It’s telling, and sad, that everyone thinks networking is shmoozing and disingenuous. Networking is nothing more than meeting people and building relationships, if those relationships make sense.
I’m tight with my customers and vendors. Know why? Because I like them treat them like friends. We look for each other. They’re familiar with my experience and personality. If I ever need a new job, I could probably get with one of those businesses quick.
It’s nice to know people. Sometimes you can help them, sometimes they can help you. And if you treat it like some kind of filthy ladder climbing exercise, they’ll know you’re fake.