Having you with us would have been one hellva a HOOT. While the energy from that group was wonderful, I’m positively sure that your presence would have added incredible overall excitement. It’s only a matter of time, Phil, before our paths cross and we meet in person. And that will be a day to remember, for sure.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Like I mentioned in my post, it’s a matter of perception and I’m glad to see that you believe the word “networking” can be a positive one. You’re right!

I prefer to use the word “relationship building” because that feels better for me. If you like “networking,” then that’s GREAT.

I’m all for personal opionions of others - it’s like how some people don’t like the word “God” but prefer to use another word that means the same thing like “higher power” or “the universe” or something of that nature. We all have different preferences when choosing a word to describe the same thing.

Cheers! Thanks again for participating - I love it when people contribute different thoughts - that’s why I have comments open for all to contribute.

Stephen

When the word “networking” comes up, the first thing appears in my mind what it means is that friends informing another to help one find a job, a place to live, etc. I feel this type of networking is positive, not negative or dirty.

Like you mentioned before, we can’t reach our goals by ourselves; there are always people who help us along the way.

You’re absolutely 100 percent right when you say that sometimes we try “too hard” to make things work. When that happens, the person doing it puts up energy blocks that stall or impede progress and the person wonders why. When you set an intention, take appropriate action, it’s important to let go and let God. There’s a great sense of freedom in letting your energy flow easily and effortlessly.

That’s how the decision to attend this blogger gathering felt - it felt good - natural and therefore I went without any agenda other than to enjoy myself with a good cup of coffee.

Glad to have you back here commenting at Adversity University!

Isn’t it interesting how the meaning of that word transformed itself over the years in the manner you just described?

Like I mentioned at the beginning of the article, it’s all a matter of perception. I am choosing to believe the word is “dirty” and prefer “relationship building.” Someone else reading this might disagree and that’s cool because everyone has different ways of perceiving things through their own lens of experience, belief system and background.

It was great meeting you at the blogger event and I look forward to some more down the road. In fact, I have an idea that I think would be a lot of fun and I’ll figure out a way to pose the idea to the group.

Networking certainly was not a VERB in those days.

Networking can have a negative connotation.
For me, as with all life connections, the
difference is in the sincerity of the person.

Was there a common word or phrase for gathering in business or personal contacts prior to networking ?

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone at the
‘Akron/Cleveland Bloggers meet-up’.
Thanks for the invite Stephen.

I can see why you’ve tried to spend less time with traditional networking and move towards smaller outfits like our Blogger group. I really enjoyed the get together! Obviously you were one of the “few” that I already knew. It was good to see you there.