Networking
is simply a structured way of meeting another
individual. To make the best use of your time, you
should have an objective at every such meeting.
It
could be that you are interested in a new career and
want to speak to as many people in that field before
you 'jump ship'.
Perhaps
you are already in a particular field, and want to
build up professional rapport with others in that
area.
You
may have a business and want to uncover as many new
prospective clients or influential advisors as
possible.
Or
it could be that you want to socialize with new
peers.
Networking
provides the means to achieve those objectives.