Sales professionals need a network – this is not opinion, but a simple fact of life.Those who thrive in a sales environment are the tenacious individuals who devote time and energy to building up a network and staying in the know.Knowledge and information is passed by word of mouth across all sectors - and sales professionals need to tune in or lose out.Networking is all about developing a broad list of contacts who can feed you with knowledge and insider information. The people you meet at various social and business functions, friends, family and colleagues all need to be part of your network.A well organised network can provide you with:Sales leadsHeads up on changes in a particular company or industryIntroductions to othersSuccessful networking is all about putting in the energy required to make it work and being super-organised.Key tips for successful networking include:Maintain and constantly update your list of contactsGet in touch with contacts regularly either on the phone, via email or through a PR campaignSet goals for yourself, such as calling five decision makers a week, for exampleKeep your network informed of your current situationStrive to give something back to your contacts whenever you canGo out of your way to show appreciation to your contacts for their effortsNever take your network for grantedFor more advice on how networking can help you boost your sales career, please get in touch with Simon Ganter in our Dublin office.SalesLinksAbout usBrowse for jobsSalary surveyNews and updatesLinksSolution selling for a successful sales careerNetworking for sales successFour tips for motivation and retention of your top sales talent Insight and adviceLinksAsking competency based interview questionsHow body language affects your interviewHow to make the most of LinkedinTips for attracting the best candidatesHow to write a good job descriptionOur sectorsLinksFinancial servicesFMCGIT and telecomsProperty and constructionTravel, leisure and tourism