3 Common Online Networking Mistakes Business Owners Make And How to Avoid Them

Online networking has become one of the most powerful ways to grow a business — yet most business owners unintentionally hold themselves back with a few common (and avoidable) mistakes.

The truth is, it’s not the platform, the algorithm, or the lack of opportunities causing the problem.

It’s how people use networking… and more importantly, how they show up.

After networking for my own businesses since 2002 and now having facilitated more than a dozen Global Business Networking LIVE Online events, watching hundreds register and only a select few show up consistently, I’ve seen clear patterns in what actually moves a business forward — and what keeps people stuck.

Let’s break down the three most common online networking mistakes, the analogies that bring them to life, and how to avoid them so you can unlock genuine visibility, credibility, and global opportunity.

Mistake #1 — Treating Networking as an Obligation Instead of a Strategy

Most business owners show up to networking when they “have time,” when things get quiet, or when they remember they “should be doing more.”
This reactive approach kills momentum.

Online networking isn’t something you fit in.

It’s something you build in — because it supports your visibility, credibility, authority, and client attraction.

Think of it this way:

It’s like watering a plant only when it looks thirsty — instead of regularly nurturing it so it grows strong roots.

By the time you “feel” you need networking, the plant is already wilting.

How to avoid it:

• Treat networking as part of your weekly marketing system
• Schedule it the same way you schedule client work
• Use the Networking-as-Strategy Blueprint (from my Visibility Starter Pack which you get when you register for event updates here:
  https://www.0s4.com/r/KLYNVB)
• Track outcomes from conversations, not just content

Strategic networking compounds.

Obligatory networking evaporates.

Mistake #2 — Showing Up Unprepared (or With the Wrong Introduction)

Your introduction is your first impression — and most people underestimate its power.

They either:

• Ramble,
• Talk about everything except what they actually do,
• or give an introduction so vague no one remembers them afterward.

The result?

No authority.

No opportunities.

You are FORGOTTEN quickly.

Let’s look at it this way:

It’s like going to a formal dinner in slippers — people notice, but not for the right reasons.

Your introduction is your professional outfit.

It needs to fit, flatter, and frame who you are instantly.

How to avoid it:

• Use the Introduction Formula
  (everybody who registers to my Global Business Networking LIVE Online gets the details. For more, read this post click here)
• Speak to who you help, what outcome you create, and what makes you distinct
• Test your introduction in the LIVE sessions
• Keep it sharp, clear, and confidently delivered

A clear introduction gets you remembered.

A vague one gets forgotten.

Mistake #3 — Focusing Only on “Visibility for Me” Instead of “Visibility Through Others”

Most business owners approach networking as a way to promote themselves.

But the real power of online networking comes from collaboration, elevation, and amplification.

The fastest way to be seen globally is through the networks of others — and the only way that happens is through meaningful engagement, contribution, and support.

Here’s what I mean:

It’s like trying to push a car uphill alone — instead of simply asking a few people to help and watch it move effortlessly.

Visibility moves faster when others are pushing with you.

How to avoid it:

• Use the Visibility Through Others Principle
• Comment strategically, not superficially
• Mention, tag, share, acknowledge
• Build a network that naturally elevates one another
• Show up to guided discussions — not just to be seen, but to contribute

This is exactly why those who I invite to be members see outcomes others don’t.

Because they engage with intention, not self-promotion.

Final Thoughts

Online networking isn’t complicated… unless you do it alone, inconsistently, or without strategy.

Avoid these three mistakes — and your visibility, your connections, and your opportunities will expand rapidly.

If you’d like to experience a networking space that is guided, visible, supportive, and designed for real global growth, join us at the next Global Business Networking LIVE Online event.

Your next collaboration or client may be one conversation away.

Connect with me on LinkedIn and check my events or register for you guest pass below.

Article Written by Sigrid de Kaste, Creator of Global Business Networking LIVE Online, Global Online Expos of Impact and Founder of Stickybeak Marketing