Rita Ashley, Career Coach. Field tested advice for executives.

The simple fact of networking is people want to help. You know you always feel good when you can lend a hand. Well, other people feel the same way when they can help someone find a new job.

All you have to do is communicate exactly what you need and what you expect.

Executives in $100,000+ jobs know networking is the most effective way to find a new job. Over 75% of executive jobs are filled by word of mouth. Executive jobs are typically not advertised or landed using job boards.

You know all you have to do is pick up the phone or send an email to request assistance to find leads though it is very difficult for a lot of people. And attending business social networking events to find leads is even harder. Yet, A recent job search coaching client uncovered 14 opportunities in less than three months because he knew what to ask and who to ask.

Let’s Simplify Networking: Craft an excellent elevator pitch or brand identity. “I am a technology executive with a track record converting software products to SaaS applications with no disruption to the bottom line.” Tell what you can do and the results and include a metric if possible.

Include a request for what you need. “”My last stint as VP Marketing allowed me to penetrate global markets with a hand-picked dynamic team of marketing professionals. We landed new named accounts and opened branch offices in four countries which made the investors very happy. I hope to replicate that performance with a new employer. Perhaps you know a company about to go global who might benefit from my experience.”

When talking to people who know your work you might say, “I would be grateful if you could introduce me to three people who know about program management jobs in Wireless.” Ask for a specific number of referrals and you are more likely to get what you want.

The Money Shot: When contacts struggle to recall what you do or to whom you need a referral, they probably won’t do it. To simplify networking ask for exactly what you want: “My background includes building an inside sales organization from the ground up. We contributed 65% of the company revenues in 18 months. I am looking for companies like [name of a prospective employer] who are focused on building or expanding their inside sales efforts. Can you introduce me to [hiring authority at target company] and two others like her as possible connections to leads?”

Simplify networking with these steps for a great pay off of leads and new connections. Keep in mind, they are simple techniques, but they are not easy.

For more advice on effective networking, read, “Networking Debugged.”

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