Lately, I've felt a bit like a dentist trying to get people floss. Or a parent trying to get a child to eat their broccoli. Or even my doctor, trying to get me to exercise more. But instead, the topic is networking.

In this market, if you want to land your next executive role or your first board seat, having a strong network that can open doors for you is a non-negotiable. And the process doesn't have to be painful.

In this issue, we share our top five tips for easily meeting more people and building real relationships. Plus, we share links to our podcast so you can access career advice on the go. 

5 Easy Networking Tips That Actually Work for Senior Leaders

If the thought of networking makes you cringe, you’re not alone. On a recent call with a CEO in transition, they told me they know they need to build their network, but said, “I hate networking. I just hate it.” Aversion to networking is one of the most common things we hear from senior leaders. The discomfort is real, and it's holding you back. 

The problem is not networking itself, but instead how most people picture it: awkward cocktail hours, forced small talk while juggling cold appetizers on tiny napkins, and that uneasy feeling of being "transactional" with people you barely know. We get it.

But the leaders who land faster are not the ones who avoid networking altogether. They are the ones who approach it differently.

Here are five easy strategies we shared on a recent LinkedIn Live to make networking feel more natural, more strategic, and far more effective.

1. Start with the End in Mind

One of the biggest mistakes executives make is networking without a clear target. If you are holding virtual coffees with anyone who will say yes, you are wasting valuable time. Before you reach out to anyone, get hyper-focused on the industries, companies, and roles you're pursuing. When you know who you want to reach, every conversation becomes more purposeful and more productive.

2. Ask This Question to Immediately Expand Your Network

At the end of every networking conversation, ask this: "Who else should I know?" This single question is where the real magic happens. Most career opportunities at the senior level do not come from your closest connections. They come from second and third-degree connections, the people your contacts introduce you to. Asking for introductions is how you turn one good conversation into three or four.

3. Use Events as a Natural On-Ramp to Connections

If you’re not sure where to start or you’re trying to break into a new industry, webinars, live conferences, and professional events create a natural, built-in reason to connect with new people. When you attend an event and then reach out to speakers or attendees afterward, you already have a shared experience to reference. It makes the outreach feel organic rather than forced.Pro tip: To reach a specific audience, sign up for webinars that attract those decision-makers, take screenshots of everyone who attended, and send connection requests (with messages) to everyone, then invite them to connect via virtual coffee. This is one of the simplest ways to turn a passive experience into an active relationship.

4. Build a Follow-up Rhythm 

A single conversation is not a relationship. The executives who build strong networks are the ones who follow up intentionally and consistently. Set a schedule to stay in touch with your key contacts, whether that is sharing a relevant article, congratulating them on a milestone, or simply checking in. Relationships compound over time, but only if you invest in them.

Pro tip: Our Chief Strategy Officer, Michelle Merritt, sets a three-touchpoint cadence for all new connections so that initial conversations don’t fall into the abyss of busy life.

5. Lead with Curiosity, Not an Elevator Pitch

Nobody wants to feel "slimed" at a networking event, and nobody wants to be the person doing the sliming. The most effective networkers lead with genuine curiosity. They ask thoughtful questions or learn what the other person is working on. Or they look for ways they can be helpful. 

When you shift from "What can I get?" to "What can I give?", the dynamic changes completely, and people remember you for all the right reasons.

Pro tip: If networking conversations are uncomfortable for you, asking thoughtful questions to get the other person talking rather than reciting your elevator pitch is a great way to make everyone more comfortable.

Action Steps

The executive job market is competitive, now more than ever. So networking is no longer optional. Which of these tips will you put into practice this week?Watch our full 30-minute video to go deeper into these five tips on our YouTube channel here.

If you are months into your search or don't know where to start, we can help. Book a complimentary consultation with us to learn how our Executive Edge Method™ can help you land your next big role or board seat faster. 

Already have questions about your specific situation? Message us today. This is literally what we do all day at D&S Executive Career Management , and I'm happy to point you in the right direction.

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About D&S Executive Career Management:

We specialize in accelerating career transitions for senior executives and board candidates to land faster without leaving money on the table. Using our proprietary Executive Edge Method™, we've supported thousands of executives in landing top jobs in competitive markets and securing prestigious board appointments. Schedule a call to learn more.