Why Do I Need to Network

Why Do I Need to Network Ive got to rant.   I dont get it.   Why do people still ask the question Why do I need to network? This isnt just a quick fix to a job search.   Networking is simply about building relationships! Perhaps they are making too much out of it.   Every day we have unanswered questions and problems that need resolving:   who can fix my car, what is the best webinar software, who can help me solve this problem at work, what tool will best help me on this project, where would I go if I needed help with my taxes, who has good information on health insurance options, where do I go to get job search advice? I could go on all day with questions that need answering.   How do we get the answers?   99 times out of 100 we ask people, right?   That is networking.   No big deal.   There are certain people we go to regularly for their ability to provide good recommendations.   Hmmm, thats networking, right? Networking sites are growing at an astounding rate (Facebook and LinkedIn).   Why do you think this is?   Because, at the core, we are human beings and we want to connect with other human beings.   (aka, networking). Sites like Amazon ask for customer reviews.   Real end users willingly provide their feedback.   Thumbs up, thumbs down.   It makes it easier for future consumers to make a decision. All networking is about is getting answers to our questions from people we either know or respect in some way. So, the question we should be asking is, How can I communicate more effectively?!   That is the real issue! Phew, I feel so much better now! Want to comment?