When you're looking for a job, the first instinct is to call your A-list and ask if they know of any openings. However, that's not networking; it's need-working. What you should do is separate yourself from your emotions; stop the impulse to collect business cards and ask yourself, "What can I do to help people in my network?"

Resist the urge to talk about you, become a great listener and find out what others need. You'd be surprised what naturally comes up in conversations where you could provide help — a referral, suggestion, introduction, or just some time and attention. ExecuNet CEO and Founder Dave Opton shares his experience and what he has seen to be most effective for executives.

Robyn Greenspan
Robyn Greenspan is ExecuNet's Chief Content Officer, where she is responsible for setting and driving the editorial content engagement strategy across the private business network's publications and expert-led programming. She is also a Huffington Post blogger. You can follow her on Twitter @RobynGreenspan

Lessons learned from and about six-figure leadership and executive career management

Rules of Engagement for Executive Insider

Leadership

Dave Opton’s Six-Figure LearningsPatty Azzarello's Business Leadership BlogJohn BaldoniRussell BishopWally Bock's Three Star Leadership BlogGeorge Bradt’s PrimeGenesisBuilding ChampionsCEO Blog – Time LeadershipCrucial SkillsScott Eblin’s Next Level BlogAdrian GostickLeadership FreakDavid LivermoreJohn MaxwellN2Growth BlogDaniel PinkTerry StarbuckerWorking Knowledge

Recruiting/HR/Search Firms

Allen Associates Executive Search BlogThe Asia Pacific HeadhunterAsk the HeadhunterBoston Search Group BlogThe Cynical GirlThe Executive Search Group BlogNorton Folgate: The Recruiting UnblogGESBlogGuerrilla Job HuntingAmitai Givertz’s Recruitomatic BlogHeidrick & Struggles BlogsHR BartenderRecruiting AnimalThe Recruiting Inferno

Career Management

Best Fit ForwardThe Career CatalystCareer ChaosCareerFolkCareer HubCareer Pro TalkCareerowners’ BlogCareer SolversCareer Thought LeadersCareer TrendCFO CoachDesign RésumésElite RésumésExecutive ActionsExecutive Career BrandExecutive Power BrandGet Hired Stay HiredJibberJobberJob Search NewsHire EffectInspired ChoiceKeppie CareersLessons Learned on the Road to KonaMy Executive Career CoachTalent CultureTim’s StrategyTotal Picture RadioPenelope TrunkQunitessential CareersUnbridled TalentSusan WhitcombWorkStrongThe Write SolutionYour Best Impression

Topics

robyn greenspan joseph daniel mccool leadership executive recruiters execunet executive job search executive employment job search business confidence mark anderson innovation networking executive careers market trends world innovation forum executive job market recruiter confidence index the economy world business forum dave opton skills most read popular culture search firms executive hiring economy search firm hiring index anthony vlahos wif