And a friend's a friend forever...

Technology is a great thing. In the past, sales people could only "network" over the phone or during conventions and conferences. Once or twice per year was the norm for a gathering. Even in the field, it was difficult to find the time to share coffee or a meal with another sales rep to share competitive information, the inside scoop on prospects, or the latest legislation impacting the industry. Too much distance was also a factor: some of my best friends in the industry were in other time zones so face-to-face discussions were rare.

Advances in technology allow us to share information instantly via cell phones, IM, SMS, FaceBook, email, Twitter, LinkedIn and so on. We can get "face-to-face" with webcams and webinars. Teleconferences are a common means of training and information sharing. And bulletin boards and forums are a great way to get information and opinions.

Associations and Societies are popping up all over the Internet. Each one offers something distinct: training and certification opportunities, chat forums, networking, inspiration and motivation, and maybe best of all-the chance to find others like you. A gathering of like-minded people sharing similar experiences and problems can be an oasis to a lone field sales person.

One such forum I'm privy to is an outlet for questions and opinions where subscribers share their experiences, struggles, questions, answers, humorous stories and, quite simply, life. I see friendships develop as comrades face a common enemy (Medicare is enemy #1 right now). We may not all be in the same room, the same building, or even in the same state, but we are a virtual gathering of friends.

Are you taking advantage of the networking opportunities in your area of expertise? Why not?

Questions and comments on this or any post are welcome. Please email kristen@teamatworkcoaching.com

PS: Coach Ty and Coach Kristen are excited to be launching the HME Sales Community: A Place to Grow, Gather and Gain. visit our site at www.hmesalescommunity.com/ or contact the community at info@hmesalescommunity.com

Social Media in the Sales World

We recently came across this YouTube video that sparked a discussion on the role that "Social Media" plays (and will play) in sales and marketing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8&feature=channel (cut and paste into browser window to see video)

The clip states that 80% of companies are using LinkedIn as their primary tool to find employees. With this type of networking, managers and HR can cut the time needed to find potential new hires. Savvy Generation Y and younger members of the workforce rely heavily on Internet based research, websites, word of mouth, chat rooms, etc. when investigating a possible employer. The "best of the best" are plugged in and moving at the speed of a mouse click.

80% of Twitter usage is on mobile devices (BlackBerry, iPhone)where you can update anytime, anywhere. If FaceBook were a country, it would be the 4th largest in the world (behind China, India and the US). Can your organization be found on these sites-or will you be considered a dinosaur?

Future customer service interactions may take place via Skype or AIM, not face-to-face. And "sales calls" are already being done via video chat in many industries now.

More and end-users are finding product information, critiques, and complaints on the internet. Web-based shopping is becoming so popular that retail outlets are shrinking and malls are becoming vacant.

How is this going to impact you and your way of doing business?

Send questions & comments to kristen@teamatworkcoaching.com