Marrying Thought Leadership with Networking: A Winning Strategy for Executive Career Moves

When embarking on an executive career move, particularly in pursuit of a board position, it’s crucial to align your thought leadership strategy with your networking efforts. This approach not only enhances your visibility but significantly boosts your chances of achieving your career goals. Surprisingly, the importance of this alignment might be for reasons you hadn’t considered.

The Importance of Staying Top of Mind

In the fast-paced world of executive search and recruitment, staying top of mind is key. As someone who runs a busy recruitment practice, I can tell you that it's all too easy for even great candidates to slip through the cracks. Despite having robust systems, databases, and file notes to track conversations and candidate interviews, the reality is that candidates met just a few weeks ago can quickly fade from memory.

That’s where thought leadership becomes invaluable. It’s not just about showcasing your expertise—it's about keeping yourself on the radar of those who matter. Platforms like LinkedIn offer a powerful way to ensure you stay visible. When you regularly publish insightful content, be it articles, posts, or videos, you remain in the social media feeds of key decision-makers. This visibility acts as a trigger, reminding recruiters and executives of your relevance and value.

Why Thought Leadership and Networking Must Go Hand in Hand

Thought leadership on its own is impactful, but when combined with a strategic networking approach, it becomes a sophisticated calling card. When you're engaging with headhunters, recruitment firms, or reaching out to your network, you need to be strategic. Simply staying in touch isn’t enough; you need to add value to every interaction.

Consider this: instead of sending a bland email reminding someone of a conversation you had weeks ago, why not offer something of value? For example, reach out with a thoughtful note that references a recent post of theirs, or share a relevant piece of content you’ve created. It could be something like:

“Hi Bill, great to reconnect! I noticed your recent post about X and wanted to share an article I wrote on a similar topic. I think you’ll find it relevant. Let’s keep in touch—looking forward to hearing your thoughts.”

This kind of engagement is far more likely to resonate than a generic reminder email. It shows that you’ve done your homework, are staying active in your field, and are genuinely interested in building a relationship rather than just asking for something.

The Power of Consistent Visibility

In the e-commerce world, there’s a principle that potential customers need to interact with a brand up to ten times before making a purchase. The same concept applies to your career strategy. Decision-makers need to see your name, engage with your content, and understand your expertise before they’re ready to consider you for a role.

In a world where technology and digital media play an increasingly central role, leveraging these tools to build rapport is not just advisable—it’s essential. For next-generation board directors, this is an incredible way to stand out from the crowd.

Avoid the “Gimme Gimme” Approach

I often see candidates who resort to the “gimme gimme” strategy—sending constant emails asking for board seats without offering anything in return. This approach is not only unsophisticated but also ineffective. Top-flight board search consultants, Non-Executive Directors, and industry leaders simply don’t have time for these requests, especially when they’re not accompanied by any new information or value.

Instead, focus on building meaningful connections. Use your thought leadership as a way to stay relevant, engage in informed conversations, and offer insights that are genuinely useful to the people you’re trying to connect with.

Conclusion: A Strategic Approach for Board Success

If you're serious about securing a board position, it’s time to rethink your approach. By marrying your thought leadership strategy with a well-planned networking strategy, you can stay on the radar of the people who matter, build strong relationships, and position yourself as a top candidate. Remember, this is a long game, and every interaction counts.

Call to Action

Ready to take your board career to the next level? Book a complimentary board career assessment with me today. We’ll evaluate your current strategy, refine your approach, and position you for success in the boardroom. Click here to schedule your session and start standing out from the crowd.

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