Networking

I used to work in a company where networking wasn't recognized as an advantage or a skill. Of course it is. As an example: we used to travel in to see each other every year. All of us worked in the same department, just in different countries. Now, when you spend time and money to meet, the intention is to learn something new, to share experiences and to network. Right?

The person in charge of these events didn't really get it. The agenda for these meetings were packed with info. Very few breaks in an 8-hour day. All of us had travelled in. Basically no time for networking and socializing.

The only time was dinner when you had a chance to talk to people. And only if you stayed in the same hotel. The funny thing is what happens when you work in a business and you meet business "associates"...you talk about what you have in common. Work!

Which means that you really spend your "spare time" on work related issues. Which in turn means that it is a valuable contribution to the company. Who didn't recognize this as being advantageous in the first place!

But guess what? Without a network, being it business or social or whatever, you're nothing. And if you are nothing, the company is nothing. Oxymoron?