networking
NET-wur-king
/ˈnet.wɜː.kɪŋ/
The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
While it can feel transactional, effective networking is about building mutually beneficial, long-term relationships.
The story behind the word. The term 'network' originally described a net-like arrangement of threads or wires. By the 1940s, it was used for broadcasting systems, and by the 1970s, it became a verb for people building professional connections.
Word relationships
- schmoozing: Schmoozing is more informal and often has a slightly negative connotation of being insincere.
- isolation: The state of being alone or detached from others.
Commonly confused with
- socializing: Socializing is for pleasure; networking is for professional advancement.
Word family
- network (noun/verb): A group of interconnected people or things.
Collocations
- professional networking
- networking event
- social networking
Idioms & expressions
- It's not what you know, it's who you know
Example sentences
- "Networking is not just about who you know, but who knows what you can do." Career advice article.
- "The conference provided excellent networking opportunities with leaders in the fintech space." Technology context.
Memory hook
Working your way through a net of people. Connecting the dots.
When not to use
Avoid using it to describe just 'talking' to friends; it implies a purposeful professional connection.
Fun facts
- The 'Six Degrees of Separation' theory suggests that everyone in the world is connected through a network of no more than six people.
Related words
Explore more words
network, reciprocity, Interact, interconnectedness, socialize, Connectivity
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