What is Networking — Really?

It is my belief that, other than possibly curing a disease, you can accomplish almost anything through networking. If you know with whom you need to speak, where you need to go and what you need to say, you can make tremendous progress. Networking is a gateway to solving problems and meeting the people you need to meet, with everything you do, in every aspect of life.

My definition of networking is a proactive approach to meeting people so that you can learn something and potentially help them.

That’s it! Networking is simply about learning and helping. Not you—them. Let me repeat, not you—them. If you do a great job at learning about the business people you are with and helping them, they will help you right back. That’s what networking is all about! It’s a collaborative effort toward helping one another achieve a goal, whether it’s selling a product or service, landing a job, solving a problem, learning a thing or two about something or meeting the love of your life.

By the way, these are the five primary reasons why people network – to grow a business (promote products and services, recruit, fundraise), to land a job (internships or other career opportunities), to solve a problem (find a realtor or a good painter), to brainstorm or learn something (learn about the real estate market), or to meet friends (a workout partner or your dreamboat).

Networking can happen serendipitously (you meet someone at the airport whom you just happen to connect with) or strategically (at a networking event). Either way, the same definition applies.

Despite all the important reasons why more people should network, there are even more reasons why people don’t (or won’t).  What gets in your way?