To network

Example 1:
Tim: Wait just a minute. I’d like to update my Facebook page and add some more information to my profile.

Selene: Wow, you really spend a lot of time on Facebook! I know it’s interesting to see what your friends are doing, but don’t you get bored after a while?

Tim: Well, I don’t just use Facebook to keep in touch with my friends. I also use the site to network for work contacts. I’d really like to get a new job. I’ve joined some new Facebook groups connected to my job.

Selene: Really? I’ve never thought of that and I’ve been on Facebook for about two years. I use it to see what my friends are doing.

Tim: Well, these days more professionals are using social networking sites to network with other people in fields related to their jobs.

Example 2:
Kitty: I’m trying to raise money for homeless people and I’ve started a volunteer group to collect donations and bring food to the homeless.

Jolene: Really? That’s a wonderful idea! You should make a Facebook page for your group so that you can network with your contacts and get more help for your group.

Kitty: You’re right! I didn’t think about that before, but I have a lot of Facebook friends, so networking for my volunteer group on Facebook might be just the thing we need to help our group grow.

Meaning:
To Network means to meet or come in contact with other people to share information, contacts or other help or to communicate with and within a group. In the first example, Tim is using Facebook to network for a job. In the second example, Kitty is networking with all her friends on Facebook for a volunteer group that helps the homeless.

This idiom can be found in the LSI textbook Speaking Transitions. This book is used at LSI schools in the level 4 Listening/Speaking classes. For more information, please visit: www.languagesystems.com