I have been blogging for nearly two years now, and I have learned so much along the way. I still have much to learn, and I still consider myself a small blogger. I’ve never been that big on networking, and I have preferred to build small relationships here and there, and focus more on content.

There is a problem with this, though: We can have great content, or we can have a great product, but it doesn’t matter if people can’t find it!

One of the things I have learned is that networking is a big way to get out there, get help, and help others at the same time. I have seen it in the job market, where my recommendations were the catalyst in getting a couple of my friends employed at my former workplace, and where I myself have been able to get in because of recommendations from fellow colleagues. I have seen it in the blogosphere, where some people are absolutely amazing at getting themselves out there and connecting with others.

Networking is one way that we can get ourselves out there, but at the same time, networking can come across as shady. Nobody wants to come across as cheesy or as a douche. We all know that type of person, who pesters us relentlessly to sign up to their MLM scheme or other thing, and tells us how much we will benefit. They may be sincere, but there is a point where it becomes sleazy. We obviously look for a mutual gain when we seek out a new connection, but how do we do it without becoming a douche?

Ask, and ye shall receive. Read More