Many people think of it as the same thing, but there is a clear difference between networking and making friends. One is for strong business reasons, while the other is for business and personal reasons.
In this article, you can better understand the difference between networking and making friends.
Table of Contents
What is Networking?
Networking is the exchange of ideas and information between individuals with different or common occupations who have common interests in a formal or informal setting. Networking often begins when there is a common meeting point.
Networking is a tactic that many professionals adopt to increase connections, learn about the different opportunities in the business circle, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and moves in the industry.
For professionals, trade shows, seminars and conferences are the perfect networking event center, as they attract many like-minded people. Networking helps professionals stay up to date on the latest events in the field while forming relationships that can boost their future business or employment prospects.
What is making friends?
Making friends is the art of starting an interaction with a complete stranger who has a desire to build a personal relationship with that person.
Friendship has a good effect on your life. A good friend gives you joy and comfort and makes you never lonely. Quality friendships can also have a significant impact on your physical well-being. A Swedish study found that in addition to physical activity, having large social networks can help you live longer.
Close friendships, on the other hand, don’t just happen. Many of us have a hard time meeting new people and forming meaningful friendships. Regardless of age or circumstance, it’s never too late to make new friends and reconnect with existing ones to dramatically improve your social life, emotional health, and overall well-being.
What are the Similarities Between Networking and Making Friends?
Networking and friendship have certain similarities that seem similar in many ways. If you talk to a lot of people, they’ll tell you that there’s really no difference between networking and making friends.
Despite their differences, these two terms share a lot in common, including meeting new people, finding common interests, and seeking the continuation of a relationship.
Difference Between Networking and Making Friends
Networking and making friends are two terms that have some similarities but major differences. The difference is:
| networking | make friends |
| not individual | individual |
| purposeful | no purpose |
| has a professional meaning | have social meaning |
| does not develop into a relationship | relationship can grow |
conclusion
Networking can have serious purposes, but who says it can’t be fun? no one! Networking can be very exciting when connected with humorous people who understand how to create hysterical conversations.
Before you decide to network or make friends, make sure you have a plan. Besides, you need to coordinate the conversation so that it is mutually beneficial for you and anyone you want to network or make friends with.