RckChlkG33k profile picture
RckChlkG33k profile picture

RckChlkG33k

AE (Account Executive)

Big Shot
Politicker
Valued Contributor
+7

Networking for the young(ish) and stupid

Hey. I'm just coming into my mid career. I've been an AE for nearly two years, and I feel like I'm coming into my own.


I was talking with our CFO, and she pointed out an area that I need to improve in. I don't have a big network. I'm early 30's, so I don't have the 30 years of experience that some of the old AE's have, but at the same time I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO BUILD A NETWORK OF POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS.


Can you please help a young(ish) and stupid AE start to hone a really important asset?

๐Ÿ‘‘ Sales Strategy
โ˜๏ธ Software Tech
๐Ÿค Networking
10

11 comments

Sort by:
Sunbunny31
Politicker
5
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Anybody you've talked to, sold to, engaged with, should be in your "network". This honestly is what LI was really intended to be for, and that's what I use it for. I connect with colleagues, prospects, customers, partners - on LI.
I do NOT browse LI pages, but will check to see if my contacts are posting or engaging anywhere, and will engage with them on topics of interest.
The other thing I can suggest (not knowing what business you're in) is joining affinity groups. There are local in person meetups for people who may be your ICP that you can attend and build out your own network. There are also virtual ones.
jefe
Arsonist
4
๐Ÿ
All of this.
Or you can just try a street corner. Up to you
oldcloser
Arsonist
3
๐Ÿ’€
Wait, you know my sister?
jefe
Arsonist
3
๐Ÿ
Rather well, I must say..
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
3
Sales Rep
It really depends on who your clients are, because the first step is to identify who you want to be networking with, then ask yourself "If I was a CFO, where would I go to network?"

Easiest answers is finding conferences or local meet ups, maybe if the company pays for it, host a golf scramble event and invite current customers who are going to invite others or post about it.

I would even ask your CFO since I assume they would have some great advice where to start to meet with potential clients
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
2
Bravado's Resident Asshole
It's using who you already have in your back pocket, like @Sunbunny31 mentioned. Referrals and more referrals.
LambyCorn
Arsonist
2
A mfkn E
conferences! they seem to all be there for networking lol
DataCorrupter
Politicker
2
Account Executive
Do you have any prospects/customer that you like/would be friends with in real life? Those are the people. That's your network.

I'm also mid-career like you. I don't have a big network either (tbh, I think those days are done and it's a little antiquated, but I digress), but the few I do have always pick up my call.

I have one director level who will be a VP one day. She's an odd duck, and I like her because she's odd. We just get each other naturally. I get drinks with her (platonically) every once in a while, and we just shoot the shit. Not much business talk. It works because we're two people who legit get along in real life.

I've got another guy, director level (will be VP), and he was my favorite customer. I told him so. He watches the same sport as I do (Europe-based) and I text him about games, what happened, chat-shit, etc. We've been to one game together. It works because we're two people who legit get along in real life (and have similar interests).

I think you'll get the point here, just hang out/chat/be human with the other humans you legitimately like. That's your network, built organically.
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
I always heard: add value for people and they will remember you:- Send them leads- Connect people with eachother- Congratualte them when the achieve something- Need a service/product, buy within your network- ...
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
๐ŸฆŠ
Just like making friends ๐Ÿฅ‚
pirate
Big Shot
0
๐Ÿฆœโ˜ ๏ธ Account Executive
Find someone who's networking actively and follow what they do or even befriend them

Related posts

8

To the parents out there, how have you balanced your sales career with raising young children, especially during WFH in Covid? Do you feel more productive with WFH or less?

Question
๐Ÿฑ
๐Ÿ™
8
15

Old Guy in Young Company

Question
๐Ÿง 
๐Ÿ•ง
๐Ÿ‘ฅ
21
5

Looking for a remote opportunity, spent the last 8 plus years in truck and heavy equipment sales.

Question
๐Ÿง  Advice
8
Bravado is a community of trusted sales professionals endorsed by their customers.
Apple Store logo
Products
The War Room Jobs Salary Guide Tech Sales U
Company
About Us How It Works Blog Bug Bounty
Contact
Press Careers
ยฉ 2024 Bravado Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy Legal and Privacy Center Sales Jobs
If you are hired as a contract sales rep by a Bravado customer, we may ask you to prove access to the employee email account provided to you by that customer. This data will be shared with customers to track your sales productivity; customers can use this data to confirm you meet the minimum activity requirements to pay out your ramp stipend and commission.