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Believe it or not, social networking is not something new, and in fact, it is not something that started with the advent of social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace or the host of others that are available. Social networking has been a phenomenon that has existed since people have had the ability to interact with each other – this means it has been around forever.

The value of social networking offline

Growing up means making friends and dealing with the people around us. It is of course not possible to be friends with everyone all the time, but over the years, we learn whom we can get along with and whom we can’t. This is an important element as the reality is that very often, our friends define who we are and even what we become.

If you are one of those fortunate ones who are able to retain friendships forever, then don’t underestimate the value of this skill. Being able to retain friends, even as you go through the different phases of your life from school to university or college and then to your career, may give you a head start in the longer term. This is because you would already have created a network of people around you who may be able to provide you with assistance and support and even recommendations as you move into you future.

If however you have limited social skills and cannot think of five people outside your family who would assist you at a moment’s notice, don’t despair.

Being able to build a social network is not something that can happen overnight and also, it is not necessarily about quantity, it can be just about quality.

How to build a network at college or university

Some basic rules include:

Firstly, do not judge people around you. Just because someone does not fit your image as being successful or cool, does not mean they will never succeed. Even if you do not become best friends with such individuals, being generally friendly is a good start.

Secondly, try not to be involved in attacking individuals verbally or physically. An offence of such a nature, once done, can never be retracted and often, will be remembered for a lifetime by the victim. While it is possible to disagree with the views of others, always be careful to do this with a thought for the other’s sensitivities as well.

Thirdly, keep in touch. It is easy as we move on through the phases in our lives, to lose touch with the people around us. Now, with mobile phones and the Internet, there are many tools that will allow you to keep in regular touch with the people you have met and even grown up with.

There are some additional sources on peer pressure that you may find useful:
The rich get richer: Online and offline social connectivity predicts subjective loneliness
10 Networking tools that work: Master the art of making contacts and keeping them

What’s your opinion on the value of making and maintaining such contacts? Has this ever paid off for you? What are the problems you face in trying to do this? Go ahead and share your both positive as well as negative experience.

(Image via lucaskrech.com)