Networking- For business or for pleasure?

The power of relationships established through networking has definitely benefited me as an individual. I secured my current internship through a ‘second-degree’ level of contact as LinkedIn would describe it. Having tirelessly searched for internships on Indeed, my Business school career site amongst other job sites, I almost gave up on the job search. However, I got referral from someone I met in a social gathering. Likewise, my pre-MBA job was also secured through referral from a friend.

However, this week, an interesting article - The Savvy Networker caught my attention. On reading the article, I discovered that the article basically highlights mistakes of individuals on perceived connotation of networking from the business/Job search perspective. It tactically eludes the social aspect to networking. This brings up the question in my mind why networking is often perceived only from the professional/ job search perspective.

Drawing from the examples of my pre-MBA job and current internship which were secured through ‘Social networking’ contacts, it is evident that professional networks can be built or established even from social networking. However, many people tend to distinctly differentiate between the two thereby missing the opportunity of achieving professional networking benefits though social networking activities. Making deliberate attempts to build professional contacts might not be enough.... That happy, cheerful and ‘unimportant’ barber you visit twice a month might just be your link to landing you a dream job if the CEO of the prospect firm is his customer. In my opinion, there’s just a grey area between social and professional networking. Think about it!