What are the most common challenges to building a professional network?

Building a professional network is a key skill for career management, but it can also be challenging for many reasons. In this article, you will learn about some of the most common obstacles to effective networking and how to overcome them.

1 Lack of time

One of the most frequent complaints about networking is that it takes too much time. You may feel that you are too busy with your work, family, or other commitments to attend events, follow up with contacts, or maintain relationships. However, networking does not have to be a time-consuming chore. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to connect with people in your field, share relevant content, and join groups. You can also schedule regular check-ins with your existing network, such as a phone call, an email, or a coffee meeting. By setting aside some time each week or month for networking, you can make it a habit and a priority.

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Andy Wilson

Innovator, community-builder & champion for economic development
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Key is understanding how to effectively balance your networking time between nurturing high value relationships and engaging them to achieve an outcome (a job, a deal, an investment, etc). I have always liked the term "relationship capital management" as it implies the need to invest before you can harvest. If you are always a transactional "taker" you will fail, and if you just network but never tap your network for value you will never progress. It is indeed the long game . . .

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DEBORAH BROWN-VOLKMAN

Career Goals Advisor to Fortune 500 Executives 🌹 LinkedIn “New Job” Search Strategist 🌹Trauma Survivor & Resilience Expert
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It’s not time; it’s fear. We make time for things that are important to us. You can find 15 minutes a day to reach out to people. Don’t let fear win. Maybe people will want to talk to you and maybe they won’t. You won’t know until you try.

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Marcus Ellis-Alexander

Sales Leader Driving Growth & Innovation at Hertz | Strategic Visionary | Transforming Customer Experiences & Revenue Streams
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Networking is an essential part of professional growth, and it doesn't have to be time-consuming. Online platforms like LinkedIn make it easy to connect and share, while regular check-ins with your network can lead to incredible opportunities. Make networking a habit, not a chore, and watch your career soar.

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2 Lack of confidence

Another common challenge to networking is lack of confidence. You may feel shy, nervous, or awkward when meeting new people, especially in a professional setting. You may worry about making a good impression, saying the right thing, or being rejected. However, networking does not have to be intimidating. You can overcome your fear by preparing yourself before an event, such as researching the attendees, practicing your introduction, and having some conversation starters. You can also focus on being friendly, curious, and helpful, rather than on selling yourself or impressing others. Remember that networking is about building relationships, not just exchanging business cards.

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Dr. Sundari Subramanian

HR Trailblazer driving talent development and business performance.
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More than confidence it's the COURAGE to initiate a conversation. Sometimes it is also over thinking of, "How will i be perceived"? which acts as a barrier. It is always good to spend 10 or 15 minutes a day to browse through to know about your connects - both business/professional or personal. This may emerge purposeful conversations with people.

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3 Lack of strategy

A third common challenge to networking is lack of strategy. You may not have a clear goal or purpose for your networking activities, such as finding a mentor, expanding your knowledge, or exploring new opportunities. You may also not have a plan for how to reach your goal, such as identifying your target audience, choosing the right events, or following up effectively. However, networking does not have to be random or haphazard. You can develop a strategy by defining your objective, researching your options, and taking action. You can also measure your progress and adjust your approach as needed.

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Sajjad Parmar
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You should not have a reactive and dormant approach to building a network. In building your professional network you have to think through, plan, find time and energy to meet people who add value to you. Also, you must add value to them. This can be in the area of your expertise, or an area you want to get better at or simply build a network that collectively means something. You have to be at this constantly and find time and space to do this as part of your routine. Even if you find time, and space and energy, if you do this haphazardly, it is not going to realize full value. Who you meet, when you meet and how you progress is something you have to think through.

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4 Lack of value

A fourth common challenge to networking is lack of value. You may feel that you have nothing to offer or contribute to your network, especially if you are new to your field, in transition, or facing a challenge. You may also feel that you are asking for too much or being too needy when you reach out to your contacts. However, networking does not have to be one-sided or transactional. You can create value by sharing your insights, resources, or referrals with your network, as well as by expressing your appreciation and gratitude. You can also balance your requests with your offers, and be specific and respectful when you ask for help.

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5 Lack of diversity

A fifth common challenge to networking is lack of diversity. You may tend to network with people who are similar to you in terms of background, industry, or role. You may also limit your network to people who are within your reach, such as your colleagues, friends, or alumni. However, networking does not have to be homogeneous or narrow. You can diversify your network by reaching out to people who are different from you in terms of perspective, experience, or expertise. You can also expand your network by exploring new venues, such as online forums, industry associations, or volunteer organizations.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Marina L.

Strategic Advisor | Strategy & Operations Director | Investor Relations | Startup Mentor | M&A | Multilingual | B2B | Change | IT | Tech | Consulting | Family Office | UHNWI | Cross-industry
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Interestingly, people forget about human touch when talking about network building. Yet with all the strategy, time and perceived value humans still function on a feeling of trust and warmth. We are not robots programmed to only gain in the most efficient way. So develop a personal rapport with human values at the core. Relationships are impossible without some sort of liking each other. So, consider active listening and genuine interest in those you are trying to build connections with.

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What are the most common challenges to building a professional network?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Lack of time

2 Lack of confidence

3 Lack of strategy

4 Lack of value

5 Lack of diversity

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Management

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What are the most common challenges to building a professional network?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Lack of time

2 Lack of confidence

3 Lack of strategy

4 Lack of value

5 Lack of diversity

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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