Is Networking a Waste of Time?

I got into a huge argument last week with one of my biz partners who said we should start spending more time networking. Like attend 3 events a week. Ugh.

This isn’t bad advice. But I’ve gone down that road before. I used to be on boards and committees, planning events, meeting, greeting and promoting every chance I got. I was the president of my BNI chapter, organizer with Toastmasters, and of course involved with the Chamber and a variety of marketing, women’s, and coaching groups.

Networking can become a full-time job if you’re not careful. And I’m not convinced the payoff is worth it. That may be because I live in a big city, so every event is a new adventure of meeting people I’ve never seen, connecting Jane with Joe, and finding the centers of influence.

I envy small-towners who can rocket to big fish status in a few months.

Of course I’ll keep at it. Networking can be fun. Meeting new people, building rapport, trying out new approaches and elevator speeches…and years ago my first marketing coach told me it was a great way to get a date! Truth is…I have more fun and success making cold calls. But that may just be me.