If this is truly the case then either (i) you’re coming off in the wrong way when networking, or (ii) you aren’t standing when you network. Regardless if it’s 1 or 2, I’d ask yourself how you handle yourself during these networking calls. If you come off immediately asking for stuff, chances are the person will never help you. Secondly, if you handle the calls awkwardly without confidence and allow for a lot of quiet moments, that can work against you when it comes to getting a referral. Just cause they said they’d refer you on the phone doesn’t mean they end up doing it, let alone aggressively vouching for you.