Common Networking Myths to Avoid

5 Misconceptions About Networking (and How to Do It Right) Networking can be daunting and often gets a bad rap (I see you, introverts) yet it is absolutely essential in navigating today's job market. So, let's debunk some networking myths: 🚫 Myth: “Networking is only for job seekers.” ✅️ Reality: Build authentic connections that last by intentionally growing your circle when you don't need a job, so you have a support system when you need it most. 🚫 Myth: “It’s all about collecting contacts.” ✅️ Reality: Networking isn’t a numbers game. It’s about cultivating meaningful relationships rather than just adding to your contact list - also, your colleagues, former coworkers, acquaintances, clients, and more can all be your network. Remember, time is the currency of relationships. If you get a contact, follow up later. Engage on LI now and then. 🚫 Myth: “I'm not extroverted, so I'm bad at networking” ✅️ Reality: Introverts can be fantastic networkers because they often excel at building deeper, one-on-one relationships. You don't have to attend happy hours and large functions to build a strong community. Start by engaging more with people you already have a loose connection with, and branch out. 🚫 Myth: “It feels forced or fake.” ✅️ Reality: Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. Focus on finding common ground, being curious, and helping others when you can. You might even make a new friend. 🚫 Myth: “Social media networking doesn’t count.” ✅️ Reality: LinkedIn is the tip of the online networking iceberg, and people are building relationships that translate from online to real life in Subreddits, Discord servers, etc. These are powerful tools for engaging with peers, sharing insights, and expanding your reach to people you wouldn't have the opportunity to meet IRL. Networking is less about what you can get and more about what you can give and learn. Building relationships when you don’t “need” them makes your network stronger, more reliable, and genuine. 💡

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜. A strong network isn’t built by handing out business cards, attending endless events, or adding thousands of LinkedIn connections. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼. That means being: • 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 – Do you bring insights, solutions, or connections that help others? • 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Are you open to sharing knowledge, making introductions, or supporting when it matters? • 𝗔𝗯𝗹𝗲 – Do you continuously build skills that make you an asset, not just an acquaintance? • 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 – Are your relationships built on sincerity, or just self-interest? The mistake many professionals make is thinking networking is about who they 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝗜𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝘀 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. If people only hear from you when you need something, that’s not networking—that’s extraction. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂. The best networkers don’t just collect people. They contribute. And that’s why doors open for them. 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁.

🙅♂️ The 5 Biggest Networking Mistakes (and How to Fix Them): Most people struggle with networking because they only reach out when they need something. Networking has been instrumental to my career—breaking into tech sales, securing referrals, and helping others land jobs at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Snowflake, Databricks, and Microsoft. Here are five common networking mistakes and how to avoid them: 1. Reaching Out Only When You Need Something The best networking happens when there’s no immediate ask. Engage with people’s content, share insights, and offer help before ever making a request. 🔹 Who to follow: Nick Cegelski, Jen Allen-Knuth, Justin Welsh 2. Sending Generic Connection Requests If your request says, “I’d love to add you to my network,” you’re doing it wrong. Mention a shared interest, a mutual connection, or why their work stands out to you. A simple, “Really enjoyed your post on [topic]—would love to connect” goes a long way. 🔹 Who to follow: Ashleigh Early, Carole Mahoney 3. Neglecting Follow-Ups One conversation isn’t a relationship. Following up can be as simple as, “Thanks for your advice on [topic]. I applied it and saw [result].” Most people don’t do this, which makes you stand out. 🔹 Who to follow: Jeff Bajorek, Anita Nielsen, Amy Volas 4. Not Leveraging Your Existing Network Your next opportunity is more likely to come from a former classmate, ex-colleague, or past interviewer than a stranger. Stay in touch, reconnect, and don’t just rely on cold outreach. 🔹 Who to follow: Todd Caponi, Christine Rogers, Josh Braun 5. Not Setting a Networking Goal Networking shouldn’t be random. Set a simple habit: One new connection per week One virtual coffee chat per month One industry event per quarter 🔹 Who to follow: Amy Franko, Lori Richardson, Jason Bay The best opportunities come from who you know AND who knows you. 💎 What’s the best networking advice you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments. #Networking #CareerGrowth #TechSales #LinkedInTips

The biggest lie about "networking" is that it's about collecting contacts. I watched a founder at a conference a few months ago hand out 200 business cards with QR codes. Added hundreds of LinkedIn connections that night. Last week, when his startup needed help, not one person responded to his messages. Meanwhile, I know a designer who's never been to a networking event. She just helped 3 people in a mutual Slack group solve design problems. For free. No agenda. Last month, all 3 referred her for projects worth $50K. One collected contacts. The other collected trust. Here's what nobody tells you about networking: The people frantically connecting with everyone are usually the ones nobody wants to help. Real networking happens when you're not networking. It's the DM you send with a useful article. The intro you make expecting nothing back. The problem you solve in a Slack channel at 11pm because you actually care. We see it constantly on Twill. The members who refer the most people? They're not the ones with 10,000 connections. They're the ones who genuinely know what their 50 closest contacts need. Your network isn't measured by how many people know your name. It's measured by how many people would answer your call at 9pm on a Tuesday. Stop collecting contacts. Start being useful. 🦋

✨ Debunking Networking Myths: It’s Not About Transactions, It’s About Trust ✨ Too often, networking is painted as a game of business cards, quick favors, or transactional exchanges. That myth keeps many people from engaging fully—because no one wants to feel like they’re just a “contact” in someone’s Rolodex. Here’s the truth: networking done right is about genuine connection. • 🤝 It’s about listening before asking. • 🌱 It’s about planting seeds of trust, not harvesting favors. • 💡 It’s about curiosity—learning someone’s story, their challenges, their vision. • 🔗 It’s about building bridges that may support both sides in ways you can’t predict today. The most impactful relationships I’ve built weren’t sparked by a transaction. They grew from shared values, authentic conversations, and a willingness to show up for each other. If we shift our mindset from “What can I get?” to “How can I serve, learn, and connect?”—networking becomes less of a chore and more of a discipline of service. 👉 Next time you’re at a conference, coffee chat, or even scrolling LinkedIn, remember: you’re not collecting contacts, you’re cultivating community.

Many women I talk to are resistant to networking. Some find it uncomfortable, some find it too time-consuming, and some would just rather be at home in their PJs watching Bridgerton. However, most of what we believe about networking is based on myths. ⬇️ 🔹 Myth #1: Networking is inauthentic or manipulative. No one wants to be that pushy person shoving business cards in people’s faces. Real networking is about building relationships. It's less about selling yourself and more having a genuine conversation with a real person. 🔹 Myth #2: You have to be an extrovert to network effectively. Nope! Some of the best networkers I know are introverts. They listen more, build deeper connections, and focus on quality over quantity. You don’t have to work the room like a politician. Just focus on one meaningful conversation at a time. 🔹 Myth #3: I don’t have time to network. Networking doesn’t mean adding more to your plate. It’s being intentional about the connections you’re already making. Chat with a colleague before a meeting, send a quick follow-up message after a great conversation, or connect with someone on LinkedIn. Small efforts add up. 🔹 Myth #4: Networking is slow and unpredictable– with no guaranteed payoff. If you’re expecting instant results, yeah, networking might feel frustrating. Genuine networking is a long-term strategy. A coffee chat you have today could lead to an opportunity a year from now. You never know when a connection will open the right door. 🔹 Myth #5: Women are at a disadvantage when networking in male-dominated environments. Yes, some spaces are still male-dominated. But that also makes you more memorable. Instead of avoiding those rooms, own your space, build allies, and seek out mentors who’ve been there before. Your perspective is valuable—use it. The bottom line is this: Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, time-consuming, or fake. It’s just about connecting with people in a way that feels natural. And if you do it right, it can completely change your career. What’s a networking myth you used to believe? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️ #networkingtips #careergrowth #authenticnetworking #womeninbusiness #jobsearchtips

Stop Asking How to Maintain Your Network!!! Ask Yourself: "How Do I Become So Unforgettable That People Remember Me?" 1/ Abandon the relationship maintenance myth. Most people think networking success comes from staying in touch with everyone, updating CRMs, and constantly following up. But successful people prove there's a better way. 2/ Build your personal brand foundation. Post on LinkedIn once a day in 2025 - a personal brand is the single greatest investment you can make for becoming memorable. 3/ Host regular industry gatherings. Organize something once a quarter for people in your field - it can literally be a six-person reservation at a wine bar where everyone splits the bill. 4/ Give value before you need anything. Whenever you meet someone new, immediately think of one thing you can offer that would help their career - introductions, resources, or event invitations. 5/ Understand the real networking difference. Success isn't about maintaining hundreds of shallow connections. It's about becoming the person others naturally want to stay connected with. 6/ Implement the "give first" strategy. Focus on being helpful and memorable rather than asking for favors. Watch how you become the first person they think of when opportunities arise - without ever having to ask.

90,000 amazing connections! Thank You for Being Part of This Journey → Here are Some Myths About LinkedIn That Might Be Holding You Back (insights from my engagement metrics) #LinkedIn is a powerful platform for connecting and growing professionally, but there are plenty of myths that might make you hesitant to engage fully. Here are some common misconceptions→ and the reality behind them! N/B: These are based on my experience and what my engagement data shows. ❌ Myth 1: “Posting Personal Stories Is Unprofessional” → Reality: LinkedIn is a professional network, but people connect with real, relatable stories. → Sharing experiences; like career challenges, lessons learned, or key milestones—humanizes you and builds authentic connections. → Keep it relevant, add value, and you’ll be surprised by how much engagement your story can get! Personal stories are among the top 5 most engaged content. ❌ Myth 2: “You Should Post Only 1-2 Times a Week” → Reality: Posting frequency can vary based on your goals and time. → Consistency is key, but don’t limit yourself to just 1-2 posts per week if you have valuable insights to share. → Experiment to find the right frequency for you, and remember that engagement comes from value, not just timing. ❌ Myth 3: “There Are Specific Days with Higher Engagement—Stick to Those Only” → Reality: While some studies suggest that you see more activity on certain days, engagement ultimately depends on the value of your content and audience interests. → Try different days and times to see what works best for your unique network. → Quality content will resonate regardless of the day. Sundays are some of my best-performing days! ❌ Myth 4: “Stick to One Niche” → Reality: Focusing on a niche can help build credibility, but LinkedIn is a platform where you can share a range of professional insights. →If you have diverse skills or interests, don’t hesitate to explore and share different perspectives—just keep it relevant to your brand and audience. ❌ Myth 5: “Instant Posting is Always Better Than Scheduling” → Reality: Scheduled posts can be a lifesaver for busy professionals. → While posting in real-time lets you engage immediately, scheduled posts can work just as well, especially if you’re strategic about timing and topics. → More than 80% of my posts are scheduled. → That's the only way I can stay consistent without burning out! ❌ Myth 6: “You Need Thousands of Followers to Make an Impact” → Reality: Impact isn’t about follower count but engagement and connection. → Even with a small, engaged audience, you can build strong relationships, offer value, and create meaningful interactions. ****** What LinkedIn Myths Have You Encountered❓ Have any of these misconceptions held you back? Share your experiences, and let’s keep debunking these myths together! 🚀 #LinkedInTips #MythBusting #Networking #PersonalBrand #ProfessionalGrowth