Networking, not social networking

Many professionals now have LinkedIn accounts. Sending invites and accepting invites seems as easy as a click. This is the purpose of the Website, right? One would think so but when sometime you sent an invite to someone you do know, then something interesting happened. For example, you may get questions like should you or I send the invite first? How many connections have you had? Can I not accept the invite? Or you get nothing.

You would never think this is so unexpected, right? People may think social networking a barrier to social. Then, we may ask, what is networking? what to network? how to network? particular rules in different professions?

Here are some thoughts and observations from others to these questions:

• Don't worry the tool or the medium. Focus on the relationship. Facial engagement has nothing comparable to setting the foundation right. Instead of sending/accepting cold invites, develop a reason for making contact and recursive conversations.
• Try to network different types of person more than the same type of person as you. For example, professionals are more introverted and technically focused while businessmen/entrepreneurs are more emotional. Skill sets connecting to these two groups like sky and earth. But do try to reach out the other side.
• Regardless what tool is used, the one really counts is identifying what is important to the ones you try to connect. If find something is helpful to them, send them timely. Same as finding a reason to connect.
• There may be status conscious for different professionals. Bring an edge and creativity to the table or instant message or whatever to differentiate you.
• If being rejected, keep trying. One veteran sales person put it in this way: people have become very sophisticated at rejecting your and testing you. Try another reason to network with them, on business level and personal level.
• Don't treat conversations, message exchanges pure information gathering or data distribution. Social networking tools have broken everything down except brought more authenticity to networking. Be sincere.

Finally, it is never an end to networking. Keep learning.