Not sure how to network right after coffee chat

Ok! So ! I'm a little confused. I know coffee chats are how we network to get the job we want. it opens the door to an interview. i'm not sure if this is where i'm going wrong in the process but i think i nailed the issue. 

i've been having coffee chats online but they obviously are boring for the other person and they're just answering questions a student has for them. some have offered to refer me (but not for PE/IB roles, it was corp finance) and that didn't result in anything (ghosted by recruiter). 

i know the key in networking is following up but its hard when u send them an email updating them ab ur life/article u read and they just ghost u after ur update. and also ur updating them and sending emails with no signal of if they'll ever refer u or offer a warm introduction. and i get it, we have a superficial rs online it's hard to authentically connect. 

i want to try a new approach and do coffee chats in person. but, idk what to do. let's say they do agree to meet in person, then what? i lightly ask if they know anyone i can speak to , they answer. then what's next? do i wait to reach out to said person? and do the whole thing again? how do i maintain a rs w this person? 

if anyone has recruited thru networking successfully id be super grateful for any advice.

i would really love advice on what the steps are to correctly network in the most authentic way possible. seems like ive messed it up somehow 

and this is for canadian pe recruiting 2026 full time (they hire off cycle or a year ahead from what ive read)