Never in the history of the world has it been easier to reach out and connect with others. We have more tools than we could ever use – and VCs continue to fund more communication platforms every day!

With so many platforms, you’d think everyone would have huge, important personal networks filled with vested interest connections.  With a huge network of “vested interest” connections, everyone should be working in their dream job, with their dream company, and be getting paid their dream salary. But alas, this is not the case. Why?

I’ve thought a lot about this issue lately. With so many platforms for communication, why do we continue to struggle to make meaningful connections with others? It makes me wonder…

…could it be that these platforms just create more networking noise?

Is it just me or has Twitter devolved into an endless stream of self-promotion and pointless babble?

Are your Facebook “friends” sometimes not your friends at all?

Do your recent LinkedIn “connections” signify superficial relationships?

And have you noticed that new networks like Brazen Careerist – which claim to promote more meaningful conversation – have groups titled “Beer”?

Could it be that in this ”always on” world of connectivity, we have missed the most important aspect of communication:

Learning the right way to build and develop relationships?

I think the answer is a resounding “Yes.” And I’m making it my personal mission to change this sad fact.

In the next few weeks, I’ll be unveiling TAG’s Intelligent Networking Guide – a specific, step-by-step instructional guide that [finally!] gets to the specifics about how to approach people and build a valuable network of connections. And, I’m following the Golden Rule and will be giving it away free to anyone and everyone. Until then…

P.S. Questions / comments? Let me know what you think!