This is an interesting article but I think probably a bit to over the top in some ways. I think you need to have the business types in suits around to be part of the picture. I think what is great about this article is the part about being authentic. Sometimes networking is over-engineered and unfortunately not very much fun which means people stop playing or participating. Humans have always networked, it’s part of how we operate so there’s only a few things you need to do. A place, a time and maybe a few goodies.
The Article: That Business Card Won’t Fly Here
TO Erin Middleton, a 27-year-old brand strategist in Dallas, the word “networking” calls to mind “stodgy business types in suits,” who are “very uncomfortable and poor at engaging conversation,” she said in an e-mail message.