The Difference Between Networking and Making Friends

Networking and making friends are two completely different things, even though both are equally important (as we are all discovering in college life)! Here are a few pointers to help you distinguish between the two, and hopefully help you network your way to success!

• Purpose: Making friends is more personal and frequently not done with a specific objective in mind, whereas networking is typically done with a professional purpose. Making friends is more about establishing a deep connection than networking, which is usually focused on exchanging knowledge and resources.

• Frequency. Making friends typically entails frequent interactions, whereas networking is frequently done sporadically at events or groups.

• Goals: While making friends is more about enjoying each other's company, networking frequently has specific goals in mind, such as employment opportunities or business partnerships.

• Context: Making friends is more common in social or personal situations, whereas networking is frequently done in a professional setting.

• Benefit: Mutual benefits are frequently involved in networking, whereas friendships are built on a more sincere relationship.

• Timeframe: While making friends is frequently more long-term, networking may be short-term or focused on a particular endeavor or event.

• Formality: While making friends is more informal and spontaneous, networking is frequently more formal and has a set goal or structure.

• Depth: While making friends entails a deeper understanding of each other's values and interests, networking frequently involves a surface-level sharing of information.

• Diversity: While making friends is more about finding people with similar hobbies and values, networking frequently entails connecting with individuals from various backgrounds and professions.

• Objectivity: Making friends is more emotional and subjective than networking, which frequently requires some degree of detachment.

• Strategy: While making friends is frequently more organic, networking may entail a strategic strategy, such as focusing on particular people or events.

• Outcome: Making friends is more about establishing a meaningful connection, whereas networking is frequently centered on achieving a particular outcome.