CHALLENGES FACED IN

AAs there are many benefits that comes with networking, creating a strong and reliable connection of like-minded people may not be easy. A lot of challenges are encountered that may make one give up on ever having a fruitful network. Some of these challenges can be overcome.

TIME WASTAGE

For entrepreneurs time is money. Most entrepreneurs want to spend time on the income generating ends of the business. Therefore time spent on networking might look like a waste of time. However this is far from the truth. Relationships that are based on trust last longer and form stronger business partnerships. Therefore, networking is a skill that is needed by entrepreneurs and senior business executives as a long term strategic tool to build a successful business.

TOO MANY SELLERS

Another challenge faced in business networking is the convergence of too many sellers in a networking event with no buyers in attendance. Attending the networking event becomes a dead end since expectations of meeting new clients are not met. And convincing other sellers to buy from you may be difficult especially when you are offering the same products.

NETWORKING TENDS TO BE EXHAUSTING

Meeting new people and generating a conversation is quite difficult especially for introverts. Introverts based on their nature are reserved people who like to keep their personal space. Being in a networking event becomes exhausting for them. Also following up on people after the event becomes tiresome. The lunches and coffees become tiring to keep up with and end up giving up on the new connection made.

LACK OF AUTHENTICITY

People present themselves nicely in networking events and win your trust. However, three to four years of dealing with a seller yields to some negative aspects that were not present initially. For example, in the beginning a seller may win your trust in investing in his or her company but fail to be transparent. Then a few years down the line the company crumbles and falls. This in turn affects

EXITING AND JOINING CONVERSATIONS

Joining a group of people already on a conversation can be difficult. Certain measures like approaching while smiling and being patient with them to accommodate you should be taken. While talking to a person or a group of people in a networking event it becomes difficult to exit a conversation and join another. Excusing oneself to talk to someone else creates an image that the person you are to talk to is of much importance. This may not be taken kindly.

FINDING A GROUP TO FIT

Looking for a group of people who match your business needs together with your personality can be difficult. So, you will end up moving from one group to another and end up not getting the value

of the event.