How to Build a Powerful Executive Network - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

How to Build a Powerful Executive Network You hear it all the time. Networking is the best way to land your next gig. In this slow job market recovery with more competition for opportunities at the top executive level, networking well is more critical than ever. The people you meet through networking may be able to help you identify hidden jobs at your target companies. That is, unadvertised positions and new opportunities created around your unique promise of value. Start with the people you already know. In a post on the Personal Branding Blog, smart-networking expert Liz Lynch said: Connect more deeply with more people who are already around you, those involved in the same activities, interested in the same issues, or pursuing the same goals. When you already share a common purpose with someone, the rest of the process of conversation and conversion flow more easily. Reconnect with and revive your existing network. If you’re like many executives I talk with, you’ve neglected them because you had a job and didn’t think you needed them or you just lost track of them. This happens to the best of us. It’s okay to circle back to them. Briefly apologize for not re-connecting sooner. Start compiling a list of people you want to reconnect with. If you don’t know where they are now, search for them on and ask them to join your LI network. If they’re not there, Google “their name” (in quotes) and find out how to contact them. Reach out to former clients and vendors, professional associations, community groups and lifestyle groups. Check in with people and find out what they’re up to and update them on what you’ve been doing. Rely on your existing contacts to expand your network. Ask for their referrals and recommendations to their connections at your target companies. If youre several months into a search and already connected with everyone in your circle at the beginning, give it another go. In her Forbes article, How To Find A Job When Youve Been Looking Forever, Susan Adams interviewed career coach Eileen Wolkstein, who said: You may have been asking unfocused questions when you were at an earlier stage in your search. Since then, youve gathered new information and leads and new thoughts about what you want to do. Be specific in asking for help. Ask them for three good contacts and ask if theyd be willing to talk with those three people on your behalf. And when asking for help, If you cant give a coherent, responsible answer to the question, How can I help you, then you dont have the right to ask for help. Cast a far-reaching net to build out your existing network with fresh faces. Here are some places and ways to connect online and in person: Search online for people who work at your target companies. Find out where they hang out so you can position yourself in front of them. If theyre on Twitter, follow them, and re-tweet them. If they blog, comment on their blog posts in a way that reinforces your brand and promise of value. the gold standard for executive networking. If you’re not there already participating in Groups, providing Answers, and making connections, it’s time to get busy. Twitter Search for hiring decision makers and people who work at your target companies, along with executive recruiters, job search experts, and job boards. Theyre tweeting job openings, offering advice and resources, and much more. An active Twitter presence also shows you’re an up-to-date, social media-savvy candidate.