What’s the best approach to networking online today?

Online networking is about creating meaningful interactions instead of pushing connections. A good example of this can be seen here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7360701588601995265 . It demonstrates how adding value first—such as commenting thoughtfully on posts, sharing useful resources, or even asking insightful follow-up questions—builds trust over time. Cold messaging feels outdated because people want to see authenticity and genuine interest. If you interact regularly with someone’s content, when you finally reach out, it doesn’t feel cold anymore—it feels like a natural step. Over weeks or months, this creates a foundation for strong professional relationships that aren’t forced.