Networking for the sake of networking is in my opinion a waste of time, money and energy. When I network I am:
- Doing it to contribute to the business / community I’m involved in
- Doing it to stay current
- Doing it with positive proactive people so when I leave we all feel more empowered

Also when it comes to selling to top level executives we need to understand how they think, and what is of interest to them if we want to gain rapport and connect with them. Networking in other social circles will give us other benefits but will not provide that insight.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Shane Gibson

BTW – There are lots of networking events ie Blogger Meetups, Technology Events, Skiing Groups I go to for personal satisfaction and not to meet or connect with CEO’s. This was a podcast about “Selling to Vito”

Your saying that if you want to market to CEO’s you have to go to the event that they go to. Maybe true, but then when you are CEO you’ll be going to those event.

I don’t completely agree that you have to and I think a lot of people don’t want to attend some, or all, of these events.

Should you get out and meet people? Yes. But why should I go to a “networking” event where people are putting on a front when I can go meet people I share interest with and don’t have to feel like I’m working.

I’m sure “networking” event don’t help the burn out!

My thoughts are pertly half baked, mostly knee jerk as I have JUST finished listening. I might be back with more.