networking:
… an activity during which two or more people make contact and engage in purposeful information exchange, especially as related to building or maintaining relationships; the purpose for which a network of contacts exists. Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA, states the following while indicating that to network is to interact and communicate: (Networking is) … hard work but it is done anyway because we all need mutual assistance and support (source of quote). We (who we are) might add that to a great extent networking success in business is the result of effective follow-up.
The following rule-of-thumb applies to business networking: When meeting someone for the first time, especially in a group, and seeking to build a working relationship, a business developer typically has 20 seconds or less to hold the contact's attention. Explain what you do in a manner that prompts questions (source of quote).
![.network logo [introduction]](../../../images/nwlemb130.gif){kind=small} |
What is amicable networking?
The expression refers to engaging is a purposeful information exchange as it occurs within the context of building or maintaining relationships in a friendly, informal manner. The amicable networker avoids giving the impression of having an exaggerated sense of self-importance.
Ben Franklin once said ... (to avoid becoming an amicable networker you must) by all means prevent the shining of others, for their Brightness may make yours the less distinguish'd (source of quote).
The Network refers to amicable networking in its instructions to potential mission contacts who seek to register with its contact directory database. In that context, the name of the founder of The Network is used below to show how making an introduction of oneself in an amicable manner compares to that of strictly business and formal.
| Formal: Mr. Robert Edward Glover |
| Business Formal: Robert E. Glover (online directory page) |
| Business: Robert (Bob) Glover (personal webpage) |
| Amicable: Bob Glover (business card) |
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