Comments on: The Joys and Woes of Networking http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/ Build your business by sharing what you know Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:38:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Willem van der Horst http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7701 Willem van der Horst Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:37:37 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7701 Being in recruitment (soon to change responsibilities, can't wait!), I network quite a lot, actually even more now that I'm working internally than when I was working for a recruitment agency. Sometimes networking has a negative connotation, because of the reasons you've explained so i actually don't even use the term that much, but I see it as you do: first and foremost I'm talking to people and go out intending get something out of it, may it be personal or professional. The most important one of them being to have a good time, and then be ready to be surprised by what you're going to learn, whatever it is, it will be useful. As long as you're interested in talking (and more importantly listening) to the person and forget about your own agenda, you'd be amazed how interesting every single person you meet can be! Being in recruitment (soon to change responsibilities, can’t wait!), I network quite a lot, actually even more now that I’m working internally than when I was working for a recruitment agency. Sometimes networking has a negative connotation, because of the reasons you’ve explained so i actually don’t even use the term that much, but I see it as you do: first and foremost I’m talking to people and go out intending get something out of it, may it be personal or professional.

The most important one of them being to have a good time, and then be ready to be surprised by what you’re going to learn, whatever it is, it will be useful. As long as you’re interested in talking (and more importantly listening) to the person and forget about your own agenda, you’d be amazed how interesting every single person you meet can be!

]]> By: Willem van der Horst http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18883 Willem van der Horst Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:37:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18883 Being in recruitment (soon to change responsibilities, can't wait!), I network quite a lot, actually even more now that I'm working internally than when I was working for a recruitment agency. Sometimes networking has a negative connotation, because of the reasons you've explained so i actually don't even use the term that much, but I see it as you do: first and foremost I'm talking to people and go out intending get something out of it, may it be personal or professional. The most important one of them being to have a good time, and then be ready to be surprised by what you're going to learn, whatever it is, it will be useful. As long as you're interested in talking (and more importantly listening) to the person and forget about your own agenda, you'd be amazed how interesting every single person you meet can be! Being in recruitment (soon to change responsibilities, can’t wait!), I network quite a lot, actually even more now that I’m working internally than when I was working for a recruitment agency. Sometimes networking has a negative connotation, because of the reasons you’ve explained so i actually don’t even use the term that much, but I see it as you do: first and foremost I’m talking to people and go out intending get something out of it, may it be personal or professional.

The most important one of them being to have a good time, and then be ready to be surprised by what you’re going to learn, whatever it is, it will be useful. As long as you’re interested in talking (and more importantly listening) to the person and forget about your own agenda, you’d be amazed how interesting every single person you meet can be!

]]> By: Todd Schager http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7635 Todd Schager Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:35:27 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7635 Nice post Chris, Networking is a tremendously valuable, yet overlooked business tool. When done correctly, it can be incredibly fruitful. A golden networking rule to remember is that 'Networking is a gradual process, not a one time event'. In our instant gratification society, people tend not to want to put in the time and efforts necessary. Networking is not like traditional marketing in the sense of hunting for new customers. Conversely, it can be likened to farming. Just as we need to give the crops water and sunlight, so too must we GIVE to those we network with first, before we can ever expect to bear any fruit prior to a gradual cultivation and trust-building process in the relationship. Whether it be online or offline networking, the process I believe is very much the same. Nice post Chris,

Networking is a tremendously valuable, yet overlooked business tool. When done correctly, it can be incredibly fruitful.

A golden networking rule to remember is that ‘Networking is a gradual process, not a one time event’.

In our instant gratification society, people tend not to want to put in the time and efforts necessary.

Networking is not like traditional marketing in the sense of hunting for new customers. Conversely, it can be likened to farming.

Just as we need to give the crops water and sunlight, so too must we GIVE to those we network with first, before we can ever expect to bear any fruit prior to a gradual cultivation and trust-building process in the relationship.

Whether it be online or offline networking, the process I believe is very much the same.

]]> By: Todd Schager http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18882 Todd Schager Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:35:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18882 Nice post Chris, Networking is a tremendously valuable, yet overlooked business tool. When done correctly, it can be incredibly fruitful. A golden networking rule to remember is that 'Networking is a gradual process, not a one time event'. In our instant gratification society, people tend not to want to put in the time and efforts necessary. Networking is not like traditional marketing in the sense of hunting for new customers. Conversely, it can be likened to farming. Just as we need to give the crops water and sunlight, so too must we GIVE to those we network with first, before we can ever expect to bear any fruit prior to a gradual cultivation and trust-building process in the relationship. Whether it be online or offline networking, the process I believe is very much the same. Nice post Chris,

Networking is a tremendously valuable, yet overlooked business tool. When done correctly, it can be incredibly fruitful.

A golden networking rule to remember is that ‘Networking is a gradual process, not a one time event’.

In our instant gratification society, people tend not to want to put in the time and efforts necessary.

Networking is not like traditional marketing in the sense of hunting for new customers. Conversely, it can be likened to farming.

Just as we need to give the crops water and sunlight, so too must we GIVE to those we network with first, before we can ever expect to bear any fruit prior to a gradual cultivation and trust-building process in the relationship.

Whether it be online or offline networking, the process I believe is very much the same.

]]> By: marti garaughty http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7631 marti garaughty Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:09:05 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7631 Hi Chris... your post is very timely for me. The online socializing thing is something I'm trying to get under control as we speak. I'm in the process of launching another website, a new blog, I have an active marketing group for realtors with 4600+ subscribers and a ton of invites each week to be someone's "friend" on everything from LinkedIn and Plaxo to Facebook. I do appreciate and value the networking possibilities since we never know where our next client or marketing partner might come from but... it eats up a lot of time. I guess most of us working on the net are in the same boat. I'm trying to consolidate everything down to a few major meeting places with links on some of the other social networks pointing people back to my main hubs. Basically I'm trying to focus on what works best while still making time for a life in the real world. Not easy but... Hi Chris… your post is very timely for me. The online socializing thing is something I’m trying to get under control as we speak.

I’m in the process of launching another website, a new blog, I have an active marketing group for realtors with 4600+ subscribers and a ton of invites each week to be someone’s “friend” on everything from LinkedIn and Plaxo to Facebook.

I do appreciate and value the networking possibilities since we never know where our next client or marketing partner might come from but… it eats up a lot of time.

I guess most of us working on the net are in the same boat. I’m trying to consolidate everything down to a few major meeting places with links on some of the other social networks pointing people back to my main hubs.

Basically I’m trying to focus on what works best while still making time for a life in the real world. Not easy but…

]]> By: marti garaughty http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18881 marti garaughty Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:09:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18881 Hi Chris... your post is very timely for me. The online socializing thing is something I'm trying to get under control as we speak. I'm in the process of launching another website, a new blog, I have an active marketing group for realtors with 4600+ subscribers and a ton of invites each week to be someone's "friend" on everything from LinkedIn and Plaxo to Facebook. I do appreciate and value the networking possibilities since we never know where our next client or marketing partner might come from but... it eats up a lot of time. I guess most of us working on the net are in the same boat. I'm trying to consolidate everything down to a few major meeting places with links on some of the other social networks pointing people back to my main hubs. Basically I'm trying to focus on what works best while still making time for a life in the real world. Not easy but... Hi Chris… your post is very timely for me. The online socializing thing is something I’m trying to get under control as we speak.

I’m in the process of launching another website, a new blog, I have an active marketing group for realtors with 4600+ subscribers and a ton of invites each week to be someone’s “friend” on everything from LinkedIn and Plaxo to Facebook.

I do appreciate and value the networking possibilities since we never know where our next client or marketing partner might come from but… it eats up a lot of time.

I guess most of us working on the net are in the same boat. I’m trying to consolidate everything down to a few major meeting places with links on some of the other social networks pointing people back to my main hubs.

Basically I’m trying to focus on what works best while still making time for a life in the real world. Not easy but…

]]> By: Scott http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7613 Scott Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:21:27 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7613 Networking is what I have spent the past week doing the most I'd say. It has taken up more time then I would have ever thought. I think one of the reasons is because that their are so many different sites that everyone uses it easily becomes overwhelming for me too keep up with it all. Today for example I just got online now and its 10:30PM and I still need to post on my blog, network, bookmark, and also do some of my freelance writing jobs.. It really becomes crazy and I think the networking is so much fun that I spend too much time most days on that aspect instead of getting ahead on future work so I have days like today where I don't need to pop on at 10:30 to get stuff done. Networking is what I have spent the past week doing the most I’d say. It has taken up more time then I would have ever thought. I think one of the reasons is because that their are so many different sites that everyone uses it easily becomes overwhelming for me too keep up with it all. Today for example I just got online now and its 10:30PM and I still need to post on my blog, network, bookmark, and also do some of my freelance writing jobs.. It really becomes crazy and I think the networking is so much fun that I spend too much time most days on that aspect instead of getting ahead on future work so I have days like today where I don’t need to pop on at 10:30 to get stuff done.

]]> By: Scott http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18880 Scott Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:21:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18880 Networking is what I have spent the past week doing the most I'd say. It has taken up more time then I would have ever thought. I think one of the reasons is because that their are so many different sites that everyone uses it easily becomes overwhelming for me too keep up with it all. Today for example I just got online now and its 10:30PM and I still need to post on my blog, network, bookmark, and also do some of my freelance writing jobs.. It really becomes crazy and I think the networking is so much fun that I spend too much time most days on that aspect instead of getting ahead on future work so I have days like today where I don't need to pop on at 10:30 to get stuff done. Networking is what I have spent the past week doing the most I’d say. It has taken up more time then I would have ever thought. I think one of the reasons is because that their are so many different sites that everyone uses it easily becomes overwhelming for me too keep up with it all. Today for example I just got online now and its 10:30PM and I still need to post on my blog, network, bookmark, and also do some of my freelance writing jobs.. It really becomes crazy and I think the networking is so much fun that I spend too much time most days on that aspect instead of getting ahead on future work so I have days like today where I don’t need to pop on at 10:30 to get stuff done.

]]> By: Tomoso http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7612 Tomoso Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:06:46 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7612 Chris, your post is a timely reminder of just how easy it is to become seduced by the contacts that are non-authentic. Knowing yourself and what makes you tick appears to be one way of being focused on what you want out of networking as well as what you want to contribute to the online communicty. Being authentic is certainly the key, however, for many of us this is difficult as we don't really know what our authentic self is like. We tend to 'perform' in each situation to meet what others expect from us or what we 'read' to be the needs of the situation. The way out of this charade is likely to be achieved by using your networking 'rules' to become smart in developing genuine relationships. Chris, your post is a timely reminder of just how easy it is to become seduced by the contacts that are non-authentic. Knowing yourself and what makes you tick appears to be one way of being focused on what you want out of networking as well as what you want to contribute to the online communicty. Being authentic is certainly the key, however, for many of us this is difficult as we don’t really know what our authentic self is like. We tend to ‘perform’ in each situation to meet what others expect from us or what we ‘read’ to be the needs of the situation. The way out of this charade is likely to be achieved by using your networking ‘rules’ to become smart in developing genuine relationships.

]]> By: Tomoso http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18879 Tomoso Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:06:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18879 Chris, your post is a timely reminder of just how easy it is to become seduced by the contacts that are non-authentic. Knowing yourself and what makes you tick appears to be one way of being focused on what you want out of networking as well as what you want to contribute to the online communicty. Being authentic is certainly the key, however, for many of us this is difficult as we don't really know what our authentic self is like. We tend to 'perform' in each situation to meet what others expect from us or what we 'read' to be the needs of the situation. The way out of this charade is likely to be achieved by using your networking 'rules' to become smart in developing genuine relationships. Chris, your post is a timely reminder of just how easy it is to become seduced by the contacts that are non-authentic. Knowing yourself and what makes you tick appears to be one way of being focused on what you want out of networking as well as what you want to contribute to the online communicty. Being authentic is certainly the key, however, for many of us this is difficult as we don’t really know what our authentic self is like. We tend to ‘perform’ in each situation to meet what others expect from us or what we ‘read’ to be the needs of the situation. The way out of this charade is likely to be achieved by using your networking ‘rules’ to become smart in developing genuine relationships.

]]> By: Mike http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7611 Mike Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:03:53 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7611 Chris: I find that online networking is about like any sort of networking, except that the potential coverage is so much larger. That seems to make the good parts better and the undesirable parts more challenging. As I writer for many years, I have many contacts, from editors and other writers to experts in the fields that I cover as well as PR people who handle companies in the fields that I cover. Some turn into real friends. Others act like real friends until a job ends, and then they hardly know who you are. Others still always keep some distance, no matter who long I work with them. My approach has always been simple: No matter what is on the table, find a nice way to discuss it. That philosophy does not always get returned, but at least I know that I tried to keep the conversation civil and polite. Of course, I've also had times when being civil is not so easy on my end either. So goes the networking balance. Chris: I find that online networking is about like any sort of networking, except that the potential coverage is so much larger. That seems to make the good parts better and the undesirable parts more challenging.

As I writer for many years, I have many contacts, from editors and other writers to experts in the fields that I cover as well as PR people who handle companies in the fields that I cover. Some turn into real friends. Others act like real friends until a job ends, and then they hardly know who you are. Others still always keep some distance, no matter who long I work with them.

My approach has always been simple: No matter what is on the table, find a nice way to discuss it. That philosophy does not always get returned, but at least I know that I tried to keep the conversation civil and polite. Of course, I’ve also had times when being civil is not so easy on my end either. So goes the networking balance.

]]> By: Mike http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18878 Mike Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:03:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18878 Chris: I find that online networking is about like any sort of networking, except that the potential coverage is so much larger. That seems to make the good parts better and the undesirable parts more challenging. As I writer for many years, I have many contacts, from editors and other writers to experts in the fields that I cover as well as PR people who handle companies in the fields that I cover. Some turn into real friends. Others act like real friends until a job ends, and then they hardly know who you are. Others still always keep some distance, no matter who long I work with them. My approach has always been simple: No matter what is on the table, find a nice way to discuss it. That philosophy does not always get returned, but at least I know that I tried to keep the conversation civil and polite. Of course, I've also had times when being civil is not so easy on my end either. So goes the networking balance. Chris: I find that online networking is about like any sort of networking, except that the potential coverage is so much larger. That seems to make the good parts better and the undesirable parts more challenging.

As I writer for many years, I have many contacts, from editors and other writers to experts in the fields that I cover as well as PR people who handle companies in the fields that I cover. Some turn into real friends. Others act like real friends until a job ends, and then they hardly know who you are. Others still always keep some distance, no matter who long I work with them.

My approach has always been simple: No matter what is on the table, find a nice way to discuss it. That philosophy does not always get returned, but at least I know that I tried to keep the conversation civil and polite. Of course, I’ve also had times when being civil is not so easy on my end either. So goes the networking balance.

]]> By: Jason Jacobsohn http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7610 Jason Jacobsohn Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:58:32 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7610 Great post Chris. Networking (mostly offline) is something that I have doing for years. Most opportunities (jobs, sales, partnerships, etc.) come from relatioship building. While online tools are great for networking, I believe that face to face time is also very important. I use tools like LinkedIn to manage my network after I get to know people in person. LinkedIn is interesting because you can see who is connected to who in your network. You never know when you may need to leverage those relationships. For me, I have met most of my contacts at networking events. For the ones that I connect with and like, I build relationships over the long term through events, newsletters, personal Website, and inviting people to breakfast or lunch. It takes time and discipline but well worth the effort. Many opportunities have presented themselves to me because of networking. Lastly, you need to provide value to people so give them relevant information, connect them to people, and constantly find ways to help. Great post Chris. Networking (mostly offline) is something that I have doing for years. Most opportunities (jobs, sales, partnerships, etc.) come from relatioship building. While online tools are great for networking, I believe that face to face time is also very important. I use tools like LinkedIn to manage my network after I get to know people in person. LinkedIn is interesting because you can see who is connected to who in your network. You never know when you may need to leverage those relationships. For me, I have met most of my contacts at networking events. For the ones that I connect with and like, I build relationships over the long term through events, newsletters, personal Website, and inviting people to breakfast or lunch. It takes time and discipline but well worth the effort. Many opportunities have presented themselves to me because of networking. Lastly, you need to provide value to people so give them relevant information, connect them to people, and constantly find ways to help.

]]> By: Jason Jacobsohn http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18877 Jason Jacobsohn Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:58:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18877 Great post Chris. Networking (mostly offline) is something that I have doing for years. Most opportunities (jobs, sales, partnerships, etc.) come from relatioship building. While online tools are great for networking, I believe that face to face time is also very important. I use tools like LinkedIn to manage my network after I get to know people in person. LinkedIn is interesting because you can see who is connected to who in your network. You never know when you may need to leverage those relationships. For me, I have met most of my contacts at networking events. For the ones that I connect with and like, I build relationships over the long term through events, newsletters, personal Website, and inviting people to breakfast or lunch. It takes time and discipline but well worth the effort. Many opportunities have presented themselves to me because of networking. Lastly, you need to provide value to people so give them relevant information, connect them to people, and constantly find ways to help. Great post Chris. Networking (mostly offline) is something that I have doing for years. Most opportunities (jobs, sales, partnerships, etc.) come from relatioship building. While online tools are great for networking, I believe that face to face time is also very important. I use tools like LinkedIn to manage my network after I get to know people in person. LinkedIn is interesting because you can see who is connected to who in your network. You never know when you may need to leverage those relationships. For me, I have met most of my contacts at networking events. For the ones that I connect with and like, I build relationships over the long term through events, newsletters, personal Website, and inviting people to breakfast or lunch. It takes time and discipline but well worth the effort. Many opportunities have presented themselves to me because of networking. Lastly, you need to provide value to people so give them relevant information, connect them to people, and constantly find ways to help.

]]> By: George http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7609 George Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:30:21 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7609 Great post Chris, I stumbled it. I think you have to be very careful about getting caught up in networking. I wrote a post last month about the dangers of social networking. My biggest problem was how time consuming it became. Obviously, it can be too self serving which is equally bad. I come across many people who do the same thing in person... go into relationships only seeking what's in it for them. In other words, this isn't just an online issue. Great post Chris, I stumbled it.

I think you have to be very careful about getting caught up in networking. I wrote a post last month about the dangers of social networking. My biggest problem was how time consuming it became.

Obviously, it can be too self serving which is equally bad. I come across many people who do the same thing in person… go into relationships only seeking what’s in it for them. In other words, this isn’t just an online issue.

]]> By: George http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18876 George Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:30:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18876 Great post Chris, I stumbled it. I think you have to be very careful about getting caught up in networking. I wrote a post last month about the dangers of social networking. My biggest problem was how time consuming it became. Obviously, it can be too self serving which is equally bad. I come across many people who do the same thing in person... go into relationships only seeking what's in it for them. In other words, this isn't just an online issue. Great post Chris, I stumbled it.

I think you have to be very careful about getting caught up in networking. I wrote a post last month about the dangers of social networking. My biggest problem was how time consuming it became.

Obviously, it can be too self serving which is equally bad. I come across many people who do the same thing in person… go into relationships only seeking what’s in it for them. In other words, this isn’t just an online issue.

]]> By: Coffee Man http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7606 Coffee Man Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:12:44 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7606 Chris, Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your newsletter - I am amazed that you have time to do this daily article, I am still struggling to build up volume of visitors genuinely [as opposed to some of the tricks that people brag about ] Being very new to this I realise I have a lot to learn! Chris,
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your newsletter – I am amazed that you have time to do this daily article, I am still struggling to build up volume of visitors genuinely [as opposed to some of the tricks that people brag about ]
Being very new to this I realise I have a lot to learn!

]]> By: Coffee Man http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18875 Coffee Man Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:12:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18875 Chris, Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your newsletter - I am amazed that you have time to do this daily article, I am still struggling to build up volume of visitors genuinely [as opposed to some of the tricks that people brag about ] Being very new to this I realise I have a lot to learn! Chris,
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your newsletter – I am amazed that you have time to do this daily article, I am still struggling to build up volume of visitors genuinely [as opposed to some of the tricks that people brag about ]
Being very new to this I realise I have a lot to learn!

]]> By: Ryan http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7605 Ryan Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:11:54 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-7605 I'm an aweful networker. I like discussion, but even in real life I'm pretty lame when it comes to being friendly. (I'm usually a total jerk!) I believe it's a great way to grow your blog though--can't deny it. Can't deny the amount of life it sucks from my body either. I try to do what I can, but I can only convince myself to do it if I'm really sincere about what I'm saying or if I'm really passionate about the subject and feel I have something to contribute. Otherwise, I keep my mouth shut; that way, I have less chance of sounding like a complete moron. I’m an aweful networker. I like discussion, but even in real life I’m pretty lame when it comes to being friendly. (I’m usually a total jerk!) I believe it’s a great way to grow your blog though–can’t deny it. Can’t deny the amount of life it sucks from my body either. I try to do what I can, but I can only convince myself to do it if I’m really sincere about what I’m saying or if I’m really passionate about the subject and feel I have something to contribute. Otherwise, I keep my mouth shut; that way, I have less chance of sounding like a complete moron.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18874 Ryan Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:11:00 +0000 http://www.chrisg.com/the-joys-and-woes-of-networking/#comment-18874 I'm an aweful networker. I like discussion, but even in real life I'm pretty lame when it comes to being friendly. (I'm usually a total jerk!) I believe it's a great way to grow your blog though--can't deny it. Can't deny the amount of life it sucks from my body either. I try to do what I can, but I can only convince myself to do it if I'm really sincere about what I'm saying or if I'm really passionate about the subject and feel I have something to contribute. Otherwise, I keep my mouth shut; that way, I have less chance of sounding like a complete moron. I’m an aweful networker. I like discussion, but even in real life I’m pretty lame when it comes to being friendly. (I’m usually a total jerk!) I believe it’s a great way to grow your blog though–can’t deny it. Can’t deny the amount of life it sucks from my body either. I try to do what I can, but I can only convince myself to do it if I’m really sincere about what I’m saying or if I’m really passionate about the subject and feel I have something to contribute. Otherwise, I keep my mouth shut; that way, I have less chance of sounding like a complete moron.

]]>