I have friends that I refer to as "professional networkers". They belong to and attend all of the Professional networking events weekly. Their schedules are full of "after work socials", meetings with "The Chamber of this or that" in hopes of securing a future career opportunity. I consider myself more of a "social networker". I am more likely to meet people while patiently, or otherwise, waiting in the line at the Post Office. I genuinely enjoy sharing experiences with others and it being reciprocated. The key word here is "sharing"..... which is giving.

I was at a point in my life when I began to utilize and attempt to reap the benefits of the networking, both personal and professional, that I had generated and nurtured only to find myself repeatedly hitting brick walls. For the most part, I noticed that most people are unhappy with their jobs/careers, so naturally when asked about opportunities at their place of employment, they are reluctant because they do not want to be responsible for your unhappiness if you join their company. I understood those who did not know me as well because they may be apprehensive of me and my performance and do not want to be responsible for recommending me to their company only to find that I am incompetent. However, I found that those that I was more socially connected to and knew my abilities and capabilities fell into the first category. These are the people attending the "after work" networking programs, asking for the business card exchange in hope of a future career. When business cards are being passed back and forth, generally the one asking for the exchange is thinking about the benefits that they can receive from the exchange.
Networking is forming business connections and contacts through informal social meetings. However, it is being used as a place to meet people that can "give" you a job and/or and opportunity at some point in the future. So if the majority of people network to receive, then who is sharing / giving? This presents a disconnect which in my mind makes the "networking" non effective. It is my belief that those who originated this event, did not intend for this to be a one-sided transaction. My suggestions is that when you attend one of these business and/or social events, keep in mind not only what you can get out of it, but what you can put into it. What do you have to give?