I know a number of people who have an issue with the concept of networking.
I won’t lie, I’m sometimes one of them.
Connecting with people over social media can take a lot of the sting out of networking, but I don’t think it ever really substitutes for interacting with people. To be honest, since I’ve started getting out and about for more in-person interaction in my field, I’ve had more happening in the last 6 months than I’ve had in the year previously with just social media.
Not to sell social media short. I know a number of people who have accomplished amazing things with social media. I just think that adding the element of personal interaction helps anchor the relationship you build and gives them a foundation to grow further. Let’s face it, we’ve interacted in person for thousands of years, we’re not going to move to a completely online species overnight.
So, I think I’ll continue with this strategy of getting out and about. Don’t get me wrong, it can also be a pain. It means more late nights and longer days, but the end result seems to be a richer and more exciting life!
I agree that it can be a pain sometimes, but the benefits of doing so are immeasurable. I find it hard since I am shy, but I always remind myself that by doing things that are uncomfortable, it is forcing me to grow and be a better person.
Don @ Breath of Optimism recently posted..Motivational Quotes – March 3, 2013
I’ve found that social media has led to in-person interactions for me, actually. I’ve been invited to conferences, gotten to know people I wouldn’t normally talk to and even met some other local bloggers on more than one occasion.
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