You're aiming to excel in technical sales. What unconventional networking approaches should you explore?

To excel in technical sales, consider unconventional networking approaches like joining industry-related social groups or online communities. Participate in hackathons, meetups, or webinars to connect with potential clients and partners. Engage in thought leadership by writing blog posts or contributing to industry publications to showcase your expertise and attract attention. Building relationships through these channels can lead to unexpected sales opportunities and establish you as a trusted advisor in your field.

Social hobbies are a great way to connect to people in a different environment and to get to know them in a different, informal, way, which helps to build better relations

Volunteering for causes or organizations related to your field can open doors to new connections. Offer Value-Added Services Instead of traditional networking, consider offering value-added services to potential customers. You could provide consultative advice, conduct product demonstrations, or share industry insights to establish yourself as a trusted advisor. Collaborate with Complementary Businesses Identify businesses that offer complementary products or services to your target customers. Explore potential partnerships or co-marketing opportunities. This approach can open doors to new networks and help you gain credibility through association.

Create referral programs that incentivize your existing network to introduce you to potential clients. Host or participate in webinars that address specific industry challenges. This can position you as a thought leader and attract potential clients.

Online Communities and Forums Participate in online communities, forums, and social media groups related to your industry or the technologies you sell. This allows you to: Engage with potential customers where they already congregate Establish yourself as a subject matter expert by providing valuable insights Learn about the latest trends, pain points, and challenges faced by your target audience You can find relevant forums on platforms like Reddit, Quora, LinkedIn Groups, or industry-specific online communities. Leveraging social media and online content to connect with potential buyers.

Content Creation and Thought Leadership Establish yourself as a thought leader in your field by creating and sharing valuable content. This could include: Writing blog posts, articles, or whitepapers on industry trends or technical topics Hosting a podcast or video series where you discuss relevant issues Speaking at virtual or in-person events to share your expertise By positioning yourself as a knowledgeable resource, you can attract potential customers who are seeking solutions to their challenges. The importance of providing value and building relationships beyond traditional sales tactics.

Partner with others in your industry to create joint content, such as blogs or podcasts. This can expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences.

Excelling in technical sales means thinking beyond the trade shows and awkward cocktail hours Networking in technical sales requires creativity. Skip the usual and explore unconventional avenues to build real connections. ? Contribute to open-source projects: Join developer communities. Nothing says “I know my stuff” like debugging someone else’s code. ? Host webinars or workshops: Share insights and make complex topics simple—just like explaining tech to your relatives at Thanksgiving. ? Leverage online communities: Engage in niche forums or LinkedIn groups where engineers hang out. Remember, value first, sales pitch second. These offbeat tactics help you stand out and avoid the usual networking clichés.

Keeping connected with former students, colleagues etc is really gold for business. My best entry points to potential customers always have been people with which I worked before or with which I have studied together