Having grown up with a keen interest in business, I remember the word “networking” being thrown around as some sort of sacred word. This was frequently followed by the mantra ‘it’s not what you know it’s who you know’. In my sixth form college, we would have yearly ‘Networking Days’ where people from different industries would visit and we would have the opportunity to speak to them for a few minutes whilst gaining their contact details. Ta da! Networking… simple as that.
However, there has recently been a lot of discussion on the topic of networking. In an article for The Times, Libby Purves described networking as “horridly overhyped”. She also highlighted the point that just 20 years ago it was considered rude and shifty to use relatives or friends to climb the professional ladder or to get ahead in your career. Nowadays, this is seen as normal. In fact, it is celebrated and defines ‘professional networking’. This raises the question, is networking negatively impacting our relationships? Are our friendships being devalued as a result?
In a podcast, Scott Gerber (CEO of The Community Company) introduces the concept of a ‘superconnecter’. He argues that networking is broken as it has become short-term and superficial. Superconnections are the opposite. This refers to a new way of thinking; making deep genuine connections with a mutual desire to give back. Many ‘networkers’ tend to dismiss people they consider invaluable, and latch onto those they believe they can benefit from. Having a more authentic relationship, however, has proven to lead to greater success.
Reflecting on this, it is clear to me that the way I perceived networking back in college was, in fact, a very superficial way of gaining connections and links. Furthermore, it has made me determined to make genuine connections with people throughout my university life and also in my future career.
Image credited Morgan Consulting Resources
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