Six-Figure Hotline: Face-to-Face Networking

Posted By: Dave Opton
Filed Under: execunet, networking, dave opton, six-figure hotline, john o connor

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As part of ExecuNet membership, I conduct a weekly teleconference called Six-Figure Hotline where members call in to ask the questions keeping them up at night, and to gain market and trend insight from the career experts who join me in talking about issues that are important to executives today.

In a recent teleconference in which John O'Connor, an executive career coach and ExecuNet meeting facilitator joined me, a caller asked, "What can one expect at an ExecuNet networking meeting?"

At ExecuNet, we have found in our more than 20 years of connecting business leaders that about 70 percent of executive positions are found through networking, so it's no surprise that networking is a key component of ExecuNet membership. In fact, last year we redesigned our website with what we call "The Social Media Platform" to allow our members to interact with each other more effectively. We also have a great deal of networking related content and programs. Here's our reply to the caller:

Some meetings have speakers and some don't. All meetings have a facilitator and a structured time to aid those who need some help networking. Attendees should arrive ready to speak in front of the group for two minutes — telling who you are, what kinds of problems you can solve, how you can help the people in the room, and how the group can help you.

Go to networking meetings with a "go-to-give" mindset. Those who are looking to help others are the ones who are quickest to get helped. Make it your goal to help others and follow through on what you promise, and you'll discover you have a network of people who want to help you.

Write down your goals and have target companies. In order for others to help you they need to know exactly what it is you want, what you can do and where you are interested in going. Make it easy for them to help you.

Be open to new networking contacts who are not in your field. It's usually not someone from your A-list who end ups helping you make the connection to your next opportunity. Make sure you spend the time to actually build relationships because that's when people become willing to share their contacts. People don't want to risk their reputation until they feel a level of trust. The people who are most motivated to attend a face-to-face networking event are in transition, but don't concern yourself with employment status. It's about building relationships and helping each other. It's not a scavenger hunt for business cards.

ExecuNet networking events are located around the country and Canada and open to anyone.

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Dave Opton's avatar Dave Opton
Dave Opton founded ExecuNet in 1988 to provide a trusted environment where senior-level executives could build career opportunities by facilitating connections to other executives, experts and key market insights. Dave has drawn upon his 35 years of experience in human resources to develop and grow what has become the leading business and career membership network for executives and senior managers. A widely recognized executive career management expert, Dave is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, Fast Company, and other leading business publications. Mr. Opton received his BA from Indiana University. Dave blogs at Six Figure Learnings