The other (or dark) side of networking

While checking my inbox this morning, I was surprised by the influx from an unknown sender. It seems that I am a part of a group (corporate related) back home. Today was the first time that I heard of such society, so you could imagine my surprise upon knowing that I am part of it. There is nothing bad about it. In fact, from what I gathered, it is beneficial for those who are interested.

Put it this way, even if I knew about it, my friends know me too well that there is no way that I would sign myself to join them. There are things in life that, no matter tempting or good it may sound, I am just not into it.

As I scrolled down the emails, I finally saw a familiar name in one of them. I have this feeling that this person added my name to the list. I am sure he meant well as he has been trying to get me to share my experience and knowledge for as long as I can remember. However, as I mentioned before, I have certain rules when it comes to email. In fact, since one email address of mine has been used for forwarded emails or discussions among certain people which have nothing to do with me, I had to create another personal email which only a handful of friends know its existence. Thus, when I realised my office email was used for something similar, I got a bit annoyed. *sigh*

I do see the benefits of networking. In fact, I apply this approach all the time. Yet, when people misuse or unable to draw the line, it creates inconvenience to others, or at some occasions, to us.

Take FB for example. I know some colleagues are into it but as far as I know, they are online whenever they are free which by the way is not frequent enough. They are not the type who updates their status every hour. Even my PA who probably has the most time online couldn’t be bothered to do so.

A friend once complained that she has too many FB “friends” and it is pretty difficult for her to decline as she is considered a celebrity in her country, which I only found out how big she was when I chatted with a girl from the same place. Another friend created a bogus FB profile because of similar reason and makes sure his current circle consists of people he considers genuine.

Most importantly, it can be quite scary when we spend more time online than the physical act of meeting people itself, as highlighted in this article:

“People can use the sites to make new acquaintances outside their departments and groups, and users can extend their networks beyond the traditional workplace. But people can use the sites too much and as a consequence give less time to meeting with co-workers in person.

You need to be careful to make sure that social networking sites aren't encroaching on your office time. More than an hour a day is excessive. Worse, spending too much time on the sites can disrupt your balance between work and private time. It can also take you out of your family time.”

I like to keep myself updated through the old-fashioned way; phone calls, lengthy emails or coffee time, either with friends or my so-called corporate networks. In some ways, I am still old school. As the article concluded, "If they aren't people you would talk to in "real life," you probably are wasting time."

You can continue reading here.

*Ms B had an awesome time spending the day with a friend over the weekend at their favourite hangout, tho she is unsure if her purse agrees. In her defense, she feels the bargain was worth it.*