networkingon

Networkingon is a term used to describe a contemporary approach to professional networking that emphasizes online engagement and digital collaboration. The practice focuses on building and maintaining professional relationships primarily through online platforms rather than traditional face-to-face events. The term is a portmanteau of networking and on, signaling an online orientation of the activity. Its usage appears in online forums, blogs, and some industry writing as a descriptor for strategies that leverage social media, content sharing, and asynchronous communication to grow professional networks.

Origins and scope: The concept emerged in the 2010s with the rise of professional networking sites and online communities. It is not widely standardized, and definitions vary, but it generally encompasses profile optimization, regular content creation, proactive outreach, and consistent follow-up.

Key practices: Presence and branding on professional platforms; content strategy including sharing insights, case studies, and endorsements; targeted outreach and relationship management; use of analytics to refine approaches; and ethical considerations like consent and authenticity.

Benefits and challenges: Benefits include scalability, accessibility for remote workers, and measurable engagement. Challenges include superficial connections, privacy concerns, algorithm dependence, and time management.

Criticism and reception: Critics argue that online-focused networking may undervalue in-person rapport and lead to commodified relationships. Proponents counter that it enables broader and more equitable access to opportunities.

Terminology variants: Some sources refer to it simply as online networking; networkingon is less common and more context-specific.