How To Avoid 19 Modern Networking Missteps That Could Stall A Career

Forbes

11-07-2025

Professional networking looks very different in today's hyperconnected world than it did just a decade ago, and that brings both new opportunities and new potential pitfalls. For younger professionals, making the wrong move while trying to build connections can stall growth, limit visibility and even damage their reputation.
Whether it's treating LinkedIn like a megaphone or skipping follow-ups entirely, many of these missteps are surprisingly common. Below, 19 members of Forbes Coaches Council share these and other modern networking mistakes they see professionals make, and what to do instead to build relationships that truly support long-term success.
1. Overcome The Fear Of Being A Bother
The biggest mistake I see is not networking out of fear of being perceived as a bother to others. Building your relationships is the most important career currency. My pro tip is to make them feel good. For example: 'Hi [Name]2. Avoid Giving Yourself Too Much Credit
A modern networking mistake among young professionals is taking too much credit for work success. They may exaggerate and give the impression that they developed an idea or led its execution. One of the most important, sought-after skills by employers is collaboration—a team mindset. Instead, you should talk about the role you played in identifying or solving a problem and how you supported a team win. - Jill Tipograph, Tipograph Careers
3. Treat LinkedIn As A Professional Space
One mistake that young professionals make when it comes to networking is not knowing their audience. They treat LinkedIn like just another social media site and comment on political, religious or controversial posts. It's important to know where your audience hangs out online and to tailor your message so that it shows your professionalism and passion for the industry. - Jasmine Briggs-Rogers, Creatively Inspired Career Coaching
4. Lead With Curiosity, Not Credentials
The most common networking error I see is to start the conversation with 'I...' followed by a summary of one's résumé or skills. Networking is much more effective when we have a generative dialogue by approaching the conversation with curiosity and considering how we can create value for the other person. - Lisa Walsh, Beacon Executive Coaching
5. Earn Your Seat By Proving Your Value
The mistake many early career professionals make is to try to get a 'seat at the table' before they have shown they are the 'go-to person' for what they do. The steps to take are to know what others expect of you and do that repeatedly until you have demonstrated expertise. Then, you should find ways to help solve problems outside of your area. Because you have shown drive and competence, you will be welcomed. - Bill Berman, Ph.D., ABPP, Berman Leadership Development
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6. Show Up And Build Connections
The mistake I most often see younger professionals making is not connecting in real life (or IRL, as they say). It's great if you can work remotely or in a hybrid situation, but you still need to show up, build relationships with people at all levels and learn how to best communicate in person and online. Doing so helps to distinguish you as a key team member. Show up! - Emily Kapit, MS, MRW, ACRW, CPRW, ReFresh Your Step, LLC
7. Practice Strategic Authenticity Online
Many up-and-coming professionals we advise deeply value authenticity, which means they are less intentional about how they brand themselves within or beyond their companies. Instead, we recommend strategic authenticity, which requires that they identify their goals for each disclosure and decide how to articulate their value proposition rather than assuming it will come to light organically. - Precious Williams Owodunni, Mountaintop Consulting
8. Focus On Impact Over Visibility
The number one modern networking mistake is chasing visibility over value. Too many early-career professionals focus on how many people they can reach rather than how many they can impact. Networking isn't about who you know or how many you know. It's about who trusts you enough to say your name in a room full of opportunity. - Rahul Karan Sharma, RahulKaranSharma.com
9. Deepen Relationships Beyond Likes
One of the biggest mistakes is hoarding digital connections—mass-adding people on LinkedIn, liking posts and then vanishing. It's shallow and forgettable. Instead, you should curate a smaller circle: Comment with insight, share value, follow up with a short coffee chat or Zoom and keep the dialogue alive. Depth beats breadth. - Peter Boolkah, The Transition Guy
10. Grow Your Network Beyond Familiar Faces
You aren't limited to your existing network. In fact, only building relationships with people you already know can stunt your career and personal growth. Even if you've never spoken, don't hesitate to reach out to people you admire and start a conversation. You should learn what makes them tick, how you can add value to their network and who else they recommend you connect with. It's crucial to keep growing your network. - Dr. Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES, CaffeinatedKyle.com
11. Follow Up With Genuine Engagement
Relying solely on LinkedIn likes or direct messages without building real relationships is a mistake. Engagement without depth rarely leads to meaningful opportunities. Instead, you should follow up with personalized messages, request short virtual coffees and focus on adding value before asking for help. Connection is greater than clicks. - Jaide Massin, Soar Executive Coaching LLC
12. Start Conversations With Value, Not Asks
A common mistake is treating networking like a transaction—sending cold DMs asking for jobs, advice or referrals without context or connection. This approach feels one-sided and forgettable. Instead, you must lead with curiosity and service. Start by asking insightful questions, commenting thoughtfully on others' work and following up with value. The goal isn't a quick win—it's long-term, mutual growth. - Yasir Hashmi, The Hashmi Group
13. Nurture Connections After The First Meeting
It's the follow-up that matters. Too much networking advice focuses on what you do at events and in transactional introductions online. You should meet people, learn about them and then follow up! Whether your follow-up is with introductions or additional meetings to learn more about them, you shouldn't spend the effort to plant a seed and then forget to water it. Follow-up is the water that makes relationships grow. - Jim Vaselopulos, Rafti Advisors, LLC
14. Replace Overexplaining With Smart Questions
A mistake is performing, not positioning. Gen-Z professionals often overexert themselves in networking spaces to prove value instead of asking strategic questions. They must replace overexplaining with deep listening and a value-first intro. Influence starts with curiosity, not credentials. - Dr. Ari McGrew, Tactful Disruption®
15. Engage Before Making A Request
A big mistake is treating LinkedIn like a vending machine—firing off cold asks without context, value or curiosity. That 'Can I pick your brain?' direct message goes straight to the archive. Instead, you should engage publicly first: Comment smartly, share useful takes and build a visible rapport. You'll want to make yourself familiar before you ask for familiarity. Relationships start with real conversations and genuine interest. - Alla Adam, Adam Impact Institute
16. Show Authenticity, Not A Perfect Persona
Curating a 'perfect' online presence instead of a real one is a mistake that makes a younger professional unrelatable and, to be frank, unbelievable too. It creates invisibility rather than genuine connection. Authenticity builds trust. You should share your learning curve, not just your highlight reel. People connect with you, not an artificial brand persona; that will germinate organically. - Arthi Rabikrisson, Prerna Advisory
17. Prioritize Quality Of Conversations Over Quantity
I see too many up-and-coming professionals speed-networking. They come to an event and spam people with business cards and their digital profile, trying to hit everyone. They don't do their homework to understand who is there and find those individuals with whom they need to build relationships. They need to concentrate on crafting meaningful conversations with them. - Ed Brzychcy, Lead from the Front
18. Treat Networking As A Career-Long Habit
One of the biggest mistakes is thinking networking isn't valuable once you land a job. Modern professionals should see networking as a long-term investment in connection, community and growth. It's how we learn, find support and open future opportunities. Neglecting it can stall your career; relationships matter at every stage. - Diana Lowe, Blue Light Leadership
19. Strengthen Social And Interpersonal Skills
One mistake young professionals make is neglecting to develop their social and interpersonal skills. Relying solely on digital communication can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities to build trust and rapport. Prioritizing emotional intelligence (like active listening, clear communication and empathy) can set them apart and strengthen their professional relationships. - Megan Malone, Truity