3 Reasons Why C-Level Executives Must Network

Patrick McFadden

Last week I had the pleasure of attending an C-level executive networking event at a local country club. I was surrounded by many great leaders and executives at this event and energized by all the engagement and people I was able to meet. At the event I heard CEO of BNI-Central Virginia Mark Deutsch  speak about the why, who and how of C-level networking.

As always I took notes seeing this as a great opportunity to share what I learned with other business owners, business leaders, executives and bloggers.

I’m a firm believer in starting with the “why” for everything.  It is the component that most people never think to include. Why is it important?

Here I list 3 reasons why C-level executives must network.  

  1. Crowed and noisy world. We are living in an era were we are exposed to over 3,000 marketing messages a day. Competition has never been greater. There are more people, media and things competing for the one thing that is finite: other people’s attention. And you’re in competition with everyone else who wants a slice of it.  Networking, however, is something that enables you to cut through the noise and deliver your message right to the heart of prospects, customers and your network.
  2. Job or Employee Hunt. Networking is the number one way to get a job (and I’ll add give a job.) 60-80% of jobs are found through some form of networking. A personal connection to another C-level executive is the best way to get your resume or a hot candidates resume on the top of the pile.
  3. Networking provides an alternative. I believe that networking provides an alternative sales force. In fact I would go as far to say that your first sales force is your customers, secondly your network and thirdly your sales team.  If your goal is growth for your business, then marketing is all that matters. And part of that marketing must be a dedicated and continuing commitment to networking.

C-level executives that are serious about taking their organization, or their product or service to the next level, can’t succeed without networking.

What would networking make possible for you?

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