The new sales paradigm is all about 'social' selling. Sales through your influenced network. However, any basic B-School will start hamming the word 'networking' and its amazing power within minutes of enrollment.
Now, networking no doubt is a very powerful concept. I am in no way disputing that you are most likely to close a deal within that power circle you cultivated. However, context & continuity is very important. I have observed people mesh in like ants at blind networking events, carrying out really shallow conversations with a multitude of people in what appears a really rehearsed and boring (err almost mechanical) manner. I often roam like a recluse, observing. I would not be pleased at being jammed by Mr. Heavy Hitter who's on a mission to schmooze all 40,000 delegates at a conference. I'd rather invest in 10 conversations with people or situations that I genuinely find interesting (the context) and hopefully find good reason to connect with 2-3 people on a semi-regular basis (the continuity).
I guess I'm just weary of the number of mixers and "networking" events that have become oh-so-popular. Genuinely nice people seem coerced to behave like complete jackasses because they're on this ginormous mission to connect with the whole world in one go. Breathe. Remember the quality over quantity debate? Also, add to that preparedness and research. Have something intelligent to convey to the people you choose to 'network' with. Sports and political affiliations will only get you that far in a conversation.
You will attract great people and conversations. It just takes a lot of restraint and a trickle of patience.
Go Fish! Go network...
Now, networking no doubt is a very powerful concept. I am in no way disputing that you are most likely to close a deal within that power circle you cultivated. However, context & continuity is very important. I have observed people mesh in like ants at blind networking events, carrying out really shallow conversations with a multitude of people in what appears a really rehearsed and boring (err almost mechanical) manner. I often roam like a recluse, observing. I would not be pleased at being jammed by Mr. Heavy Hitter who's on a mission to schmooze all 40,000 delegates at a conference. I'd rather invest in 10 conversations with people or situations that I genuinely find interesting (the context) and hopefully find good reason to connect with 2-3 people on a semi-regular basis (the continuity).
I guess I'm just weary of the number of mixers and "networking" events that have become oh-so-popular. Genuinely nice people seem coerced to behave like complete jackasses because they're on this ginormous mission to connect with the whole world in one go. Breathe. Remember the quality over quantity debate? Also, add to that preparedness and research. Have something intelligent to convey to the people you choose to 'network' with. Sports and political affiliations will only get you that far in a conversation.
You will attract great people and conversations. It just takes a lot of restraint and a trickle of patience.
Go Fish! Go network...
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