10 The Real Meaning of “Networking” May Surprise You

While working with clients, I’ve often wished for another word for “networking.” Too often, the term seems to suggest a disingenuous glad-hander, talking too much and passing out business cards to uninterested bystanders.

That’s the image that seemed to hit Jack* when we spoke about ways he could lay the groundwork for a job transition. When I mentioned the benefits of expanding his network, Jack grimaced and said, “I don’t believe in that kind of thing. I’ve already got some real friends, and I’m not going to go to boring industry events just so I can try to make some fake ones.”

Your “network” is a vital, lifelong resource

Your “network” is a complex pattern of interconnecting relationships ...

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