Networking Groups, Join or Don't Join

Networking Groups, join them, don't join them. This has been a question I have been asked many times when I was a doctor. As an author, I now ask myself this question. Yesterday I decided to go to a networking group (I was invited). My motivation was to promote my debut novel, Green Haven, especially the crowdfunding campaign I have been pushing so hard. Like everyone else I went to this to self promote, make business connections and sell my up coming wares. 
Honestly, I was forcing myself to go. I don't like to sell; as a doctor, most of my business was from referrals. Now I have to sell. I did. What I found interesting was that I enjoyed the connection beyond the business part of it. I did make good business relationships but I also made some new friends I had lunch with one today and we found that even though our businesses may not compliment each other, our connections will work in both our favors.
So why share all this? Because networking can happen on many levels.  I ask that you remain open to seeing every possible level an any given time. Networking groups? Yes visit them, their not all the same. Find one or two or twelve, if you have the time. The trick is to make more than a business venture and be willing to give and maybe get somewhere down the road. 
That was my give. Now I'll ask for my get. Please network with me and share my crowdfunding campaign and please donate.  Time is crucial so don't wait. Plus there are some interesting gifts. You could see your name in print or help me name a character in my next novel (already under construction).