Why LinkedIn Isn’t the Best Networking Method Anymore
- TPP Partner Inc. Business Consultant
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
For years, LinkedIn was considered the go-to digital platform for professional networking. It was the place to share updates, connect with colleagues, and explore new opportunities. In 2025, however, networking has changed in ways that make LinkedIn far less effective than it once was.
Post-COVID: The Shift Back to In-Person
During the pandemic, digital networking became essential. With travel restrictions and social distancing, professionals relied on LinkedIn, virtual conferences, and online communities to stay connected. At the time, it was one of the only ways to keep a career moving forward.
Today, things are different. Many professionals are returning to in-person events and rediscovering the value of face-to-face connections. Conversations flow more naturally, memories stick more vividly, and opportunities often arise in unexpected ways. LinkedIn, while useful, cannot replace the depth and authenticity of an in-person meeting.
The Role of AI in Networking
Another key shift is the rise of artificial intelligence in online communication. People now use tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to write posts, answer comments, or even craft outreach messages. In some cases, one AI is holding a conversation with another while the people behind them barely interact at all.
This trend raises questions about authenticity. Are you connecting with another professional, or simply with the technology that speaks for them? The more AI takes over, the more digital networking feels like an echo chamber rather than a space for genuine relationships.
The Increase in Bots and Spam
Bots have also become a common challenge on LinkedIn. Many users are overwhelmed with generic connection requests or automated sales pitches that arrive immediately after accepting someone’s invitation. Instead of inspiring new opportunities, much of the platform now feels like inbox clutter.
This has created what some call "connection fatigue." Instead of feeling excited to network, professionals feel wary or even annoyed. The constant filtering makes it difficult to focus on conversations that actually matter.
Finding the Shining Stars
Despite these challenges, it is still possible to find value on LinkedIn. Some professionals use the platform with sincerity and creativity, and they stand out from the crowd. These "shining stars" offer thoughtful insights, respond with genuine interest, and make LinkedIn worth checking. They are rare, but they exist.
For those who are willing to put in the time, LinkedIn can still help uncover meaningful connections. The key is sifting through the noise to find the people who value real dialogue.
How Can a Business Consultant Help?
A professional coach or consultant can play a vital role in helping professionals move beyond digital-only networking by providing personalized coaching and hands-on event management support. Through coaching, individuals can develop strategies to make the most of both online and in-person networking, including practicing effective introductions, building authentic relationships, and sustaining ongoing connections. Coaches also help set clear goals and hold professionals accountable, ensuring steady progress in expanding their network and growing their business.
Additionally, consultants often plan and host networking events, whether local meetups, industry-specific workshops, or large-scale conferences. By facilitating these events, they create tailored opportunities for clients to meet valuable contacts face-to-face and deepen their professional connections. With a consultant’s guidance on event planning and a coach’s expertise in building networking skills, professionals gain both the structure and the real-world experience needed for meaningful, long-lasting business relationships.
