You're looking to advance your career in Executive Management. What are the best ways to network?
Networking is a vital skill for any executive who wants to advance their career, expand their opportunities, and build valuable relationships. However, networking can also be challenging, especially in a competitive and dynamic environment. How can you network effectively and authentically as an executive? Here are some tips to help you.
Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to find a mentor, a partner, a client, or a sponsor? Do you want to learn new skills, gain insights, or explore new fields? Do you want to raise your profile, showcase your expertise, or create impact? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your efforts and measure your progress.
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Joe Pelayo
21,000 Connections / Followers. Connecting Great Talent and Growing Companies in the USA 🇺🇸 and around the 🌎 for three decades.
One goal might be to expand your network of Board of Directors members because they are identifiable, they have C-level connections at multiple companies and might have more time to talk with you than the Chief Executive Officer or The Chairman.
Once you have your goals, you need to identify who can help you reach them. This means doing some research on the people, organizations, and events that are relevant to your field, industry, or interests. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to find potential contacts, follow their updates, and join their groups. You can also use offline sources, such as industry publications, newsletters, or referrals, to learn more about their backgrounds, achievements, and challenges.
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Ignacio Polosa
LinkedIn Executive Management Top Voice. CFO Latam. Finance and tax planning Senior executive. M&A experience. Tech & AI fan.
Attend exclusive executive networking events, industry conferences, and seminars. These gatherings provide opportunities to connect with fellow executives, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
After you have done your research, you need to reach out to your target contacts in a strategic and respectful way. You can use various channels, such as email, phone, social media, or face-to-face meetings, depending on the situation and your preference. However, whatever channel you use, you need to follow some basic rules: be polite, be concise, be relevant, and be genuine. You also need to have a clear purpose and value proposition for your communication: what do you want to ask, offer, or share?
Networking is not a one-time transaction, but a long-term relationship. Therefore, you need to build rapport and trust with your contacts over time. You can do this by showing interest, appreciation, and support for their work, goals, and challenges. You can also do this by sharing your insights, experiences, and resources that can benefit them. Moreover, you need to be consistent, reliable, and respectful in your interactions: follow up, keep your promises, and honor your commitments.
Networking is not only about connecting with individuals, but also with groups and communities. Therefore, you need to expand your network by joining and participating in relevant events, forums, and associations that can expose you to new ideas, trends, and opportunities. You can also expand your network by introducing and connecting your contacts with each other, creating value and goodwill for everyone. Furthermore, you need to diversify your network by reaching out to people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and sectors that can enrich your learning and growth.
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Daniel Nasuti
Psicólogo Ejecutivo I ex CEO I MBA I Ayudo a líderes y ejecutivos a mejorar su capacidad de influencia para lograr resultados
Una buena forma de ampliar el capital social es participando activamente de las cámaras empresarias. Tanto de la industria de tu sector, como de las regionales que representan el país al cual pertenece tu empresa. También es de utilidad incrementar el netwotking y la visibilidad participando de foros de la industria y notas periodísticas en los distintos medios de prensa.
Networking is not a static process, but a dynamic one. Therefore, you need to maintain your network by staying in touch, updating, and engaging with your contacts regularly. You can do this by sending them personalized messages, feedback, or recommendations. You can also do this by inviting them to events, webinars, or podcasts that you are hosting or attending. Additionally, you need to update and refresh your network by adding new contacts, removing inactive ones, and reactivating dormant ones.
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Andrea Schwarz
Executive Coach & Adventurepreneur
Small tip: Add an extra line to your daily practice sheet to reach out to a contact once a week. Here is my example: CREATE AND CULTIVATE AN INSPIRATIONAL NETWORK Keep a list of people that inspire you. Create a ritual to take the list out bi-weekly and plan 1-2 actions: take a lunch, make deliberate time to meet those people.
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Andrea Schwarz
Executive Coach & Adventurepreneur
Be intentional about your Networking time: How will you open it? What do you want them to know? What is your ask? Leave time for thank you and a proper closing. At the end, ask: "Who else should I meet?" to expand your network and ask them for an introduction.
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