"Networthless", an amalgam word, was featured in a recent Sprit Magazine's Business Dictionary . It was created from network, net worth and worthless and, I'll admit, is clever in a wordsmithy way. Thanks to author and speaker, Joanne Black, for bringing it to my attention.
Nails on a Networking Chalkboard
As I read the defintions and "usage" I could hear and feel nails scraping on a chalk board. The defintions: 1. Lacking in networking value 2. A term used to describe a conversation at a convention or conference that yields no career benefit. Really??? The spirit and concept of "you never know" networking/serendipity/chance encouters play an important role in professional and personal endeavors. Who among us has not had an chance encounter and what seemed to be a casual conversation, yield an unexpected reward?
Pejoratively Speaking
The example of usage was even more irksome to this lifelong connector and networker who wrote one of the classics: The Secrets of Savvy Networking. "Skillful opportunists avoid networthless encounters...."
For those who doubt the rewards of casual, even irrelevant conversation, watch The Big Kahuna with Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito.
The Opportunist of a Lifetime
A number of years ago a colleague and I attended a San Francisco business event and met an impeccably dressed and accessorized perfectly pleasant fellow, He held a PH.D and intended to expand his consulting into the business arena and world of professional speaking.
After several encounters, my friend concluded he was an opportunist. Over the years, I've read in the society pages about his trajectory in San Francisco social circles via two subsequent (opportunistic) marriages. My friend nailed his intentions and networking methods and more importantly, his character.
However, there are those who create, see, seize and SHARE opportunties. They are an inspiration and I featured them in How To Create Your Own Luck. But, there are those whom we know to be opportunists; a pejorative and richly deserved term to describe those who MUST see an immediate benefit in all they do. They are the people who give "networking" a bad name.
My question about this term "networthless" is: how do you know the long range effect of an interaction?
More to the point: how can you predict the worth of something you chose to avoid?
You never know who people know. Get connected. Build your referral and sales network!
Posted by: ReferralSales | February 08, 2012 at 06:17 PM