Networking over the years

Between MySpace, Twitter, Facebook and the zillion other social media websites, which I don't even know about, the world is becoming a smaller and smaller place. Having travelled and lived in countries scattered across the globe, it is comforting, but almost scary to think that just by remembering someone's name, with one click of the mouse, I can easily "find them on facebook". 

It is crazy to think how technology has evolved not only over decades but even in my short 20 year life span. From sending letters to long distant phone calls to e-mails to "facebook stalking", re-connecting with people continues to become easier. But what if none of this was possible? In fact, what did businesses operate like prior to e-mail? Last week I was pondering whether I should call or e-mail a lady in HR at the agency I interned at this summer. Imagine if you met someone and they said "sorry, I don't have an e-mail"-- we would look at them as if they were crazy! 

This brings me to the idea of networking. How was it conducted prior to internet technology? Without convenient websites and laminated business cards with various e-mail addresses, it seems as though nothing could happen. This is probably just the Generation Y in me talking, and I'm sure 20 years from, my children will be wondering the same thing.