I've found a large social network - a lot of slight connections - is the most important thing you can have in life, in any and all situations.

It's interesting, that "connections" equates to "online contacts" these days.

Internet aside, I've found it very useful to get to know my next-door neighbors. For example: During the last major snowstorm, we all helped one another dig out cars and check on the elderly. Also, some of our neighbors have connections with the local authorities, which has also proven helpful.

I agree - but for me there's not a bright line between online and offline anymore.

offer u ort. doing a favor may be small for us ,but big to others

I agree with pforeman. "Networking" has been around as long as people, it's just been adapted to recent technology and many have lost their non-techno social "network".
We have many social webs, through neighbors, friends, family, Church, clubs and service organizations, and so on that have nothing to do with technologcal devices. We need to remember those, and get back to makeing better stronger ties in them as tech. may not always be available.