of practice. But the plethora of choice and technology makes it difficult to select what to do, where to practice it, and most critically, how each skill is put to work productively.
The growth of "how to" articles online right now is no co-incidence.
Addictive aspects to learning new skills include "I won't be beaten", and "Wow, look at all this new stuff".
Ensuring a balance between routine but necessary service delivery and exploratory learning is in fact essential.
Learning new skills is also essential, but doesn't have to be in splendid isolation and totally consuming.
One approach is to find those at the leading edge (the cutting edge is as yet not sufficiently proven), and see what value-exchange can take place to help both move forwards.
There is always a place in learning and in business to stop for a while, and reflect on successes and failures. Adopt useful successes and put non-critical failures to one side for future re-visiting.
As always, we should never blame the tool, always the practitioner !
"Uniting Global Trade & Education"
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