Many small business people have gone to Chamber of Commerce meetings in their local city and they have done real networking with individuals that are in their community.
They make friends, they make contacts, and they often share customers, suppliers, and ideas for making their businesses better, stronger and more recession proof.
It is incredible how well networking works.
Often people who are in small business that volunteer at a nonprofit group in the local community will note that they meet people that they would really need to know, but would have normally never met had they not got involved in the local service projects.
This is why many people join the Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimists, Elks, or other service clubs in their town.
This sort of networking is great for anyone who is a professional, small business owner, or runs a nonprofit group and is looking for donations from other businesses.
They often say it is all about who you know, not what you know.
In fact there was a very interesting book in the 80s called; "What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School.
" It basically stated that it is more important the contacts you make and the people you get work with, then your ability, talents and skills in your industry.
In walks social networking.
With social networking we are told that you could make the same types of contacts and meet people that can help you in your life and you can meet people with similar hobbies, concepts, businesses, and ideas.
Is this really true, does it work as good is real networking in the real world? The answer is No it currently doesn't, but this new generation seems to be taking off and running with it, so maybe in the future it might actually be just as good as real networking.
Still, if you think you can dismiss real networking in your community for social networking you are mistaken.
Please consider all this.