Top 6 Networking Lies You Still Believe — Stop Wasting Your Time!

The myths holding you back from real opportunities.

Author

Glenda Carnate
September 28, 2025

Read time: 2.5 minutes

Let’s be real: you’ve probably been networking wrong.
Not because you’re lazy. Not because you’re unskilled. But because the advice you’ve been told for years is outdated... and flat-out wrong.

Adding contacts like Pokémon cards? Useless.
Avoiding coffee chats because they “don’t go anywhere”? Huge mistake.
Thinking you need to be an extrovert to thrive? The biggest myth of all.

These lies waste your time, drain your energy, and keep you stuck while others leap ahead. The good news? Once you spot them, you can flip your networking game instantly.

The 6 Networking Lies You Still Believe:(and How to Fix Them)

1. LinkedIn contacts = network.

  • The Lie: A big list of contacts equals a strong network.

  • The Truth: According to some studies, anywhere from 70% to 85% of jobs are filled through networking. (LinkedIn, 2025).

  • The Fix: Stop spamming connection requests. Focus on actual conversations, check-ins, and mutual value.

2. Networking is just about collecting contacts.

  • The Lie: More contacts means more career opportunities.

  • The Truth: 76% of employees recognize the value of strong professional connections, believing they positively impact career advancement. (LinkedIn, 2025).

  • The Fix: Invest in building deeper ties. Schedule a real chat every week with someone you value.

3. Coffee chats are a waste of time.

  • The Lie: Coffee meetings don’t lead anywhere.

  • The Truth: 1 in 12 informational interviews leads to a job offer, making it a powerful networking tool with job offers as a bonus. (Job Junction, 2024).

  • The Fix: Book short, intentional chats. Prep three thoughtful questions so you leave an impression.

4. Only network in your field.

  • The Lie: Stay in your industry lane.

  • The Truth: Cross-industry collaboration drives growth, sparks innovation, and supports sustainable success. (LinkedIn, 2023).

  • The Fix: Connect outside your bubble. Reach out to one new person per week in a completely different field.

5. You need to be an extrovert.

  • The Lie: Only extroverts thrive at networking.

  • The Truth: Introverts can turn listening into a networking strength by creating meaningful, thoughtful connections. (Social Talent, 2024).

  • The Fix: Prepare questions in advance, listen actively, and send meaningful follow-ups.

6. Networking is only for job seekers.

  • The Lie: You only need to network when you’re unemployed.

  • The Truth: Combining feedback with quick networking helps employees stand out and overcome the promotion slowdown. (Forbes, 2024).

  • The Fix: Check in with mentors and peers monthly. Keep the relationship alive before you need it.

Key Takeaways:

  • Networking isn’t about numbers... it’s about relationships that create results.

  • Coffee chats, cross-industry conversations, and follow-ups open doors faster than cold applications.

  • Networking during the “quiet times” is what makes promotions, raises, and new opportunities possible.

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