What are the most effective ways to network as a sales operations professional?

1 Join online communities

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to network as a sales operations professional is to join online communities that are relevant to your interests, goals, and challenges. Online communities can offer you a platform to share your insights, ask questions, get feedback, and discover new opportunities. You can find online communities on various platforms, such as LinkedIn groups, Slack channels, Reddit forums, or specialized websites. For example, you can join the Sales Ops Central Slack community, which has over 4,000 members and hosts regular events and discussions on sales operations topics.

2 Attend virtual events

Another way to network as a sales operations professional is to attend virtual events that are organized by industry associations, publications, or influencers. Virtual events can help you learn from experts, stay updated on the latest trends and best practices, and interact with other attendees. You can find virtual events on platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, or Zoom. For example, you can attend the Sales Ops Summit, which is an annual online conference that features sessions and panels on various aspects of sales operations.

3 Reach out to your existing contacts

Networking is not only about meeting new people, but also about nurturing your existing relationships. You can reach out to your current or former colleagues, managers, clients, or partners who work in sales operations or related fields. You can check in with them, offer your help, ask for advice, or share your achievements. You can use platforms like LinkedIn, email, or phone to stay in touch with your contacts. For example, you can send a congratulatory message to a former colleague who got promoted to a sales operations manager role.

4 Seek mentorship or coaching

Networking can also be a way to learn from someone who has more experience, knowledge, or influence than you in the sales operations field. You can seek mentorship or coaching from someone who can offer you guidance, feedback, and support in your career development. You can find mentors or coaches through platforms like MentorCruise, GrowthMentor, or Clarity, or through your own network. For example, you can ask a senior sales operations leader in your company or industry to be your mentor or coach.

5 Showcase your expertise

Finally, networking can also be a way to showcase your expertise and establish your credibility in the sales operations field. You can showcase your expertise by creating and sharing valuable content, such as blog posts, podcasts, videos, or case studies. You can also showcase your expertise by participating in online discussions, answering questions, or giving presentations. You can use platforms like Medium, YouTube, Quora, or SlideShare to showcase your expertise. For example, you can write a blog post about how you improved the sales forecasting process in your organization.

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?