What Job Seekers Can Learn from Sales: Strategic Networking Tips That Actually Work
- Tianyu Koenig
- Nov 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 19
We’ve all encountered both good and bad salespeople. The bad ones launch straight into a pitch without understanding your needs—making the interaction feel transactional and pushy. The good ones? They ask questions, listen, and build a relationship before offering a solution.
That same mindset is powerful in networking. Instead of “selling yourself” right away, take a more strategic approach—just like a skilled salesperson. Here are some strategic networking tips inspired by sales that can help you build meaningful, mutually beneficial connections.
1. Build Rapport by Understanding Their Needs
Great salespeople don’t start with a pitch. They start with rapport. In networking, that means showing genuine curiosity about the other person. Research their work, recent projects, or shared connections before reaching out.
If you’re talking to a UX director, don’t jump into your elevator pitch. Instead, reference something specific they’ve done—like a talk they gave or a product you admire. Ask thoughtful questions like:
“What’s been the most exciting project for you recently?”
“How are you approaching user research with your global audience?”
These openers uncover valuable context and create trust.
2. Tailor Your Message Like a Sales Pro
In sales, one-size-fits-all pitches don’t convert. The same goes for networking. Once you understand someone’s challenges or goals, adapt your message accordingly.
Say you’re speaking with a UX lead who’s struggling with cross-cultural research. That’s your cue to share how you’ve helped teams navigate similar issues. You’re not just talking about your background—you’re connecting it directly to something they care about.
This is the core of strategic networking: be relevant, not random.
3. Follow Through to Build Long-Term Relationships
Good salespeople don’t disappear after the meeting—and neither should you. A quick thank-you note, a follow-up message with a relevant article, or a check-in a few weeks later helps keep the connection alive.
Relationships are built over time through small, meaningful interactions. Be the person who follows through—not just the one who reaches out when they need something.
Conversation Starters That Open Doors
Here are a few easy ways to begin a strategic, personalized conversation:
“I noticed your team recently launched [project]. What was the biggest challenge in getting it off the ground?”
“I read your article on [topic], and it really resonated with me. How do you see that trend evolving?”
“I’d love to hear more about your approach to [a challenge they face]. How do you tackle that within your team?”
Networking is a two-way dialogue. The more value you bring to the conversation, the more memorable you become.
Want to practice your networking skills in a low-pressure environment? Let’s chat—schedule a free intro session below.
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