Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
“One thing I’ve learned is that being discouraged is not discouraged. Staying busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your belief in yourself.” –Lucille Ball
The problem next week will be shorter than usual. I’ll go see my brother in Florida and he’s in a bad condition. I’ll set it to post on Sunday, but there are fewer links than usual.
I don’t have to tell you how hard the job market is. Government data reflect this. Layouts are still happening, but despite the bleak conditions, people are still being interviewed and landing work is being done. They work in different types of jobs in many fields. As a LinkedIn user, you are experiencing the brunt of tough conditions.
I want to remind you one thing- you only need one company to choose you.
Psychology of professional networks
Before we dig into strategies, you need to understand why the network works and why most people avoid this. There is a psychological barrier that prevents other smart professionals from leveraging their most valuable assets: the belief network is an indistinct or manipulative.
This mentality is professional suicide.
The network is not about using people, but about establishing reciprocity. Once done correctly, you won’t get it from the network; you are contributing to it. You are sharing information, making introductions, providing insights and creating value for others while they do the same for you.
I mentored a great engineer who firmly believed that the network was “fake” and that his job should speak for himself. After six months of failed application, he reluctantly agreed to try another approach. Within three weeks of the Strategic Network, he set up a coffee conference with engineering leaders at five companies. Two of the conversations led to interviews, one of which was proposed.
Changing his point of view is not just a result, it realizes that these conversations are truly valuable to every participating conversation. He shared insights on emerging technologies, learned about industry challenges he did not consider, and built relationships that lasted long after the job search ended.
The most successful professionals understand that networking is just how to accomplish business. This is the way information flow, how opportunities are identified and how trust is built. When you opt out of the network, you will exit the main mechanism for establishing a career.
Web Audit: Map your hidden assets
Most job seekers greatly underestimate the size and power of their existing networks. They think that networking means contacting strangers in industry activities, when in fact, their most valuable connection is people they have known but have not yet spoken to.
Starting with what I call “network auditing,” it’s a system inventory of every professional relationship you build throughout your career. This goes far beyond your LinkedIn connection or phone contact. You need to consider every person with a professional background.
Professional Relationship:
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Current and former colleagues at all levels
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Managers and executives, you’re working
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The person who reports to you
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Cross-functional partners in other departments
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Customers and customers you serve
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The suppliers and service providers you work with
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Consultants and contractors working on your project
Education and Development Network:
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College and graduate school classmates
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Professors and academic consultants
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Alumni of Leadership Program
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Professional Development Course Participants
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Industry Certification Program
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Company training program
Industry and Association Contact:
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Professional Association Members
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Conference speakers and attendees
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Industry event participants
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Trade publication contributor
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Webinar Moderators and Participants
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LinkedIn team members in your field
Extended professional network:
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Friend’s professional contact person
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Business contacts of family members
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Neighbors working in related industries
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Your child’s parents are professionals
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Community organization volunteers in business role
One of my clients, a finance professional, initially claimed that he “didn’t know anyone” in his target industry. After completing a comprehensive online review, we identified more than 400 people to provide professional backgrounds for his work. More importantly, we found that there are currently 47 people in the company he wants to target.
Revelation is transformative. He is not starting from scratch – he sits on a gold mine that only needs to be reactivated.
ⓒThe Big Game Hunter Company in Asheville, North Carolina 2025
This article is excerpted from my next book. I haven’t mentioned the title yet. It will be released later this year.
last week, I’ve posted a lot of new content in my blog. It includes:
What is my problem? What am I doing wrong?
There is no hopeless way to show that you are willing to work on LinkedIn
Beyond Unemployment: Thrive in Your Career Transition
Career Change Journey: Part 1
Can you do better with your last job?
How do you express your client’s obsession?
blame
Interview red flag: The interview is too easy
Every day is like baseball
Tom Brady’s Vocational Course
Career Change Journey: Part 2
ACE These Professional Tips for Your Next Interview
Why recruiters don’t tell you who their clients are
No one is listening
Success usually comes
Why did the interview die? That feeling of sinking and how to avoid it.
Career Change Journey: Part 3
Find your LinkedIn connection to work you can refer to
Can they track your resume? (The truth is revealed!)
No BS Career Advice: August 31, 2025
One minute after job search
Myths of passive work candidates exposed
Interview is much better than flipping coins
Hidden traps in your execution job quote https://youtu.be/_oui6bnjul4
Don’t say you’re looking for a job? Is that right?
Hidden traps in your execution job quote
What should you do if the interviewer doesn’t seem interested?
Two magic words used in the interview and the story behind the story
Promotions don’t owe you
Handle bruised self
Tell your boss about your next job? (Keep private!)
What is a job search network?
Don’t be like a politician in a job interview
Then why should I hire you? https://wp.me/p4aik1-5pu
Reversal Search: Turning Job Seekers to Shopping
Arrange my free discovery phone number www.thebiggamehunter.us/schedule Discuss my coach. My calendar is full. My collaboration with senior talents compared to individual contributors.
Subscribe to the BS-free job advice broadcast On Spotify, Apple Podcasts or where you listen or watch a podcast. Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, I release new episodes.
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#begreat
Jeff Altman
Game Hunter
🔥 Career advice without a bachelor’s degree is that professionals like you can get direct, practical guidance without fluff.
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