Alan Herrity | March 17, 2025
Transformation leaders often find themselves fully immersed in their current roles, driving change and delivering results.
However, at Momentum Search and Selection, we've observed a common pitfall with this approach: neglecting professional relationships outside your current organisation.
This oversight can lead to a 'cold start' when you unexpectedly find yourself in the job market. Let's explore why maintaining these connections is crucial and how to do it effectively.
1. Market Insights
Regular contact with industry peers and Executive Search specialists keeps you informed about market trends, emerging opportunities, and salary benchmarks.
2. Career Opportunities
Many executive roles are filled through networks before they're advertised publicly. Staying connected increases your chances of hearing about these opportunities early.
3. Professional Development
Your network can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and learning opportunities that contribute to your growth as a leader.
4. Reputation Building
Consistent engagement helps build and maintain your professional reputation beyond your current role.
5. Smoother Transitions
If you need to change roles, a warm network makes the process much easier and often faster.
1. Schedule Regular Check-ins
Set aside time every few months to connect with key contacts in your network. This could be as simple as a quick email or a coffee catch-up.
2. Engage on Professional Platforms
Regularly share insights, comment on industry news, or participate in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn. This keeps you visible and engaged with your broader professional community.
3. Attend Industry Events
Make time to attend conferences, seminars, or networking events. These provide excellent opportunities to maintain existing relationships and forge new ones.
4. Offer Value
Networking isn't just about what you can gain. Look for opportunities to help others in your network through introductions, sharing knowledge, or offering advice.
5. Stay in Touch with Executive Search specialists
Maintain relationships with reputable executive search firms, even when you're not actively job seeking. They can provide valuable market insights and keep you informed about potential opportunities.
6. Join Professional Associations
Active involvement in industry associations can help you stay connected with peers and stay abreast of industry developments.
7. Mentor Others
Offering mentorship not only gives back to your industry but also helps expand and strengthen your network.
1. Time Constraints
As busy executives, finding time for networking can be challenging. Consider integrating networking into your regular schedule, perhaps by combining it with other activities like your morning coffee or lunch break.
2. Feeling 'Inauthentic'
Some leaders worry that networking feels forced or insincere. Remember, genuine networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships, not just collecting contacts.
3. Current Employer Concerns
You might worry about how your current employer would perceive your networking activities. Focus on professional development and industry engagement rather than active job seeking to alleviate these concerns.
4. Knowing Where to Start
If you've let your network go cold, it can be daunting to re-engage. Start small, perhaps by reaching out to former colleagues or attending a local industry event.
Remember, your professional network is a valuable asset that requires ongoing investment.
Maintaining these relationships throughout your career ensures you're well-positioned for future opportunities and have a support system to draw upon when needed.
Alan Herrity
Director
Momentum Search and Selection