A very common way to get past gate-keepers is through a referral from someone the gate keeper knows and respects. Without strong networking skills, a business professional will be unable to generate such referrals. Once past them, a challenge with getting an appointment with a decision-maker. Here, without strong listening skills and precise presentation techniques, the busy decision-maker finds it easy to end a conversation before it's started. Once an appointment is made, difficulty communicating features and benefits to your prospect.
People relate to different styles of communication in different ways.
Usually, someone likes to be related to in the same manner that they relate to others. Even if all the above can be handled successfully, a difficulty in closing the sale. In an ideal networking relationship, both parties are concerned with learning about each other so they can best help each other. This skill makes closing a sale easier, since you have learned how to best help your prospect and your prospect has learned how you can best help them. The close is much easier then.