When networking online leads to real conversations, and we employ the techniques we do in face-to-face networking, such as being authentic and offering our service to others, it’s really at its best.

When we spend too much time collecting contacts and not connecting with them or building actual relationships with them, we don’t get very much out of the online networking tools.

While I agree with you that face to face networking has to be a big part of anyone’s networking strategy, I do believe that on-line networking builds enormous efficiencies into the process and that it’s a “must have” strategy for today’s job seeker.

I have built and strengthened numerous relationships with people who I met on-line…some I’ve met in person and some I hope to meet in the future. Either way, on-line networking creates conversations and touchpoints with people who I otherwise may not have met and the relationships are real, not superficial. Like any relationship, the key is to be authentic and always try to give more than you get.