the biggest misconception is that you network when you are looking for a job. people should be networking all the time, meeting people in their field, in companies they admire, cometitors, industry leaders whatever.
Now, this is not to say that u cant put your nrtworking in overdrive when u are looking for an opportunity. I have talked to peopel and people have talked to me and the best interactions are when ppl are no pushy and ask for company info, what is goign on, what works, how the recruitment process works, info about groups and all.
Good Point!
That's the other problem with our community in general... many people think of networking as a task which only comes into play during times of job search.
I've had my share of interactions where someone I knew years back got back in touch just because they were job searching.
What needs to be understood is that networking is as much a formal as it is an informal affair. People need to attend conferences and networking events organized by associations in their specific industries and also keep in touch with other professionals in the industry as well as their acquaintances on a regular basis... perhaps a couple of times a year just to say hello... meet for a snack and discuss their latest projects etc.