How can you build a professional network in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) while still in college?

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a skill that can help you manage and improve your interactions with customers, prospects, and partners. Whether you want to pursue a career in sales, marketing, service, or consulting, having a strong network of CRM professionals can open up many opportunities and benefits for you. But how can you build such a network while still in college? Here are some tips and strategies to help you get started.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 2 contributions. Learn more

1 Join relevant clubs and associations

One of the easiest ways to connect with like-minded peers and mentors is to join clubs and associations that focus on CRM or related fields. You can find them on your campus, online, or in your local community. For example, you can join the American Marketing Association, the Sales Enablement Society, or the Customer Experience Professionals Association. These organizations often host events, workshops, webinars, and networking sessions where you can learn from experts, share your ideas, and make valuable contacts.

Add your perspective

Mohamed Nashaat

Customer Relations And Services Consultant | Telecommunications & Healthcare Customer Experience Expert | Customer Experience Excellence Guru l CPHQ ,TOT, Six Sigma White Belt, PMP Certified l MBA Holder l DBA In Process
Report contribution
Provide great customer service. Understand your customers. Personalize your communication. Create value. Reward customer loyalty. Exceed expectations. Communicate consistently and build trust.

Like

2 Take advantage of internships and projects

Another way to build your CRM network is to gain hands-on experience in the industry through internships and projects. You can look for opportunities that match your interests and goals, and apply to companies that use CRM tools and strategies. You can also create your own projects, such as conducting a customer survey, designing a landing page, or creating a newsletter. By doing so, you can showcase your skills, demonstrate your value, and impress potential employers and collaborators.

Add your perspective

Cody Good, MSL

Leader of Scale and Growth | Start-up to Fortune 50 | Continuous Improvement & Enablement | Servant Leader & Development
Report contribution
Most companies will have at least an individual if not a team that contributes to the build out and maintenance of the CRM. While you are there regardless of you specific project, network around and find that person(s). Salesforce for example has so many certifications that knowing that subject matter expert is great to drill down to and a helpful person to add to your network. If you have ever talked to someone you have more than enough to try and connect on LinkedIn

Like

3 Use social media and online platforms

Social media and online platforms are powerful tools to expand your reach and visibility in the CRM world. You can use them to follow, engage, and connect with CRM influencers, thought leaders, and practitioners. You can also use them to share your insights, opinions, and achievements, and to ask for feedback, advice, or referrals. Some of the best platforms to use for CRM networking are LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Quora. You can also join CRM-specific communities, such as Salesforce Trailblazer Connect, HubSpot Academy, or Zoho CRM Community.

Add your perspective

4 Attend events and conferences

Events and conferences are great opportunities to meet and learn from CRM experts and peers in person. You can attend local, regional, or national events that cover topics and trends relevant to CRM, such as customer loyalty, data analytics, automation, or social media. You can also attend events that cater to specific CRM niches, such as B2B, B2C, nonprofit, or education. Some of the most popular CRM events and conferences are Dreamforce, Inbound, CRM Evolution, and Customer Contact Week.

Add your perspective

5 Keep in touch and follow up

The last but not least tip to build your CRM network is to keep in touch and follow up with the people you meet and interact with. You can do this by sending a thank-you note, sharing a useful resource, asking a question, or offering help. You can also do this by commenting on their posts, endorsing their skills, or congratulating them on their achievements. By doing this, you can show your interest, appreciation, and professionalism, and strengthen your relationships over time.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you build a professional network in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) while still in college?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Join relevant clubs and associations

2 Take advantage of internships and projects

3 Use social media and online platforms

4 Attend events and conferences

5 Keep in touch and follow up

6 Here’s what else to consider

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

More relevant reading

How can you build a professional network in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) while still in college?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Join relevant clubs and associations

2 Take advantage of internships and projects

3 Use social media and online platforms

4 Attend events and conferences

5 Keep in touch and follow up

6 Here’s what else to consider

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills