"I detest networking"

"I loathe that word, I don't know what it's supposed to mean. I detest the very concept of it."

And with a few words, BBC Radio London presenter Vanessa Feltz dismissed networking on her radio show this morning.

It would be fair to ask Ms. Feltz why she has such strong feelings about networking, particularly when she admits to not knowing what the word means. The same feelings have been traditionally held by many people whenever networking is raised.

Is it a fear of 'Old Boys Clubs' or 'The old school tie'? A fear of being manipulated or played?

Whatever it is, it demonstrates a strong and worrying misunderstanding of what networking is all about. Why would anyone detest the concept of mutual support? What is there to loathe about the idea of people helping each other by sharing ideas, expertise, experience or contacts? What do people have to fear from people working together to achieve more than they could on their own.

More people than ever are beginning to understand the power and the benefits of networking. It seems, however, that there are still many who need to be convinced, including those with the public's ear.