Networking with Executives

In today's competitive job market, cultivating meaningful professional connections is paramount for career advancement. However, simply reaching out to others without a clear purpose can lead to unfruitful interactions. To optimize the value of networking efforts, it is essential to be intentional and strategic in your approach. This article explores effective techniques for building strong connections that can yield invaluable support and opportunities. Drawing inspiration from a recent podcast, we delve into practical steps to engage with industry professionals in a purposeful manner. 

Be Direct and Intentional About What You Want 

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When networking, being direct can help you make a strong impression and convey your message clearly. If you are too vague, the other person won't know how to help you. Here are some tips on how to be direct when networking:

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Know your purpose: Before you start networking, have a clear understanding of why you are networking and what you hope to achieve. This will help you stay focused and direct in your conversations.

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Be clear and concise: When introducing yourself, be clear and concise about who you are and what you do. Avoid using jargon or technical language that may confuse the other person.

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Ask specific questions: If you have a particular goal in mind, ask specific questions that will help you achieve it. This shows that you are focused and serious about your networking goals.

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Follow up promptly: If you meet someone who can help you achieve your goals, follow up promptly with a thank-you note or email. Be direct in your communication and express your gratitude for their time and assistance.

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Be respectful: While being direct can help you achieve your networking goals, it's important to be respectful of other people's time and boundaries. Don't be pushy or aggressive in your approach, and always be polite and courteous.

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Remember that networking is about building relationships, and being direct can help you make a strong first impression. However, it's important to balance being direct with being respectful and building rapport with the other person.

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Start Small

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Start small, so that you build trust in your relationship.  Start by asking the person you are networking with for a simple piece of advice or ask about their career path.  Then, depending on the advice or story about their career, you can easily build on that story to ask for more help.

 

For example, if they talked about how they had a mentor, you could ask how the mentor helped them, then you could ask about how the person got a mentor, and it may lead to a conversation about whether the person you are networking with might be a mentor to you.  It is a much more natural way of progressing the conversation. ​

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Find Someone Doing the Job You Want

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Find someone who is doing the job that you want. Perhaps start by seeking advice from someone in another city, other than the one you live in, so you don't potentially tap into a local opportunity asking for advice without being prepared for an interview. 

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Networking Doesn't Mean Only Leveraging the People You Know 

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Networking doesn't mean just leveraging the people you already know.  It's about talking to people in your industry who share you interests, people who have worked in your current company or a prior company, and people who attended your same alma mater. 

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Be creative about how you can get to know people who work at companies you are interested in or have roles that you would be interested in. LinkedIn is a great source to mine because of the search capabilities. 

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If you are interested in a specific role in a specific company, try to find someone who works for the company, even if it is in a very different part of the company, who you have something in common with (school, past company, etc) who is willing to talk to you.  They may be able to give you insight into the company culture, how they got a job working there, or insights about the department you are looking at.  In addition, they may know the hiring manager. 

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If you meet someone who knows the hiring manager, you may be able to ask them to investigate if the hiring manager already has a lead candidate.  This is valuable information because then it will eliminate the need to apply for or pursue the job.  The hidden benefit is that if your point of contact asks the hiring manager if they have a lead candidate and they respond "no", it generally is followed by "why, do you know someone?"  Then, it is an easy opportunity for them to mention your name, even without a specific recommendation and it may get you on the candidate roster!

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In conclusion, intentional networking is a powerful tool for professional growth and advancement. By clarifying your objectives, cultivating trust through gradual interactions, diversifying your connections, and strategically engaging with professionals within your target companies, you can maximize the potential of your network. Embracing these strategies and harnessing the power of purposeful relationships will undoubtedly enhance your career trajectory and open doors to new opportunities. 

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