Network

v.capable, kindprofessional

What it means

To build and maintain useful professional or social connections through genuine exchange.

Reach for it when describing relationship-building that may lead to information, support, or opportunity

New researchers network at the monthly forum by sharing methods and open questions.

playful
mingle
for moving informally among people at an event
not when Mingling is momentary and can remain superficial.
playful
rub elbows
for casually mixing with influential or interesting people
not when The idiom suggests status-seeking and is unsuitable for sincere professional praise.
everyday
reach out
when initiating one contact is the immediate action
not when The phrase says nothing about mutual exchange and has become vague through overuse.
everyday
socialize
when enjoyment and informal company are the main activities
not when Socializing may produce no useful professional exchange or continuing contact.
warm
connect
when forming a relationship matters more than career advantage
not when A single connection does not imply maintaining a broader professional network.
professional
build relationships
when trust over time is more important than the number of contacts
not when The phrase is broad and includes clients, teammates, and family relationships.
formal
cultivate contacts
when relationships are developed deliberately across time
not when It can sound calculating if the exchange is meant to be generous and mutual.
formal
liaise
when maintaining communication between organizations or teams is an assigned role
not when Liaising is official coordination, not personal career relationship-building.

network with peers
The fellows network with peers while collaborating on real cases.
network effectively
To network effectively, he offers useful introductions before asking for one.
network professionally
The workshop teaches graduates to network professionally without performing false enthusiasm.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.