I've never understood networking. I become friends and keep in touch with smart interesting people naturally but I constantly see friends of mine religiously reach out and "network" with everyone they can. I've seen spreadsheets crammed with names, industries, last contact date, etc..
From my perspective, this approach is very fake but it seems to be getting people places. I was wondering what you guys think of it. How do you tend to network and do you ever think it feels wrong? Are you pushy? Thanks guys.
Networking like this can help you get information - e.g., when a position is open. However, to get any additional value, your contact has to like you and trust you first. That kind of networking won't get you there.
It's an art - it definitely gets you places if you do it right. Especially in highly selective industries you often need a friend of a friend or beyond to get you the connection or bump you need.
There are definitely obvious networking, how shall we say, whores...they are obvious to spot. But done correctly networking is a good thing and as a professional if you get a well thought out request for info/meet over coffee that's no problem at all.
I think the best way to network is get a good set of mentors who you are older than you, know well and can speak on your behalf.
You do what you have to do to get ahead.
My spreadsheet from my MSF days was legendary... I had every alum from my undergrad and grad schools who ever did anything finance related, total beast
And do you feel it was worth it?
Yeah it definitely helped me stay organized with all the people I met and spoke with. It may also be helpful to me down the road in my career.
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