Fourth quarter is here, and with it the return of crisp autumn air, football and all things pumpkin spice.
It’s also the time when hiring and professional networking tend to slow down. There’s a common belief that since decision-making is on pause through year-end, there’s no reason to continue your executive job search activity or outreach.
Fall is the perfect season to accelerate your professional networking
We’re here to contradict that myth!
If you’re in the market for a new position or considering job transition in the new year, fall is the perfect season to accelerate your professional networking.
Why? Even if the job market cools, you’re making valuable connections with hard-to-reach executives, recruiters and board members who can support and advance your goals.
Most Execs Will Find Next Role Through Networking
Cultivating a strong professional network is essential for senior leaders. Last year, approximately 85 percent of our executive clients found their next role through networking. At a vice president level or higher, there’s simply no substitute for the power of these one-to-one conversations.
A strong network delivers in countless ways, helping you:
- Stay on top of industry trends
- Gain new ideas and perspectives
- Build a peer community
- Identify “hidden” job opportunities
- Learn new tools and resources
- Meet potential mentors, partners or clients
- Share your expertise
It’s especially beneficial in the C-Suite, where professional development opportunities and true peer-to-peer conversations can be limited. Growing relationships outside the office expands your options and strengthens your resources.
Fall Means Less Friction, More Generosity
While it may seem counterintuitive, fall often makes it easier to connect with busy executives.
There are three reasons behind this opportunity:
1. Conferences and business travel ebb, freeing up more time for other activities.
2. There’s a shift in thinking as the holidays approach, with more emphasis on gratitude and the value of relationships.
3. Many leaders feel a greater desire to “do more” to help their peers when the job market slows or corporate layoffs occur.
It all adds up to a great time for professional networking in Q4.
Proven Ways for Senior Leaders to Connect
Networking actively in the fall keeps you top of mind for any immediate opportunities—including contract and fractional work. It also builds strong momentum heading into the new year as companies hire more full-time positions.
We recommend these networking activities:
- When you’re approached, say “yes” to professional introductions
- Proactively reach out to past colleagues and industry peers and offer your help
- Leverage LinkedIn as a tool to widen your circle
- Share meaningful content or invite a peer to an event or coffee
- If you’re asking for a meeting, find a location that’s convenient to your invitee, or bring the technology and be the host for a virtual conversation
Don’t forget to follow up promptly with a heartfelt thank-you. If your meeting is virtual, consider buying the coffee or lunch with a digital gift card to a local coffee shop or cafe. It’s a great way to do good on two levels: Thanking your fellow networker for their time and supporting a local restaurant or small business.
Networking Adds Value at All Stages of Your Career
Taking advantage of Q4 when there’s less friction in the system (and more generosity in the air) is a good strategy at all stages in your career. Even if you’re content in your current position, it’s smart to maintain industry and peer relationships that you can leverage down the road. Networking can even help improve your health as you age.
Cultivating a strong professional network is essential for senior leaders
When you are in job search mode, that doesn’t mean you have nothing of value to offer. Networking is always a two-way endeavor. Remember to ask those you meet with, “How can I help you?”. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the ways you can share your expertise, your talents and your own network with others.
At Navigate Forward, we encourage all our clients to cultivate strong professional relationships, whether you’re seeking your next gig, looking for a seat on a corporate board or planning your legacy career post-retirement. There’s never been a better time to start (or continue) than right now.
Still anxious about networking? Check out these networking tips to avoid the most common networking mistakes and meet new people with confidence.
If you’re a Navigate Forward alumni, join our LinkedIn community for access to valuable executive connections around the country.
