Netwoking and Autism?

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Hello, have a question. Given a lot of us have the social issue, how would one go about actually using the whole "networking" concept to job hunting? I just signed up with Linkedin.com (professional networking site for job seekers), but its setup confuses me.

... I don't know. I never understood social networking. Hell, one of the reasons I decided not to go to University is because people have mentioned that the degree isn't nearly as important as the "connections" that you make when you're there. It make no sense to me either.

I've never even heard of that website though.

If you figure it out. Please share.

Social networking might be possible for someone with AS if they are more socially functional than others and manage to meet people who are more accepting of them. However, the key way AS affects us means we are impaired at social networking...even when we do make an effort.

I recently went to a panel discussion on careers in our town. While many of the speakers were using social media, they stressed that networking is best done in person rather than on the computer. LinkedIn, they said, is the best for career stuff, but of course you have to have something to offer. It's not a site for someone without some experience in their field already.

So, in person networking I find very hard as dealing with people has always been hard. Recently I found an awesome explanation of why it is important though, seemingly the nub of this networking trend that has dominated the job/career search field for a couple of decades. You need "weak ties" to be able to get information and referrals from other people, for things to flow for you in society. It's just like the weak hydrogen links between water molecules that givees water some of its powerful properties:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpersonal_ties

I'm seriously pursuing this, because I need these skills to get anywhere in life.

I've been told to network around an issue, and not a person. For instance, if you are looking for a job as a nurse, see if your area has a professional association of nurses. Attend one of their events, and meet some people there. They love interest.

For networking, I think MSN Messenger would be a good tool to start chatting with others.

Though I admit, it can be addictive...

Thats just it . . . its like my urge to talk to someone is non-existant unless they talk to me first. Why would i want to talk to some random person for no apparent reason?

Perhaps the random person can bring you money or fame?

I don't know, it just appears that some people are just like that. I only want to interact with interesting people though.

Sadly, im an excessive realist (some would say pessimist, but i dont see the point of smiling like an idiot). I cannot handle crowds very well, especially if theyre packed in (ie job fairs), so events are limited . . . not to mention i find verbal discussion boring (had to fight to just stay awake in english classes . . . especially if the book in discussion was heavily metaphorical). My main mistake, i guess, was working alone throughout school/college. Last time I asked for help, it didnt turn out well and to this day I despise having to rely on anyone.

I have seen some of these networking sites. My sister uses one. I think its kind of like facebook where u have friends and can see your friends friends. The thing is however that you list work experience and schooling and stuff. Then people who are looking to hire someone can find a friend of a friend who may be much more reliable. They also may try to hire alumni from a particular college or school. I'm not sure that this works for all professions and I wasn't very into it.
Although I do like facebook.

I am not a good networker myself, but my "learning support officer" or whatever her title is did explain it pretty well... Well, maybe not, but this is what I gathered.

When you network you have an avenue to get people to do stuff for you. I.e. you need a contract so you phone up all the people you netorked with and get yourself a job (simplified.)

On the other hand this needs to be reciprocated. If you know of a job in your company, you're supposed to contact the people you have "networked" and inform them of the job opening.

Simple tit for tat really. MAKING the connection is still the hard part though. And that is only my understanding of the whole concept. so take with a grian of salt