2 Kinds of Professional Networking That Work--And One That Doesn't

This is where "networking" gets a bad reputation: you introduce yourself to someone new for only one purpose--you need them for a job, an investment, or a sale. Short-term networking makes you look desperate.

Try to follow this rule: no 'asks' for a year. For example, let's say you meet a person who is well-known in the field in which you want to build a career. In your first email exchanges or conversations, you should avoid making an ask of any kind. Sometimes, in the short term, aggressive maneuvers work: people fold and say yes in the moment. But in the long run, it never does.

The best networkers think long-term. You can start building long-term relationships by identifying people in your field who are doing cool things or whose work you admire.

You don't have a specific ask in mind: all you know is that this person is worth getting to know.