Tommy Spaulding presents a new take on networking. He calls it netgiving, which is ultimately a more fulfilling and useful way to approach collaborating with colleagues. Netgiving involves focusing on the other person and what he or she may want or need. The theory is that reciprocation will take place eventually. This is a very good way to approach business relationships, including job searching and interviewing.

Spaulding spends much time getting to know people by socializing with them. Knowing about and inquiring about colleagues' personal interests and lives is vital to making them feel they are cared about as human beings, not simply as staff in the business roles that they play. When this melding and meshing of two people's personal and business lives coalesce, generosity sometimes flows unexpectedly.

It's Not Just Who You Know by Tommy Spaulding, 2010

This author gave me a new perspective on the level of sophistication at which networking can occur.

• Tommy Spaulding's web site
• Books on leadership