Do you network without looking for a job?

Dennis asks: I've been posting in a blog about reasons to network. It does not have to be all about getting a new job (although, networking is helpful there). What things have you done to network? What benefits have you gotten from networking?

In answer:
If to you "networking" is only undertaken when you went a job, then clearly - you don't get it (networking) and won't get the best job.

Your network can bring your plans to fruition - finding you experts, learning experiences, people with complimentary skills, ideas, and eventually: realisation. You can apply those to both job hunting and business development, sales or ideas for your existing corporate job - just about anything you want to apply it to.

Networks are also passive - they don't react best immediatly, they react best over a period of time to a constant tune. The key in networking is to have a plan - know what you want and what you can offer, and communicate that: then passive energy works for you.

If all networking is to you is finding a job when you need one then - you just don't get it! Networks can be career builders, but that's like viewing them as Job Centres

The lost art of positive introduction networking???

When you are starting up a new business, you need lots of help - so you go shopping around your mates/their networks for help. But it has come as a shock as to what I find on occasions I get introduced to when asking for help in certain areas:

For mobile phones - the guy I really trusted in this area introduced me to a salesman who wanted to charge me MORE than if I went direct to the networks themselves, and INSISTED that I must use Orange. I am still awaiting a reply to my last eMail of some ten days ago, pointing out that rebates were great but what about the fact his prices were a tad high?

For insurance - a good friend gave me an introduction to an MD, who shifted the job out to a "staffer" who just wanted to sell to me, when I wanted to buy. He also didn't know what type of FSA regulated insurance broking company he worked for!!!

When I make an introduction, I clarify the need, ring the introduction and clear it, give them a verbal briefing often followed up by an eMail (with a swap of vCards), and make sure later all is OK. In the first instance, my introducer simply sent an eMail with my vcard attached, so I got sold to as opposed to bought - in the second case, the introducer I know uses a similar system to myself, but their network staffed it out and has probably lost the opportunity as he couldn't listen.

Is there a lost art of networking? Or is the "I know you because I have your card" method now completely taken over?