Survey after survey continues to rank executive networking in the 60-80% range – meaning that 60-80% of executives find their next position through networking.
In this age of Web 2.0 technologies, we're lucky to have so many diverse ways to develop, nurture, and connect with our network. Consider these online and offline venues:
ONLINE NETWORKING
Career-focused membership websites
Websites such as ExecuNet.com, RiteSite.com, GreyHairManagement.com, Netshare.com and 6FigureJobs.com offer executives online member-to-member networking. By joining these websites you can view member profiles and extend an invitation to executives who you can help and those who can help you. ExecuNet.com, Netshare.com and GreyHairManagement.com also offer face-to-face networking events in various cities which they have listed on their websites.
Professional and business networking websites
Websites such as LinkedIn.com, Ecademy.com, Xing.com and Viadeo.com, focus on building a network of contacts that lead to business and job opportunities. LinkedIn.com, with over 35 million members in over 140 industries, is a top ranked executive networking site where you can find CEOs from all the leading Fortune 500 companies. There profiles include where they are currently working, where they have worked in the past, their education, and more. This is critical information for networking – and it’s free.
Online business communities
There are thousands of associations that host online and face-to-face networking events. Weddles Association Directory can help you find one in your industry. In addition, find links to over 1,000 more professional associations in Job-Hunt’s Association Directory plus Corporate, Military, and Government “Alumni” Groups and Local Networking and Support Groups also on Job-Hunt.
Blogs
There are hundreds of blogs published by CEOs and senior-level management executives. By commenting on one of the blog posts on their blog, you can develop a dialog with these executives and position yourself for one-on-one networking opportunities. I recommend that you read the blog posts for several days to get a sense of the culture before you begin to comment. You may even offer to write a guest post for the blog. Remember, your comments and posts may stay on the Internet for many years. For a list of blogs check out TheNewPR/Wiki's "Who's blogging/podcasting" at http://www.thenewpr.com/wiki/pmwiki.php/Resources/CEOBlogsList.
In online networking, whether it be membership websites, professional and business networking websites or online business communities, it is critical for you to complete your profile so others can find you. If you commit the time to develop your profile and participate fully in the forums and other options available, it will multiply your efforts and you will reap benefits in the form of opportunities.
FACE-TO-FACE NETWORKING
Speed networking events
Not just for the dating world anymore, speed networking has brought the art and science of meeting other business professionals to live events. At these events, business professionals and executives meet several peers during three-minute rounds where information is shared quickly. This will require you to really sharpen your networking introduction. Check out speednetworking.com for a list of events.
Traditional networking events
To expand your network, attend industry meetings, conferences, trade shows, seminars and workshops, association meetings and events, public administration meetings (economic development, water management), social clubs and events (golf, sports, athletics, ethnic, political, religious, hobbyist groups), fundraising events, chamber of commerce events, and community events.
You can check your local newspaper (online or offline) to find these types of events. And you can also peruse Job-Hunt's links to hundreds of local networking and job search support groups, organized by state, to find something near you.
You'll need to develop your own system for following up with each new face-to-face contact. ACT! is a great program for managing your contacts. I'm sure there are many others, however, ACT! is the one I use.
Harvey Mackay, in his book Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty, recommends that to manage our network properly, we should contact each person every three months. He writes, "A network provides a path, a way of getting from point A to point B in the shortest possible time over the least possible distance." One of his maxims proclaims, "A network is an organized collection of your personal contacts and your personal contacts' own networks. Networking is finding fast whom you need to get what you need in any given situation and helping others do the same."
Bottom line
It's all about being proactive, making the appropriate connections, and adopting an attitude of give and take.
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© Copyright, 2009, Beverly Harvey. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Beverly Harvey has been coaching senior-level and C-level executives in job search, career transition and career management for over 17 years. She has helped thousands of executives land their next position quickly. Beverly is the founder of HarveyCareers.com and holds eight certifications in resume writing, branding, job search, career transition and career management. She is a resume expert for six executive job boards; contributor to more than 20 career books; Director of the Job Search Academy; and is the author of Career News & Trends. She can be reached at 386-749-3111 or 888-775-0916.
