In the world of sales, no network equals less business. Typically, the majority of new openings and opportunities are not made common knowledge. Instead, high-profile business opportunities will be seized by those savvy sales professionals who’ve taken the time to nurture an effective network of useful contacts.
In all sales jobs, a wide-reaching, active network can be the real key to success.
Here are a few pointers for developing and expanding a robust network of contacts.
- Attend as many social and business functions as possible, such as trade shows and conferences.
- Make the effort to talk to and instigate business relationships with as many new people as possible.
- Even if there doesn’t appear to be immediate business potential, take care not to dismiss certain connections – they may be useful further down the line.
- Be helpful to your contacts and return any favours in making introductions happen.
- Start a network with people in your immediate social group – such as friends and family. They may be able to refer you on to useful, interesting contacts.
- Look to your past. Are there any past tutors or employers who you could spark up a business relationship with?
- Be organised and keep detailed records of all your contacts’ details and any communication/correspondence you’ve had with them.
- Make the effort to get in touch with contacts at regular intervals throughout the year.
- Set clear objectives for yourself with regard to generating sales leads.
- Make definite decisions about the types of sales leads you want and work backwards through your network to find a suitable starting point. Be persistent and prepared to use numerous referrals to get to the contact you need.
- Don’t take your network for granted. Be responsive, respectful and always thank people for their help. Try to be helpful as well as being helped and keep your network up-to-date with any new work circumstances.
To get a job in sales and to stay ahead in the competitive world of sales, having a well-developed network can make all the difference.
That is true. As an author and business man, I can relate to how you said, “In the world of sales, no network equals less business”. I hope more people discover your blog because you really know what you’re talking about. Can’t wait to read more from you!
It’s tough to be in sales industry. You great pointers here. You have to be outgoing and be able to smoothly talk to just about anyone.
I enjoy networking with people who “get it.” The networkers I can’t stand are the ones who want to talk to me so they can push a product into my hand. I can usually find a great fit for their product if they’ll actually network instead of “sell” me in a network setting.
I agree with @Average Joe: partnering with people who have the same goals are key in promoting your business or product. Utilizing your social network to band together creates a good karma effect that you just can’t buy! Great tips – thanks!
I love networking, but I dislike “sales” people. There is a difference between being a great sales person and a pushing one. If I can tell that you are trying to sell me something with earning that right, I walk away reallllllly fast.
I was pretty lucky that the sales role I previously worked in was pretty low key and not sleazy. I don’t like doing the ‘hard sell’ or pushing things too heavily, I’d much rather try and offer help where possible and let people decide if the product is right for them. To be honest, this approach worked pretty well anyway.
Sales has always been my weakest point, lol. Networking is also another weakness, but I’d like to think I’m slowly getting better. 🙂