[random_soldier1337 (OP)]

I've talked to a few people and I think I get the basic gist that you talk to a bunch of people in your field, some outside, make friends and then you have a 'network' of people with certain skills you can fall back on when you need it and your own ability in that area is insufficient and vice versa when they need you.

However, practically, for some reason, I just can't fathom it. Or maybe I don't want to. I don't know. Maybe it's my background/upbringing. I haven't thought about it too much. All I know is that it's important and the few people I have asked about it, I couldn't fully understand the concept. Like who do I do it with? Why is it really that important? How do I do it? And is it really worth it if I find the person disagreeable in some way?

[Hayseed]

Old people learned the concept from family and community life.  First, it's a two way concept.

The people in your network expect the same from your resources and knowledge.  And time.

You have a network for back-up or pinch work, not normal work.  Imagine being in all the projects that the network is doing.  If everyone is helping everyone, nothing gets done.

A favor for a favor........a family business. A conspiracy.   And it's exclusive.

It has been used to raise barns and empires.

[random_soldier1337 (OP)]

I think I follow a little, though your answer seems a bit vague. Do you think you could rephrase it and/or give me more modern day examples?

[Hayseed]

Let's say that you purchase an auto part at the local auto parts store.  And let's say you tell the counter person that the part looks a little beyond your experience and you ask him if he knows of a mechanic that you can trust.

The counter person will recommend a mechanic.  And when someone ask the mechanic where to buy parts.......he will recommend that counter person.

The counter person and the mechanic are networked.

Quid pro Quo.

There are all kinds of networks in all endeavors.  Trade.   We trade.

[random_soldier1337 (OP)]

Purely in the example, that sounds a bit problematic. Say the mechanic finds someone with better parts because their old buddy started selling bad parts or the mechanic isn't doing as well anymore. Wouldn't it be better for either, respectively, to suggest somebody better than their old buddy?

[Hayseed]

Your network, will depend, on who you choose, to have in it.  The responsibility is yours.

You choose the problems you have.  Can you trust your network?

[random_soldier1337 (OP)]

Well I'd say that if you have to ask that question, it may be time to reassess who should be in your network. I believe that may have been your point, though.

[Hayseed]

Networking is great, for it increases quality and service.    It helps all vendors satisfy all customers.

But all endeavors can be abused.  Powerful networks can limit and ration for price and power.

[Bored chemist]

Purely in the example, that sounds a bit problematic. Say the mechanic finds someone with better parts because their old buddy started selling bad parts or the mechanic isn't doing as well anymore. Wouldn't it be better for either, respectively, to suggest somebody better than their old buddy?

If you find that they do a bad job  then you will tell your network of friends not to trust either the mechanic or the salesman.

[random_soldier1337 (OP)]

Purely in the example, that sounds a bit problematic. Say the mechanic finds someone with better parts because their old buddy started selling bad parts or the mechanic isn't doing as well anymore. Wouldn't it be better for either, respectively, to suggest somebody better than their old buddy?

If you find that they do a bad job  then you will tell your network of friends not to trust either the mechanic or the salesman.

I know that your statement simply follows the example I gave but then I would question at least how to go about saying that. Flat out telling not to trust xyz who previously was in a network seems a negative way of going about it and could work against you, as well intentioned you may be.

[Bored chemist]

If I simply tell my story to my friends over a beer -"I bought some stuff from Bloggs + co but it was junk. I had to go + get my money back" then they will form their own opinion.