Networking

[bird11]

Hello. I am a frequent visitor of TRF, on and off for many years (usually more on when I pick up a new watch!) A business idea has popped in my head and I was wondering if everyone reading this post wouldn’t mind answering a couple of questions...

1. Do you network on a fairly consistent basis? If so do you enjoy it
or just see it as absolutely necessary in your career/field?

2. Do you use LinkedIn as a networking tool? If so how often? (I’m
in sales and utilize LinkedIn quite frequently)

3. Have you recently, or in the last few years networked while conducting a new job/career search. If so (and if you’d be so kind) what was your experience? Was networking useful or did you find it to be a frustrating, soul crushing experience.

If you’re kind enough to respond with a brief answer I would take it. If you want to share answers in more detail, we’ll that would be great. Either way thank you, it’s a big help as well as a start to something I hope to continue working on.

Have a good evening


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[bird11]

Originally Posted by bird11

Hello. I am a frequent visitor of TRF, on and off for many years (usually more on when I pick up a new watch!) A business idea has popped in my head and I was wondering if everyone reading this post wouldn’t mind answering a couple of questions...

1. Do you network on a fairly consistent basis? If so do you enjoy it
or just see it as absolutely necessary in your career/field?

2. Do you use LinkedIn as a networking tool? If so how often? (I’m
in sales and utilize LinkedIn quite frequently)

3. Have you recently, or in the last few years networked while conducting a new job/career search. If so (and if you’d be so kind) what was your experience? Was networking useful or did you find it to be a frustrating, soul crushing experience.

If you’re kind enough to respond with a brief answer I would take it. If you want to share answers in more detail, we’ll that would be great. Either way thank you, it’s a big help as well as a start to something I hope to continue working on.

Have a good evening


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BTW auto punctuation on my iPad turned “well that would be great into we’ll.


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[superdog]

I’m networking in all things I do.

I spend a lot of time on LinkedIn.

Networking is the lifeblood of my career and business. It is the most important thing I do.

[bird11]

Originally Posted by superdog

I’m networking in all things I do.

I spend a lot of time on LinkedIn.

Networking is the lifeblood of my career and business. It is the most important thing I do.

Thanks!


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[beshannon]

No
No
No

[superdog]

Originally Posted by beshannon

No
No
No

well that was a helpful response.

[~JJ]

I hate networking, seems so forced and awkward for me.

I use LinkedIn to keep track of clients and coworkers, modern Rolodex, but I don't spend time reaching out to influencers.

Networking is recommended in my profession (technical project management), but I've made a conscious decision after many mind numbing conversations that it does not work for my personality type. However, I have managed to be successful (defined by my personal goals) without this tool, but I know it sets me back from faster growth, which is ok.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by beshannon

No
No
No

Rinse and repeat for me.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by superdog

well that was a helpful response.

Well I responded honestly to the questions so the OP can use the info as he wishes.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Well I responded honestly to the questions so the OP can use the info as he wishes.

Fair enough.

[jrs146]

I do a a small amount of networking.

I have LinkedIn but I’ve never found a productive way to use it. It’s all just people soliciting me.

I’ve found networking is a skill. Most people stink at it. I try to focus on relationship building over networking which seems stale and impersonal.


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[Thatguy]

Originally Posted by jrs146

I do a a small amount of networking.

I have LinkedIn but I’ve never found a productive way to use it. It’s all just people soliciting me.

I’ve found networking is a skill. Most people stink at it. I try to focus on relationship building over networking which seems stale and impersonal.


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Similar here. I am in b2b sales in a relatively niche industry. I try to build relationships but don’t use LinkedIn.


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[bird11]

To everyone that has responded so far thank you!


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[ejvette]

Nope

[77T]

I’ve used LinkedIn as I transitioned from business career into retirement and then into Motorsports.

It helped with connections but I find it more useful cementing new acquaintances into connections and champions.

Ultimately people still like to know more about a person first-hand. So as I meet new drivers, team owners, sponsors, leaders, etc - we typically exchange cards or contact info. Within a day or so a personal message via LinkedIn brings that meeting into a connection.

In my old business career I didn’t need more connections - I was the one others needed for references. That’s because I retired just as the recession took hold. I helped dozens with references into new interviews and opportunities.

So it works both ways I think.


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[Blansky]

In my opinion networking is a great idea in a business environment because obviously the more people you know and interact with the better positioned you are.

I’ve never used internet networking other than keeping in touch with people via email that I’ve met in person at association events etc.

That being said constant networkers are often tiring people who are constantly on the make and obvious in their pursuit of that, who we used to call climbers. It’s as annoying as constant marketers like JCB during his Hublot years.

It has that Kardashian effect of over exposure.