So how does one go about networking? Of course - by getting to know people.

And what is the best way to get to know people?

I am told that 'talking to people' is a good way. But on second thoguhts, are conversations/discussions compltely reliable?

Cant conversations be 'engineered' to suit the need?

Haven't we all been exposed to the ease with which one can 'lead'  a discussion to achieve pre-determined outcomes (a desired 'image', a perceived 'persona', etc)?

Of course - this is not to say that conversations are futile - just that they may not be the best solution..

 

Instead, how about sharing common experiences?

What if you find yourself in the same situation as someone else? Wont the other person's response tell you a lot about his nature/perspectives vis-a-vis your nature?

Working with someone on solving a common problem could tell you a lot about the person's attitudes, approaches, strengths and weaknesses.

Most importantly, if you are put into a unforseen situation with someone, aren't the chances higher that evryone will react in their most natural ways possible?

This will effectively highlight people's inherent natures as they wont have the opportunity to 'cook up' the 'right' responses.. Most likely - people will end up just 'being themselves' and this will help in really understanding them better.. In fact, such experiences could end up completely changing people's pre-decided / pre-determined 'images'...

And this would help one chose his networks better!

 

So, having understood this, one could go about facilitating his 'networking' in 2 ways:

1. Pray and hope that he gets a chance to share many interesting 'experiences' with all the folks in the MBA program..

2. One could actually 'design' a way to bring about such experiences.

 

So here's to looking forward to successfully organising/planning many interesting 'experiences' in the times to come..

I am sure they will help me build better networks in the long term