I used to think that way, but now I understand it differently. Networking is about building trust or business friendships. Within the network, everyone stakes their reputation, so there is less need for verification. You wouldn't risk your reputation recommending your plumber friend if he was a bad plumber. Everyone gets to let their guard down and trust their peers.
It's funny that something so radically collectivist ends up sounding skeevy. I think it's only the case if you try to network at the last minute, to get something out of it.
I used to think that way, but now I understand it differently. Networking is about building trust or business friendships. Within the network, everyone stakes their reputation, so there is less need for verification. You wouldn't risk your reputation recommending your plumber friend if he was a bad plumber. Everyone gets to let their guard down and trust their peers.
It's funny that something so radically collectivist ends up sounding skeevy. I think it's only the case if you try to network at the last minute, to get something out of it.