Use social networks
"As IT decision making power shifts throughout the enterprise, the channel should look to extend their customer relationships beyond their existing CTO/ IT manager relationships. As consultative sellers, it’s essential to offer value to the business as a whole, and the channel should build currency and relevance throughout the C-Suite and up to the CEO to consult effectively. The channel can look to utilise old-fashioned face-to-face networking at industry events and one-on-one meet and greets. But before engaging in face-to-face opportunities, the savviest sellers will be looking to mine the powerful sales data available online through social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Quora and Facebook, as well as tapping into online industry conversations on blogs and online forums. The data gleaned via social networks can help accelerate and deepen face-to-face sales time and is a tactic not to be overlooked for any ambitious sales consultant."