To help sales professionals get off to an excellent start in 2017, we invite you to take a look at the 4 networking tips outlined below!

1. Discover What Makes You Unique & Use It To Your Advantage

Even if you don’t think you’re selling the most interesting thing in the world, you must remain dedicated to bringing out the most unique aspects of both the product you’re selling & your personality! Once you come to terms with what makes you stand out from the pack, use this uniqueness to your advantage each time a new networking opportunity arises. The more you stand out, the more you’ll be remembered.

Regardless of what makes you and your product or service unique, always be sure you verbalize how you’ll generate value for the prospect. If you can perfect this process, you’re well on your way to successful networking in 2017.

2. Network With ALL Professionals – Not Just the Ones in your Industry

Most successful sales professionals spend a good deal of time networking with peers in their own industries. This makes a ton of sense, as you’ll likely share similar success stories, pain points & other commonalities.

Don’t limit yourself to networking only within your industry. Talk to others who hold the same position you have that may be selling completely different products or services. In all likelihood, you can share similar strategies & get a fresh outlook on how others are conducting their business.

3. Use Social Media & Blogging To Your Advantage

Harness the power of building your brand online every chance you get. Writing blog posts regularly and sharing ideas that are relevant to your target buyer personas will help you establish yourself as an industry knowledge leader. Promote your ability to use your product or service to solve client problems & always maintain focus on creating value.

In addition to churning out regular blog posts, be sure to keep up-to-date profiles on all social media channels that make sense for your unique business. Regardless of industry, LinkedIn should be a no-brainer for all sales pros.

4. Step Up Your Business Card Game & Go Digital

While many pros in the sales business are still handing out paper cards at networking events, many innovators have opted to make the switch to electronic business cards. Going digital eliminates the hassle and nagging expense of re-printing cards on a regular basis. Electronic business cards also keep your contact info in pristine condition for the rest of your life with the touch of a button! This is no exaggeration. If you’re sick of the unorganized mess that paper business cards create, we encourage you to consider a switch to the digital side.

Have networking tips you’d like to share? Please do so in the comment area below!