I try to rid the word “networking” from my vocabulary as much as possible because of the way people mistakenly use the word and practice the actions. “Networking” has become synonymous with the guy toting a martini in one hand and auto-firing business cards with the other. When we say the word “networking,” we think of those schmoozing, brown-nosing, butt-kissers whose eyes are constantly darting around the room, searching for a bigger fish to fry. We don’t want to be like that. So if I need to stop saying “networking” so people will understand that I’m spreading a different message, then I will. “Connecting” is better. “Connecting” is nothing more than building genuine, generous, intimate, sincere relationships for mutual success.

Source: Keith Ferrazzi