Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
Honestly: Clicking Apply will not win executive job searches.
They won victory in conversations, private emails, warm introductions, and an invisible trust economy that provides the motivation for C-Suite to recruit behind the scenes.
Over the years, I have mentored thousands of professionals and executives through job search transitions. When it comes to senior roles (CEO, CFO, COO, CTO, and other regions),The Internet is everything.
But not just any type of network.
You are not asking for benefits. You’re not begging for an interview. You are building credibility, popularity and opportunities, just like peers, not candidates.
This is 10 Networking Strategies Every C-Suite Leader Should Master Leverage hidden job markets and unlock execution opportunities faster and more efficiently.
1. Reconnect with former strategic colleagues
Start with someone who already knows your worth – Former Boss, board members, direct reports, suppliers or peers. These relationships are usually dormant, but they have huge opportunities.
A simple message is extended:
“Hey [Name]I’ve been thinking about my time [Company] Want to catch up. I will also value your point of view when I think about the next chapter. ”
publicity themno you. Work leaders will follow naturally.
2. Using the Advisory Board Method
Create a short list of 5-7 trusted companions or mentors who act as informal consultants during the search process. You’re not asking them to get a job, you keep them in a loop and invite them to ideas, introductions, and Intel.
Executives often ignore this because they think they need to go alone. No. Advanced job search is lonely – high trust feedback loops are invaluable.
3. You can see where executives appear
This means:
- Industry-specific conferences (even virtual conferences)
- Executive roundtables and peer groups
- Webinars with sports companies or thought leaders
- Invite leadership forums only (e.g., YPO, Chief, Vistage)
You don’t have to speak. You just need to show up, participate and intentionally follow up.
4. Make a popular introduction to your currency
Don’t just ask for an introduction –Give them. Become a person who is valued with two other senior people.
You build reputational capital when you introduce others to opportunities, insights, or partnerships. When you go on the market quietly, that kind pays you back ten times.
5. Create “passive visibility” on LinkedIn
You don’t need to enter the full influencer mode. But LinkedIn is this Executive recruiters and decision makers quietly review your platform.
Post or comment once or twice a week. Share a quick leadership insight, link to recent deals or articles, or make thoughtful comments on industry topics.
example:
“Leading through uncertainty requires clarity, not control. In my last turnaround role, we used 3 principles to keep the team consistent – transparency, rhythm and trust.”
It shows that you are up to date, trustworthy and comfortable in your seat.
6. Search for companies for correct execution
Not all recruiters are equal. At the C-suite level, you are dealing with Keep the execution search companynot an emergency recruiter.
Make a list of the top 10-15 companies in your space. Find senior partners who specialize in your functions and industries. A brief message about your background and ideal next steps –Not just a resume dump.
Better yet, find someone in your network who can introduce them directly to them.
7. Mine Private Equity and Venture Capital Network
PE and VC companies always recruit and upgrade executive teams in their portfolio companies, and they often bypass the work committee altogether.
Identify companies whose investment papers are aligned with your experience (e.g., SaaS in Growth Stages, distressed retail twists, healthcare rollups). Contact their talent or business partners directly.
Let them know:
- What did you do (metrics and impact)
- Which companies stimulate your excitement
- What stage/size/situation are you in?
This puts you into their trusted talent seat, even at the beginning of the role.
8. Ask for micro-conferences, not coffee chats
Everyone is very busy. Instead of “Can I pick up my brain?” try:
“Would you like to have a quick 15-minute call to find out where you are hiring a growing company right now?”
It is respect for their time and defines a clear reason for inquiry.
Reward tips: Always end the meeting by inquiry,
“Are anyone else suggesting me to talk to?”
This problem can unlock a brand new network thread.
9. Turn the battle of speech into warm clues
If you have credentials, put yourself there: speak on a panel, podcast, webinar, or alumni event.
This does two things:
- It positions you as a thought leader (not promoting yourself).
- It gives you a reason to follow up with attendees, group members or organizers – people who know your name and voice now.
Tip: Start locally or in your niche. Then it expands as visibility grows.
10. Always contact after winning a job
I see #1 mistakes made by executives? Once landed, they stopped the network.
Executives are so buried in new characters, chest stress and team dynamics that they ignore the relationship that takes them there.
Set up a monthly calendar reminder to touch the basics with 3-5 people. Congratulations to them on their new role. Repost an article. Provide help.
You will need them again and earlier than you think.
🔚The final thought
The C-Suite network is not about quantity, but about quality, consistency and generosity.
If you invest in relationships before you need it, you won’t need to panic when you’re next.
The hidden job market is not a myth. It’s just hidden from people who don’t know (or how to look).
But for those who are interested in making connections? It’s very open.
ⓒThe Big Game Hunter Company in Asheville, North Carolina 2025
About Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
People hire Jeff Altman, a big game hunter, who doesn’t offer BS job coaching and career advice worldwide because he’s working Search and succeed in your career. Schedule a phone call to find out and talk to me about one-on-one or group coaching while searching for work at www.thebiggamehunter.us.
You will also find quality information and job search coaches to help you at jobsearch.comnity You can get free copies of 25 interview questions and answers for free, how to make compelling elevator pitches in 20 seconds or less, prepare for the work jungle, diagnose work search issues, no BS recovery issues, no BS recovery suggestions, and propose your value, then negotiate first. Receive free weekly suggestions and more.
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