networking comes into play, but I prefer the idea of developing genuine friendships instead
In my case and in most cases with smart people, those are two terms for the same thing.
networking, advertising and public relations is key, because those things suggest manipulation and falseness to me and nothing genuine whatsoever.
I disagree, I see where you're coming from, but I take great pride in proper advertising, public relations and networking. I'm a Marketing professional and I know good marketing is indeed Key, and doesn't have to be dishonest.
Not all marketers are liars, contrary to proper belief ;)
Point taken! I really didn't mean to suggest that Marketers were liars, or that the process is dishonest, and if I did, then I apologize. Like any occupation, I'm sure there's good and bad out there, and I trust that you're one of the good guys:)
I meant that the whole idea of networking and marketing suggests that we have to present ourselves here with some kind of agenda attached to it; that we're trying to convince others or sway them for our benefit, and that some could very well present themselves falsely, or simply create a perfect package that doesn't really exist.
I'm smart enough to understand where you're coming from too though, and perhaps it's all just a matter of word choice and semantics;)
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!