Feeling isolated at the top? You’re not alone. Here’s how to build a powerful network that matters through these networking strategies:
- Build connections with purpose
- Join boards and leadership groups
- Attend events outside your industry
- Give and receive mentoring
- Build your online network
- Create value for others
- Track and maintain relationships
Key takeaways:
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Give as much as you take
- Use tech tools to manage relationships
- Set clear goals and measure your progress
Remember: Networking isn’t just collecting contacts. It’s about building relationships that drive success for everyone involved.
| Strategy | Why It Matters | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Purposeful connections | Aligns with goals | Target specific individuals |
| Join leadership groups | Expands influence | YPO, Vistage, Chief |
| Cross-industry events | Fresh perspectives | Attend diverse conferences |
| Mentoring | Two-way learning | Find mentors 2-3 levels up |
| Online presence | Builds credibility | Active on LinkedIn |
| Create value | Strengthens ties | Share knowledge, make intros |
| Relationship tracking | Maintains connections | Use CRM tools |
Start applying these strategies today to boost your career and drive business growth.
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1. Build Connections with Purpose
Forget collecting stacks of business cards. For top execs, smart networking means building relationships that boost growth and match your big-picture goals.
Here’s how Richard Branson, the brains behind Virgin Group, puts it:
“It is important that as you build your network, you look for smart, supportive partners who understand and share your goals for the business.”
So, how do you make this happen? Start by nailing down your networking goals. Are you after industry intel, potential team-ups, or a spot on a board? Let these goals be your guide for who you connect with and how you do it.
Liz Lynch, a networking pro, says it’s all about quality over quantity:
“Connect more deeply with more people who are already around you, those involved in the same activities, interested in the same issues, or pursuing the same goals.”
Want to network like a pro? Here’s the game plan:
Bring Something to the Table Before you reach out to big shots, do your homework. Figure out what’s keeping them up at night and come armed with ideas. Show them you’re not just there to take – you’re there to help.
Create VIP Spaces Think about setting up or joining exclusive groups where C-suite folks can really connect. CEO Hangout is nailing this with members-only events and teamwork opportunities just for top dogs.
Give and Take Listen to Sallie Krawchek, the CEO of Ellevest:
“My advice for folks on networking is give, give, give. You will later receive.”
It’s not just about what you can get – it’s about what you can offer, too.
2. Join Boards and Leadership Groups
Want to skyrocket your executive network? Dive into board memberships and leadership groups. These aren’t just fancy titles – they’re networking goldmines that can transform your career.
The landscape’s shifting fast. In 2019, corporate boards saw a big change:
- 45% of new Russell 3000 board seats went to women
- 21% of S&P 500 seats were filled by minorities
This diversity push opens doors for leaders from all walks of life.
Let’s peek at what top executive groups offer:
| Organization | Annual Cost | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) | $3,975 + initiation fee | 25,000+ global members, 600+ annual events |
| Vistage | $10,500+ | Monthly meetings with 12-16 leaders |
| Chief | $7,900 (C-suite) | Exclusive women’s leadership network |
Susan S. Muck, Partner at Fenwick & West LLP, nails it:
“Developing good relationships with these colleagues will exponentially increase your professional reach in ways that can pay off dramatically in the future.”
Need proof? Just ask Jim Pekar from Leman USA. His executive network revealed he was overpaying on his bank line of credit. One chat led to introductions with better-suited bankers.
To make the most of these groups:
- Pick ones that match your goals
- Look into organizations like NACD and Athena Alliance for board positions
- Consider CEO peer groups like Vistage for tackling common challenges
Dennis Baltzley, Senior Partner at Korn Ferry, stresses the importance of purpose:
“It shouldn’t just be [because] my boss said I needed to get more external exposure. That’s not enough. That’s not an outcome.”
Don’t overlook advisory boards. They’re a great way to dip your toes in without diving headfirst into full board responsibilities.
Yes, the cost can be hefty. But the payoff? Often worth every penny. Kevin L. McDonough, Executive Vice President at UCC Environmental, shares:
“I have been a member of Senior Executive Network for approximately 7 years now. It has been very valuable in my own professional development. In addition, I have gathered numerous sales and marketing insights, tools, resources, and ideas over that time period.”
So, ready to level up your network and career? Board memberships and leadership groups might just be your secret weapon.
3. Attend Events Outside Your Industry
Want to spark innovation and uncover hidden opportunities? Break out of your industry bubble. The Global Executive Network (GEN) proves this works. They host over 1,000 events yearly across 50+ subjects in 90+ countries, connecting leaders from different sectors.
Here’s how to make the most of cross-industry networking:
The Social Innovation Summit brings together business leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. SXSW mixes technology, film, and music – perfect for finding unexpected connections.
David Walter, Manager at IC&T Information and Integration Endeavour Energy, says:
“GEN has refined the networking idea to perfection and out of a highly professional approach creates benefits for every participant.”
Cross-industry events offer:
- Fresh perspectives on problem-solving
- Access to unadvertised jobs and partnerships
- Ideas that pop up when different fields collide
- Broader insights into economic trends
Dr. Wale Akinyemi, transformation expert and keynote speaker, puts it bluntly:
“Networking is about ‘value’. What are you bringing to the table?”
The banking sector shows this in action. Raimond Molenje, Acting CEO of Kenya Bankers Association, has seen how cross-industry connections drive innovation in financial services.
For senior execs, events like the Future Women Leadership Summit 2024 are goldmines for networking. Marketing Director Cynthia Mordecai experienced this firsthand:
“The Summit changed my perspective on how I lead within my work, with my family, husband, and friends. As a result, over the last two years I’ve grown exponentially.”
So, step out of your comfort zone. You never know what opportunities you might find at that tech conference or art exhibition.
4. Give and Receive Mentoring
Mentoring isn’t just a one-way street. It’s a powerful networking strategy that benefits both parties. Let’s look at how it works in practice.
Tata Steel Ltd. nailed it with their two-way mentoring program. They paired 16 senior execs with 16 newbies. The result? Attrition rates dropped to 5% for participants, compared to 9% for non-participants in 2020.
Why did it work so well? Peeyush Gupta, VP of Steel Marketing & Sales at Tata Steel, puts it this way:
“Knowledge begets knowledge. Two individuals can learn from each other through appropriate process facilitation, which is what the programme sought to provide.”
Want to find a mentor? Look 2-3 levels up from where you are now. But don’t just take – be ready to give back. EY’s reverse mentoring program is a great example. Big shots get fresh ideas, while the young guns sharpen their leadership skills.
Jim Lara from Gray Stone Advisors warns against yes-men:
“Your mentor shouldn’t be a ‘yes’ person or somebody who’s going to tell you what you want to hear. You want them to tell you what they think.”
The numbers don’t lie. Moving Ahead found that 87% of people feel empowered by mentoring. Want to supercharge your growth? Try working with multiple mentors. Vistage discovered that CEOs in peer mentoring groups grow their businesses 2.2 times faster than lone wolves.
The secret sauce? Regular meetings and honest talks. Elizabeth Newman at CBIZ learned this firsthand. Her chats with a young pro revealed blind spots in company policies and sparked ideas for improvement.
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5. Build Your Online Network
Your online presence can make or break networking opportunities. Did you know that 97% of Fortune 500 CEOs are on LinkedIn as of 2022? It’s become THE platform for executive networking.
Take Beth Ford, President and CEO of Land O’ Lakes, Inc. She uses LinkedIn to showcase company initiatives and connect with rural communities. This strategy has transformed Land O’ Lakes from a faceless corporation to a trusted industry partner.
The numbers don’t lie:
- Workers who trust their employers are 260% more motivated
- They’re also 50% less likely to leave
- Over 65 million decision-makers are active on LinkedIn
“LinkedIn is like a big boardroom meeting where you’re in control of the whiteboard”, says one executive. “It’s not just about what your leaders post – it’s also about how they engage with and amplify others.”
Jamie Miller, EVP and CFO at PayPal, shows how it’s done. She regularly shares PayPal‘s financial performance, building trust through transparency. And it works – customers who follow both an executive and their company are twice as likely to buy.
Want to up your online networking game? Here’s what to do:
| Action | Purpose | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Post Industry Insights | Show thought leadership | Attract key connections |
| Engage With Content | Build real relationships | Boost visibility and trust |
| Share Company Updates | Be transparent | Build brand credibility |
| Join Groups | Connect with peers | Grow your network |
Shannon Hobbs, Chief People Officer at BNY Mellon, nails it. She amplifies employee voices and acknowledges their work. It’s a win-win: stronger internal relationships and authentic leadership.
But here’s the thing: quality beats quantity. Vaibhav Kakkar, CEO of Digital Web Solutions, puts it perfectly:
“Networking on LinkedIn is about quality and meaningful interactions, not just quantity.”
Focus on giving value first. Share insights, make introductions, and be helpful. That’s how you build lasting professional relationships that go beyond the screen.
6. Create Value for Others
Creating value isn’t just about taking – it’s about giving. CEOs with diverse networks boost firm value, but only when they focus on meaningful contributions first.
Think outside the box. An investment banker nailed it by inviting key clients to theater events. This move didn’t just strengthen relationships – it uncovered valuable business insights for multiple divisions.
Here’s how top executives create lasting value:
| Strategy | Impact | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Share Knowledge | Build expertise | Share industry insights |
| Make Introductions | Expand opportunities | Connect complementary contacts |
| Distribute Resources | Strengthen ties | Forward relevant opportunities |
| Mentor Others | Develop leaders | Guide emerging professionals |
“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Zigler, Author and Motivational Speaker
Take the factory director facing a do-or-die situation. By joining a business group, he met a lawyer who became his counsel and found two mentors to help navigate the crisis. This shows how giving and receiving value creates a solid network.
Be proactive. Spot an opportunity for someone in your network? Share it now. Alex, a marketing exec, built relationships with retail bigwigs by sharing his social media campaign know-how, which boosted in-store sales by 75%.
Get creative with value creation:
- Host events connecting complementary businesses
- Share resources like industry podcasts or research
- Follow up after meetings and keep your promises
- Offer guidance even without immediate payoff
“Being a generous person makes your business more resilient and helps it grow.” – Think Realty
The secret? Be real. Don’t just collect business cards – build relationships that create mutual success. When you genuinely help others win, your network becomes a powerhouse for growth and innovation.
7. Track and Maintain Relationships
Managing a big network isn’t just about collecting contacts. It’s about staying organized and keeping those connections alive. And guess what? Smart executives are using tech to do it at scale.
The CEO of Clay says execs handling 1000+ relationships see a 40% bump in follow-ups when they use a CRM. Here’s what good relationship management looks like:
| Stage | Tool (Price) | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| First Contact | Folk ($18/mo) | Note meeting details and next steps |
| Active Nurturing | Cloze ($17/mo) | Set regular check-in reminders |
| Long-term | Monica ($9/mo) | Track key dates and likes |
These tools can be game-changers. Take Sarah Chen from CEO Hangout. She started using Dex ($12/month) and boom – 65% more meaningful reconnections in just six months.
“Getting it right and building real connections doesn’t just help your relationships. It can boost your brand’s reputation too.” – LinkedIn Business Expert
But it’s not all about the tools. LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman says the real value is in trusted relationships, not just random connections. So, what should you do?
- Set up regular video calls with key contacts
- Engage with their professional updates
- Share opportunities and insights they’d care about
- Jot down conversation notes and to-dos
The best execs mix tech with a personal touch. BIGContacts users say they spend 75% less time managing contacts but maintain twice as many solid relationships.
Don’t forget the personal stuff. Use your CRM to remember preferences, past chats, and shared experiences. It helps build real connections that last beyond just business.
“Strong business relationships are often overlooked, but they’re key to a business’s success.” – Erin Donaghue, Business Relationship Expert
Keep your network fresh. Top execs usually check their key relationships every quarter. It’s how they make sure no important connection slips away.
How to Put These Ideas into Practice
Let’s turn these networking strategies into real results. Here’s how to measure and track your efforts:
Calculate your networking ROI:
| Investment | What to Track |
|---|---|
| Time Cost | Hours spent × Your hourly rate |
| Direct Expenses | Event fees, memberships, travel costs |
| Returns | New business revenue, referrals, partnerships |
Track both numbers and relationships. BIGContacts users found that 30 minutes of daily follow-ups led to 40% more meaningful connections in just three months.
Successful executives measure:
| Metric | Target | Tracking Tool |
|---|---|---|
| New Contacts | 10-15 per event | CRM (Folk/Cloze) |
| Follow-up Rate | Within 48 hours | Calendar reminders |
| Conversion Rate | 5% to opportunities | Spreadsheet/CRM |
“By using this method of measuring ROI, you can learn a lot about your networking.” – Experience On Demand
Make your CRM work harder. Use tags for:
- Discussion topics and shared interests
- Potential collaborations
- Follow-up actions and deadlines
- Key introductions made
CEO Hangout community members who track these metrics see TWICE the business opportunities compared to those who don’t.
Set specific networking goals. Instead of “attend more events”, try “attend two industry conferences per quarter and make five solid connections at each.”
Don’t forget personal details. Use this simple template:
- Preferred contact method
- Recent achievements or challenges
- Ways you can help them
- Shared experiences or interests
“All such planning even with the help of CRM will not work if you do not tag the contacts to the particular event!” – Salesmate Author
Do a quarterly network review. Look at who you’ve helped, who’s helped you, and where your strongest connections are forming.
Keep it simple but consistent. Even basic tools like Hippo ($1.99/month) can transform how you track relationships. The key? Regular use and meaningful notes, not fancy systems.
Conclusion
Networking for senior executives isn’t just about collecting business cards. It’s about building relationships that drive success for everyone involved. Research shows that smart networking leads to career growth, new chances, and more influence.
It’s all about balance. You want quality connections, but you also need enough of them. Harvard Business School’s Francesca Gino puts it well:
“Good relationships need to be nurtured. If you care for that person to be in your network, you should avoid contacting him or her only in a moment of need.”
Take Omar Qari, for example. He kept in touch with his contact Talia through emails and coffee meetups. This led to an intro that helped him start his company, Abacus. Or look at Liz Graham. Her networking in Boston, including a chance meeting on a tennis court, landed her a job at Hubspot.
Want to network like a pro? Focus on these three things:
- Make connections that matter
- Give as much as you get
- Keep in touch regularly
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| What to Do | How to Do It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Make connections that matter | Join industry boards and leadership groups | Opens doors to big partnerships |
| Give as much as you get | Offer mentoring and help | Creates lasting relationships |
| Keep in touch regularly | Check in often and have real conversations | Keeps your network strong |
Don’t forget to check your network every six months. Make sure your connections fit with what you want now and where you’re headed. As CEO Coaching International says:
“Your network is only as strong as you make it. And you’re going to need a strong network to Make BIG Happen.”
So get out there and start building those relationships. Your future self will thank you.