How to Network as a Senior Executive

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

Struggling to turn networking into real, lasting connections? Here’s how you can start building powerful relationships in 7 simple steps! Most people network but fail to stay memorable. True connection isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about creating mutual value. Strong networks open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and friendships. We’ve all been there—attending an event, meeting great people, exchanging info, and then… silence. Days pass, and it feels awkward to reach out again. Sound familiar? I’ve used these 7 practical strategies throughout my 20+ year career in leadership, finance, and operations, and they’ve led to lasting, high-value relationships that have shaped my career. 7 Steps to Build Fruitful, Lasting Connections: 1. Ask Better Questions Forget small talk! Ask questions that show genuine interest. Instead of “What do you do?” try “What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?” 2. Find Ways to Add Value Immediately Did they mention a problem they’re trying to solve? Offer a helpful resource, introduction, or idea—without expecting anything in return. 3. Follow Up Within 24 Hours Send a quick, thoughtful follow-up message. Mention something specific from your conversation to stand out. Example: “I really enjoyed our chat about leadership development. Here’s the article I mentioned!” 4. Be Consistent Relationships fade without consistent communication. Reach out every few weeks with something valuable—a relevant article, an invite, or even just to check in. 5. Leverage Social Media Comment on their posts, share their work, and stay visible. People remember those who engage consistently. 6. Join Their Circle If they’re part of a group or community (in person or online), join in. Shared spaces strengthen relationships naturally. 7. Be Yourself Authenticity is key. People connect with real, relatable individuals, not perfect personas. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. According to a Harvard Business Review study, professionals with strong networks are 58% more likely to find new career opportunities and report 42% greater career satisfaction. Building lasting relationships takes time. Follow these steps consistently over 3-6 months, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in both the quality and depth of your network. I met a fellow executive at a leadership conference. Instead of just swapping LinkedIn profiles, I asked, “What’s one challenge you’re facing that keeps you up at night?” That question sparked a meaningful conversation, and I later sent a helpful resource. We stayed in touch, exchanged ideas, and, over time, became collaborators. Today, that connection is a trusted professional ally. Whether you’re in operations, finance, or leadership development, building a solid network is essential for long-term success. The right relationships don’t just help—they multiply your opportunities.

Building relationships with company leaders outside your group is career-critical. These are the stakeholders who'll be in your promo conversations. I've observed that Supra members who consistently get promoted master three strategies for connecting with senior leaders: 1/ Approach with genuine curiosity and specificity The most successful PMs don't ask for "career advice" or generic meetings. Instead, they identify what the leader is known for excelling at: ↳ "I admire how you partner with Marketing. Could I get 15 minutes to learn your approach?" ↳ "Your strategic narratives are exceptional. Would you share how you structure them?" Everyone loves talking about what they're great at. The specificity demonstrates respect for their time. 2/ Provide unexpected value Leaders remember those who help them succeed. Supra members look for opportunities to: ↳ Share relevant market insights leaders might not see ↳ Connect dots between leadership priorities and their team's work ↳ Offer to lead cross-functional initiatives they care about When you consistently provide value, quarterly check-ins become natural. 3/ Find visibility through cross-team projects Volunteer for initiatives that cut across the org chart: ↳ Leading a PM community of practice ↳ Driving adoption of new tools or processes ↳ Creating templates that solve common challenges These give them authentic reasons to interact with senior leaders while demonstrating their skills. The goal isn't just face time — it's building genuine relationships where leaders see your value firsthand. What strategies have worked for you in building relationships with senior leaders?

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

Don’t wait until you need a network to build one. It could cost you your next job. A few months ago, I started working with a Chief Operating Officer who had been with the same company for 17 years. He was loyal. He showed up every day. He built teams, delivered results, and never looked elsewhere. Then, one Monday morning — a restructuring email landed in his inbox. His role was eliminated. No warning. No conversation. Just… gone. When we started working together, he said something I’ll never forget: ➜ “Chris, I gave this company everything. And now I’m on the market with no one to call. I was too busy working to build a network.” This is so common ESPECIALLY for high-performing execs. You give. You deliver. You stay in your lane. But the truth is: Your network is your career insurance. And if you don’t invest in it consistently — when the time comes, you’ll be starting from zero. We rebuilt his approach from the ground up: 1) Identified 3 industries where he had transferable experience. 2) Built a list of 50 former colleagues, clients, and vendor partners from 10+ years ago. 3) Crafted a 3-line message to reconnect and ask for insight (not a job). 4) Created a new LinkedIn profile that positioned him as a strategic operator — not just “loyal” or “tenured.” 5) And shifted from reactive job apps to warm conversations. In just 6 weeks, he had two interviews from referrals — and one offer came from a former peer turned CEO. He’s now back in the game. More energized. And building relationships intentionally this time around. ➜ If you’ve been heads down for years: I GET IT. But now (& IN THIS MARKET) is the time to lift your head up. Start with this: 1) List 15 people you used to work with and respect 2) Reach out with a message like: “Hey, I’ve always appreciated working with you — and I saw you're currently working at Company X. Would you be open to catching up on a virtual coffee chat?” Your network doesn’t have to be huge. It just needs to be activated. And the best time to do it? Before you need it. #JobSearch #ExecutiveCareers #Networking #CSuite #GetHired #CSG

The most important career advice I NEVER got? Relationships unlock opportunity. The difference between professionals who plateau and those who thrive often comes down to one thing: the strength of their networks. Easier said than done. Even if I had understood this, I would have needed guidance on HOW to do it. Real network-building requires intention, generosity, and authentic human connection. After years of trial and error, I've identified 20 strategies that consistently create powerful professional relationships. Here are 10. The rest are in the visual. 1. Practice the 5-minute favor rule ↳ When meeting someone new, ask yourself, "What can I do in 5 minutes that would meaningfully help this person?" ↳ Example: Send a relevant article or make a quick introduction. 2. Follow the 2:1 giving ratio ↳ Provide value at least twice before asking for anything. ↳ Example: Share and comment meaningfully on their LinkedIn posts. 3. Be 'interested, not interesting' ↳ Focus conversations on the other person rather than trying to impress. ↳ Example: Ask follow-up questions about their challenges rather than discussing your own achievements. 4. Leverage commonality ↳ Find unexpected shared interests beyond work. ↳ Example: Discovering you both enjoy pottery or hiking specific trails creates stronger bonds than just industry connections. 5. Practice conversational generosity ↳ Introduce people to others in group settings. ↳ Example: "Sarah, you should meet Alex. You're both working on similar AI ethics challenges." 6. Make specific, actionable asks ↳ Be clear about what you need. ↳ Example: "Would you be willing to review my presentation deck for 15 minutes this week?" 7. Connect with 'dormant ties' ↳ Reconnect with valuable past connections. ↳ Example: Reach out to former colleagues and share specific memories of working together. 8. Diversify your network ↳ Intentionally connect with people outside your immediate field. ↳ Example: A finance professional joining a technology meetup to gain fresh perspectives. 9. Maintain a personal board of directors ↳ Cultivate relationships with 5-7 trusted advisors. ↳ Example: Monthly check-ins with mentors who provide different perspectives on your career decisions. 10. Adopt the sweat equity approach ↳ Volunteer for industry organizations or committees. ↳ Example: Join the planning committee for a conference to create natural connections with speakers and organizers. The most valuable asset in your career isn't your degree, certifications, or even your experience It's the web of relationships you thoughtfully build along the way. What are your successful relationship building tactics? ♻️ Repost to share these ideas with your network. 👉Follow me Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more ideas about how to enhance your network and your career. 📫 Subscribe to Women in Consumer Finance to access all of our carousels, cheat sheets, and other content. (https://hubs.la/Q03dY9_n0)

How many times have you heard "It's not what you know, but who you know"? I’ve seen the value of building great professional relationships over the course of my career that’s spanned several decades and multiple industries. Looking back, there are a few things that have worked for me consistently –– and a lot of them are not just about meeting the right people, they’re about how to leverage your existing network and how to deal with who you know. Here are my top 7 tips for effective networking: Here are my top 7 tips for networking: 1) Think of five people you'd want to connect with Who is on your dream list, and what you'd like to discuss? Write this down and think carefully about the kind of conversation you'd broach. Then, should the opportunity (or one similar) present itself, you'll know exactly how to proceed. 2) Show your gratitude Convey appreciation when making connections and be specific about what you're thanking them for. People will remember this down the line, and your graciousness can help set you apart. 3) Follow up and follow through You'll always learn more by listening rather than talking so listen with intent. Once you know what to do then, follow up and follow through. Don't just ask and take; there should be real human interaction and appreciation involved. And remember: speed and polish will always set you apart from the crowd. 4) Be authentic and honest Whether posting articles online or networking within your industry, make sure that whatever you do is genuine. Most people are putting on an act to try and get ahead. You can easily differentiate yourself by being forthright and sincere. 5) Give first and be generous Offer help or advice to those within your network as well. Your perspective is valuable, so find ways to help them think about things differently and work with them on any challenges they face. In this way, you can position yourself as a thought leader. 6) Craft low-lift requests Make sure whatever you're asking for is doable, even for the busiest person. Do the first three steps for them whenever possible—whether you're asking for a piece of professional advice, a letter of recommendation, or an introduction. Please don't make them ask questions about what you need. For example, if you're seeking an introduction, include an email already written that they can copy and paste and adjust as needed. 7) Use a system that works for you Make your own system for keeping in touch—in other words, a personal relationship management (PRM) system. Keep track of who you've spoken to, when you talked, how you're connected to them, what you talked about, etc. ~ What else would you add to this list? 📕 If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to save for later.

Networking as your job! I have delivered a very popular lecture at Sloan MIT over a couple of dozen times on how networking in a strategic way, as part of your everyday work and a honed skill like an any other skill, could be the most important thing you can do for your career. There are 9 principles laid out in the lecture: -Treat networking as part of your everyday work, spend between 3% to 5% of your work time doing it, every day -The worst time to network is when you need something, conversely the best time is when you don’t need anything -Find places where great people hang out(not-for-profits, clubs, church groups, etc) go there and add value looking through the right end of the telescope -Offer to help someone before you earn the right to ask -If everyone you ask to meet you says yes, then you’re aiming too low…get rejected then figure out to eventually get to a yes, that’s where the real learning takes place -Help people when they are down, sometimes right after a job loss for example, for executives its amazing how fast the calls dry up, offering to help then is truly distinctive -Create tables with the various type of folks and names you want to connect with and the frequency and manage it closely, it will change dramatically over time -Create a set of unique and valuable IP that others want to learn from you about and share it!  -By creating a valuable network you get those whom you know to network on your behalf when you aren’t even there (even while you sleep)! The best opportunities come up at cocktail parties, tennis and golf matches, dinner parties and you can’t be at all of them, but someone you know well can be! Obviously, there is a lot of color to fill in that I can make to this to make it comprehensive. I am happy to do that if anyone wants or wants me to come and present to a group or team! 

Networking isn’t about asking for favors. It’s about adding value. Here's how to do it 👇 I know; you've heard this line 100 times. "Add value" when you network. But what does that tactically look like when you're a senior-level employee or established leader? The idea of reaching out can feel awkward, forced, or desperate, especially if small talk isn't natural. Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be a social butterfly to build a powerful network. You just need to be intentional. Here are a few ways to reconnect without feeling like you’re asking for a handout: 1. Send a ‘Congrats’ Note Someone just took a new role, spoke at a conference, or made the news? Acknowledge it. 👉 “Congrats on the new role! I’m sure you’ll have a huge impact. Let’s catch up soon.” 2. Ask for Insights, Not a Job People are more likely to respond to thoughtful, specific questions than to vague requests for help. 👉 “I’ve been watching trends in [X industry] and thought of you. Would love to get your perspective if you have a few minutes.” 3. Follow Up on a Shared Experience Did you bond over a project, conference, or mutual connection? Lean on that history. 👉 “I was just thinking about [shared experience]. How have things been on your end?” 4. Offer to Make an Intro Flip the script—be the connector, not just the contact. 👉 “I came across someone who might be a great partner for [project or initiative]. Would you like an intro?” _ _ _ Your initial goal is to START a conversation, Not to ask for something. The more you focus on benefiting them, the more natural the "networking" conversations become. When you DO ask for help, you’re not a line in their inbox—you’re a known, trusted connection. Have you tried any of these approaches? What's been working for you?