This Is Why Networking Is Dirty

Networking has long been perceived as a dirty business. And because of the negative connotations that are associated with it you may not like doing it.

It’s certainly true there are many people out there who give networking a bad name. I’m talking about the individuals who are only in it for themselves and continuously try to win you over. They tend to dominate a conversation and “work the room” at a networking event to meet as many people as they can. But are they really building relationships this way?

While it may seem they’re successful due to their large number of contacts or high engagement on their LinkedIn posts, it’s a good chance most of their connections don’t offer much value or mutual benefits. These are not the kind of connections you want! This is how you fail at nurturing relationships and it won’t get you far personally or professionally.

You see, networking is dirty IF you approach it that way. Perception is reality! Building substantial relationships depends on your mindset and attitude. If you go into it with the idea that it only involves pushy salespeople forcing their business card on everyone, then you won’t get much from it.

You need to steer away from having an upside-down view of how networking really works. So, how do you learn to view it the right way? First, you need to understand what it truly is:

• Networking is about taking a proactive approach towards relationship development
• Networking is about having the ultimate goal of forming meaningful connections that matter
• Networking is about determining your own value and how this can be worthy to your contacts
• Networking is about facilitating significant connections between people who can benefit from each other

Next, you have to have good intentions when fostering relationships. If you don’t, you will be transparent. And this is not a good way to build the foundation for your connections.

“You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough people get what they want.”

Zig Ziglar, author, salesman, speaker

You must be truly interested in learning about others, have the ability to listen and engage in meaningful conversations, and understand your own worth and value and how this can be offered to others who will profit from it.

If you don’t do these things, then don’t bother networking.

When you don’t take the time to properly build relationships you will just be known as a taker or “askhole” that others won’t want to involve themselves with. And these are the people that give networking a bad name and suggest the idea that it’s dishonest.

Networking is far from dirty. In fact, it’s one of the most benevolent acts you can do! As long as it’s done the right way with the understanding of how beneficial it can be for all parties involved. As I already said, perception is reality. You need to develop a proper networking mindset and I promise good things will happen for you—both personally and professionally—through creating the right connections.

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If you still think networking is dirty, I challenge you to change your view by signing up for our certification course. Through self-paced micro-courses, downloadable resources, quiz questions and action steps, you gain an understanding of the right way to cultivate connections and nurture expansive networks. Once complete, you receive credentials validating you as an expert in creating world-class relationships. I encourage you to sign up today and become a NetWorkWise Certified Professional!

This Post Originally Appeared on Quora