Why Successful Executives Should Continue Networking at the Top

Why Successful Executives Should Continue Networking at the Top

Most executives, I have learned, don’t want to network.

I hear it directly and I hear it inferred over and over again…

This statement was from an interested job seeker who signed up with us last week – in a very spirited, frustrated voice (think, executive temper tantrum tone):

“I have worked my way up and been promoted, sought after, recruited… I never had to really LOOK for a job before…What do you mean I have to reach out to people to find my next job? I never had to do that before.”

I know…

I hear you…

You did do it before, but you stopped…

Here is the thing, you’ve heard the saying, “It’s lonely at the top” before, yes?

It’s lonely at the top because FEW PEOPLE NETWORK ONCE THEY HAVE ARRIVED AT THEIR CAREER ASPIRATION.

Yep… Many successful executives feel like they can stop working to get ahead, since they made it.

They have arrived.

“And that networking thing? Well, I should not have to grovel for a job anymore.”

The executive job search is simply a discussion in economics.

That’s it.

There are more executives that are vying for fewer executive jobs, than say 25 years ago, when there were more professional-level jobs available.

More higher level execs that make more money and are less flexible competing for fewer executive roles.

^^^^This is the reason why you need to network as you accelerate in your career.

Networking, when coming from a place of humility, curiosity and service, is not groveling.

^^^^It is this belief that makes successful executives meltdown at the thought of networking.

If networking was groveling, yes, I would not want to do it either.

When it is done well, it is learning about others, finding ways to help your colleagues and helping your fellow humans reach their goals.

Doesn’t that sound like fun?

And when you give in the form of helping, learning, educating and connecting, you will reap the rewards–directly and in a karmic fashion.

Here’s a painless challenge I’d like you to try that can help you with this:

CHALLENGE:

When you are at your next function with people you know, chat with the aim to learn more about them. Don’t think about yourself and what they think of you and what you can get out of the conversation.

Some questions to pose:

• What’s happened since we last talked?
• What interesting changes have occurred over the past few (months, weeks, days)?
• Do they keep in touch with other mutual contacts you have?
• What projects are they working on and what resources are they seeking? You may able to refer them a resource to help.

Learn about others…

Then follow up using these tips: https://chameleonresumes.com/2016/01/22/16-super-easy-actions-to-take-after-a-networking-event/

You will make progress in advancing your career and maintaining your stature by helping others.

Be well,

Lisa

P.S. Discover the latest practices and strategies used by successful job seekers – covering social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Facebook), search engines, job boards, networking, and much more in my free “99 Job Search Tips From An Executive Recruiter” eBook. Click HERE to download.