As an account manager, you're responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with your clients. But what if you have a small network of contacts and want to grow it? How can you find new opportunities, generate referrals, and create value for your existing and potential clients? Here are some tips to help you expand your network as an account manager.
Before you start reaching out to new prospects, you need to have a clear idea of who your ideal clients are. What are their goals, challenges, needs, and preferences? What are the characteristics of your most successful and profitable accounts? What are the industries, markets, and niches that you have the most expertise and experience in? By defining your ideal clients, you can focus your efforts on finding and attracting the ones that match your criteria and avoid wasting time on unqualified leads.
As an account manager, there should always be areas of growth within your account, specifically new business. No matter what your solution is, it is your job to make sure you are providing as much value to as many people within that account as possible who would be a fit. It is your job to prospect and identify key personas who will fit your solution. If you are looking to grow your network, begin with the client(s) you are currently serving and build trust to expand it. LinkedIn is a powerful way to boost your network as well, specifically within your client accounts. Send LI connections to them and put face to name when you are doing your outreach. Good luck.
Account Managers should leverage their current relationships to build new ones with social proofing, but by also using traditional development strategies to increase their book of business, hence why it's so imperative that an AM have background in lead gen.
As an account manager with a limited network, there are several strategies you can employ to expand it and connect with potential clients: - Start by outlining your goals - Knowing your ideal client profile will help you tailor your networking efforts. - Leverage Online Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media. - Don't just blast generic messages. Personalize your outreach by highlighting a specific achievement of the person you're contacting or offering a relevant resource. - Focus on providing value - Don't underestimate the power of your existing network - Networking is a two-way street. Respond & follow-through. ?? Gradually expand your network and open doors to new business opportunities.
Expanding your network as an account manager can open up numerous opportunities for collaboration and growth. One effective strategy is to actively engage in industry events, conferences, and seminars where you can connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn to join relevant groups and participate in discussions can help you broaden your reach and establish meaningful connections. Don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues, clients, and even friends of friends for introductions or networking opportunities.
One of the best ways to expand your network is to leverage your existing one. Your current clients, colleagues, partners, and friends can be valuable sources of referrals, introductions, and recommendations. Ask them if they know anyone who might benefit from your services, or if they can connect you with someone in their network who fits your ideal client profile. You can also offer incentives, such as discounts, rewards, or freebies, for referrals that lead to new business. Don't forget to thank and follow up with your referrers and keep them updated on the progress of your new relationships.
Another way to expand your network is to provide value and expertise to your prospects and clients. You can do this by sharing useful content, such as blog posts, podcasts, webinars, ebooks, or case studies, that showcase your knowledge and skills and address their pain points and interests. You can also offer free consultations, audits, or assessments that demonstrate your value proposition and generate trust and credibility. By providing value and expertise, you can position yourself as a thought leader and a problem solver in your field and attract more attention and engagement from your target audience.
Social media and online platforms are powerful tools for expanding your network as an account manager. You can use them to research and identify potential clients, join relevant groups and communities, participate in discussions and conversations, and share your insights and opinions. You can also use them to showcase your portfolio, testimonials, and success stories, and to build your personal brand and reputation. Some of the platforms you can use are LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Quora, Medium, and Reddit. Make sure to optimize your profiles, follow the etiquette and rules of each platform, and be consistent and authentic in your interactions.
Finally, you can expand your network by attending events and networking in person. Events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, trade shows, and meetups are great opportunities to meet new people, learn new things, and exchange ideas and contacts. You can also host your own events, such as webinars, workshops, or lunch-and-learns, and invite your prospects and clients to join. When you attend or host events, make sure to prepare your elevator pitch, business cards, and follow-up strategy. Be friendly, curious, and respectful, and try to build rapport and add value to your conversations.
Most trustworthy relations are built personally, and that's what I always believed. It's great to keep in touch on a social network, but once you have a chance to meet personally - never miss it! Such kind of events as workshops, seminars, meetups unite people of your field and give a great chance to meet colleagues you've always talked to via email or LinkedIn, as well as to meet your new potential partners.
1. give more than you take 2. Network throughout your entire career 3. Be your honest self 4. Be selective about who you include in your inner circle 5. Attend an event and speak to a panel moderator 6. Uncover the potential of weak ties 7. Exit conversations gracefully