I have done this exact thing. Its what multiple career coaches have said to do. In my experience the networking aspect of job hunting is the part that actually gets jobs these days.
So, imo, this is not wrong. Bob agreed so it was fine. It does sound like maybe buying Bob a beer and not asking that particular Bob to do it again is reasonable. But the process in general is sound!
I have done this exact thing. Its what multiple career coaches have said to do. In my experience the networking aspect of job hunting is the part that actually gets jobs these days.
So, imo, this is not wrong. Bob agreed so it was fine. It does sound like maybe buying Bob a beer and not asking that particular Bob to do it again is reasonable. But the process in general is sound!