1. Justin Hitt Says:
July 7th, 2008 at 5:46 pm e

What you are saying about “shallow-water” relationships is so true. Unfortunately American culture rewards the lone individual (through media and story) over the small organized group.

Thank you for also pointing out the drawbacks of “going at it on your own” as this type of behavior makes building productive relationships difficult.

2. terry Says:
July 13th, 2008 at 7:43 pm e

while a good point to uncover shallow water nature of today’s networking, people forget that meaningful relationships comes from actively sharing common work environment, business, hobbies, activities or friends. The real challenge is how these networks can produce results. Many of us have lots of “connections” on linked-in or “friends” on Facebook, but without active interactions people forget who we are and vice versa. I think the next layer of how to manage our networks in these social networks should be explored. There are tools out there, and they are only as good as the users make them to be.

3. Geri Rockstein Says:
July 13th, 2008 at 8:08 pm e

I really enjoyed the article. Unfortunately the new rule of networking seems to be “who ever has the most, wins”. And the distinction between quality and quantity has been lost in a world that rewards mediocrity.

One of the unfortunate by-products of the Internet is the sheer enormity and anonymity of it. It allows people to reinvent themselves and hide behind a computer screen. There are people on LinkedIn who answer 200 questions a week and proclaim to own and run successful businesses. Anyone can create a fictional profile and take on a new identity. Just last week I found out quite by accident that a client who I had done work for a year and an half ago (he is a partner in a web development business and his role is business development) has recently launched a very elaborate website of approximately 30 - 40 pages declaring himself a lifelong professional content writer. The entire website is a work of fiction as is the new profile that he created on LinkedIn with an entirely reinvented background. However the case study in which he describes in great detail how he got a small web development firm on the front page of google due to spectacularly written SEO content, was in fact my work. I called my lawyer who said I had a slam-dunk case, but that there was nothing to take. This thief has absolutely zero. After I sent the plagiarist an email letting him know that I was on to him, he made subtle, but meaningless changes to the claims in the case study. This person will be networking with others on LinkedIn who are networking in good faith.

How can people establish meaningful relationships on any level based on a lie?

Best regards,

Geri

4. Phil Johnson Says:
July 14th, 2008 at 5:26 am e

The value of a business, or any, relationship is the relationship itself. When you add your capability and resources in a way that increases your client’s you create value for them. This has little to do with products or services. When you use your abilities to solve a problem for someone or enable them to capture an opportunity you earn a level of trust and respect – the relationship deepens. This allows you to create even more and more value.

Your deepest 20 relationships each know 20 people just like them and they each know 20 people like them as well … that’s 8,000 “warm market” contacts within 2 degrees of your best relationships.

We are at our best when we are providing our distinctive value in service to others.

- Phil Johnson, MBL Coach
http://www.MasterofBusinessLeadership.com

– Becoming The Client’s Emotional Favorite

5. Marta Wilson, PhD Says:
July 14th, 2008 at 7:17 pm e

As Dr. Smith describes, networking today supports the evolution of interpersonal junkies. These addicts eagerly anticipate the next rush of adrenaline that comes from entering into a state of pseudo-community (or pseudo-relationship) with total strangers after a mere exchange of business cards. Faulty assumptions are then made about moving on to the next stage of professional relationship before adequate emotional and social bonds are developed. Given no man is an island, the result is a limited ability to be your best, do great things or have meaningful success in business or society. Holistic coaches, like Dr. Smith, help those who are struggling to move beyond addiction to build their professional communities as well as honest business relationships that are sustainable and that matter in the long run.

6. Nancy May Says:
July 15th, 2008 at 4:54 pm e

All you say here is true. I’ve learned through experience that many people “network” to fill the lonely gaps in their life. The C-level executive can’t afford this type of time consuming activity unless there’s a goal in mind for them and the individuals involved.

Recommendation: Network with a focused goal/objective every time. It’s not about how many cards you take home, it’s about the value of the relationships and connections you’ve built. Don’t be abusive, be polite, honest and direct. Get to the point or move on and save the other guy’s time.

It takes time and practice to learn this skill. Once you do, you level of appreciation, respect and the value will increase.

Earl, you’re on target!

7. John Seeley Says:
July 21st, 2008 at 10:52 am e

Great article Chief! This is exactly what I was talking about regarding a person having so many connections via LinkedIn.com and other networking web sites. At a certain point, you don’t really know everyone and then you need to be careful about who is using your name or claiming a relationship with you.