It is two or more people working towards their mutual benefit. Those benefits could be business. But those benefits generally go well beyond that.
- Information (job openings, recommendations, problem solving ideas).
- Introductions (clients, vendors, employees, employers, colleagues and life-long friends).
- Time & Support (encouragement, a sympathtic ear, assistance of all kinds).
LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS OR DEFINITION OF NETWORKING!
… connecting with others, for the purpose of connecting others.
The best networking results occur when my focus is helping others, rather than gaining new contacts or business myself. If I am always listening for a way to connect this new acquaintance with an existing acquaintance, networking is more likely to produce those magic connections that we’re all hoping for.