How can you build a Sales Management network in a new city?

Transitioning to a new city presents opportunities, yet a well-crafted plan is key. Begin by defining your objectives. Are you focused on lead generation, securing referrals, industry insights, or bolstering influence? 1: Lead Generation - Connect with local businesses, potential clients, and related industries. Share valuable content, engage, and attend local events. 2: Referrals - Foster partnerships with complementary businesses for reciprocal referrals. 3: Learning from Experts - Engage with thought leaders, join groups, and attend workshops for industry insights. 4: Expanding Influence - Collaborate with influential professionals, share expertise, and foster meaningful relationships. #SalesNetworking #NewCityOpportunities

Exploring some of the following channels may help building the foundation. 1- Building connects with regional Chamber of Commerce. Know the who's who of your city. 2- Participating in ministerial round tables/ gatherings, organized by trade and business divisions of federal & provincial government. 3- Boutique/ focused marketing organizations are of great help as initial enablers in building business connects. 4- Building connects with leaders in Procurement department is of great help in acquiring the business landscape. This will help you in understanding the buying pattern. 5- Build relationship with leading partners, game changers and influencers.

Properly researching your target market is not just a box to tick; it's a compass to your success. If you don’t know who your target market/audience is on LinkedIn, and build your network around that group of people, then your content and messaging will not resonate with those who see it. So, before setting sail on your entrepreneurial/business journey, take the time to plot your course. Your success story begins with knowing your audience inside out. ????

Your LinkedIn network is where I'd start. You can filter by location to see who you're already connected to. I've recently been spending more time in Portland, OR and so I started to reach out to people in my LI network who lived there. I learned from one contact about a startup event that was happening while I was in town so I registered for the event and went. I made 2 great new business contacts that night AND someone I could play tennis with while I was in town. WIN/WIN! Look for local industry association events and conferences that are happening in your new city.

Local events, groups, and chamber of commerce are all excellent ways to make connections. The key here is your mindset. Your mindset is based on your goals for the event. Before you join the group or attend the event, you should: 1. Identify the Why. Why do you want to be part of this? What is the goal? 2. Answer "Is this where my "people" or my customers hang out?". If this isn't, then don't go. Don't just go to an event just to go. Your time is valuable. 3. Set your goal. When you leave the event, what do you want to have in your hand? New connections? Leads? Meetings? All the above? Make sure you have a goal, you don't want to put in the work and leave with nothing tangible.

In the digital age, networking transcends physical boundaries, making it easier than ever to establish connections when you find yourself in a new city. Leveraging online platforms and tools opens up a world of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, especially in sales. Engaging with industry-specific online communities, forums, and interest groups provides a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for collaboration. Social media, email, and video calls bridge the gap, enabling you to nurture relationships and share insights effortlessly. Networking in a new city has evolved, making it not only convenient but also remarkably effective in building a strong professional support system.

Building a strong sales management network in a new city requires a consistent and authentic approach that focuses on genuine connections and value-driven interactions. 1- Leverage Existing Connections: Start by reaching out to your existing network, including former colleagues, classmates, and professional acquaintances. Inform them about your relocation and express your interest in connecting with sales professionals in the new city. 2- Engage with Professional Organizations: Join local chapters of sales-related organizations like Sales Management Association (SMA) or American Marketing Association (AMA). Attend their events, workshops, and conferences to network with industry peers and potential mentors.

Offer to help others. One of the best ways to build relationships is to offer to help others. If you see someone asking for advice on a sales management forum, offer your insights and expertise. Or, if you know of a job opening that would be a good fit for someone in your network, let them know. Be consistent. Building a network takes time and effort. Don't expect to build a strong network overnight. Be consistent in your efforts to connect with other sales managers and to build relationships.