Networking isn’t sleazing.
This tip exists for two reasons:
- Don’t be sleazy when you network. You know who you are.
- If you network and are helpful to others rather than collecting business cards to spam later, that is not sleazing.
Have a few nice conversations with people you like.
Look for mavens and connectors and take one with you if you’re a little shy.
Un-focused networking isn’t necessarily what works.
In my experience real networking happens with repeat visits: so promise yourself you’ll go to a monthly event 6 times before you give up. The repeat visitors will remember you and you’ll have stuff in common. I have found more mileage in joining an online group and attending their official conferences: the connections are more frequent because you can get a reputation on Facebook or LinkedIn for example, by posting useful things in the group, and then people already know you because of your posts.
More on networking:
