[asanwal]

The problem is most networking is rudderless. The "networker" often doesn't have a plan or agenda and isn't thinking about what's in it for the other person.

Also, networking is an activity vs. progress trap, i.e., networking can feel like you did something useful (yay - new LinkeIn connection) even if that networking doesn't have any clear or discernible benefit to your startup. There are a lot of folks "playing business" vs. actually running a business in startup land and those folks are often networkers extraordinaire as it makes them feel like they are doing something to advance their cause.

[ChuckMcM]

This comment really resonates. I've met so many people want to "network" but don't know why. I try to explain to them that "networking" is the action you do while your blocked on some goal, and you are trying to make progress to that goal.

So if you're stuck trying to reach small business owners you "network" out to find some small business owners to talk to and figure out how others reach them, how they decide who to listen to, and what gets them to buy. It's a means, not the goal.

Too many folks look at it like a "score" system, "Oh look, I've got 400 friends!"

But actual networking, when done with an intent, has two sides. You and the person you are networking with know they are doing you a favor by helping them out, in all likelyhood either they felt like they owed you a favor or you are someone they might want something from in the future. It's not "friendship" it's "business." And if you abuse your connections with someone don't be surprised if they stop "networking" with you.