Network like a leader

By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter

EP 3129 Leaders are great networkers. Learn how they do it.

Strategic interview questions to ask

• 00:00 – Introduction: Shift the focus from just finding a job to intentionally building a career.

• 00:19 – Network gap: Explore the different rulebooks used by average performers versus true leaders.

• 01:08 – Fear and Visibility: Escape the “Stone Age” fear of discovery and embrace professional visibility.

• 02:16 – Inside vs. Outside: Why leaders prioritize external industry connections over internal office politics.

• 03:22 – Strategy: Short vs. Long: Build a “professional Rolodex” as a long-term asset rather than a last-minute strategy.

• 04:10 – Leaders Network: The importance of connecting with business leaders and industry influencers.

• 04:30 – Winner’s script: Breaks the repeatable mindset that separates those who succeed from those who are just getting by.

• 05:33 – Bonus Tips: How being a “winner” makes human interaction an easy, natural process.

• Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Your Work

Okay, let’s talk about networking. We all know we should do this, right? But what if I told you that most of us play games all wrong? Today, we’re going to break down how real leaders network and, more importantly, change their strategy from desperately looking for a job to actually building a career. See, networking isn’t just one thing.

These are actually two completely different games, each with its own rulebook. You’ve mastered what most people do, and then you’ve mastered what leaders do. Honestly, the mentality behind them is completely different.

It all starts with this very basic question. What is the practical difference between finding a job and building a career? I mean, seriously think about it. If you can grasp this distinction, you unlock the entire strategy.

Well, here it is. Job hunting is passive. This is short term.

You need to respond to immediate needs, scroll through job boards, and apply for whatever is there. But building a career, that’s a completely different story. Be proactive.

This is long term. The goal is to build a good reputation so opportunities start coming to you. So how do we get to this point? Well, it all starts with mindset.

For many people, the biggest thing holding them back is common fear. But for top performers, the goal is exactly the opposite. It’s all about visibility.

Does this sound familiar? My manager will find out. It’s that little voice in your head that’s paralyzing you, right? Many of us have been taught that even just looking for other opportunities is some kind of betrayal and we will get caught and get into big trouble. But here’s the thing.

This is pure Stone Age thinking. Seriously. This fear comes from a time before we all carried cell phones in our pockets.

That’s when your boss might actually be able to tap your office landline. Today, that risk is essentially zero. It’s an outdated fear that keeps you stuck.

You can really see the difference in how people behave. Average performers hide. They are conditioned by this fear.

So they keep their heads down and stay in their lane. But as leaders, they actively work to make themselves visible. There they write, speak and participate.

They make it their mission to be famous in their field. This shift in thinking is now having a huge impact on how people actually behave. It revolutionizes who they connect with and how they build professional relationships.

For example, many people only network within their own companies, but leaders get it. They know that real power lies in outward visibility. They talk to people around the world and make sure their wins are known throughout the industry, not just their bosses.

Hey, think about what happens when you leave your job. The normal thing is to cut ties and move on, right? But top performers know that a former boss can be an incredibly powerful lifelong connection. They maintain those relationships and build this amazing network of mentors and advocates.

Ghosting them is just a huge missed opportunity. Okay, this next one is very, very important. How do you treat recruiters? You know, it’s easy to get angry and shut them out, but it’s like slamming a door in your face.

Strategy professionals, on the other hand, listen. They investigate the opportunity. They view every call as an opportunity to learn about the market, even if they’re not interested.

So we have mentality and we have relationships. Now let’s pull back and see how these pieces fit into the larger long-term strategy that really sets the most successful people apart. When things get tough, the reactive move is to run to the job board and start from scratch.

When follow-up backfires

However, being a proactive leader, they bring out their professional Rolodex, a strong contact list they have built over the years. See the difference? This is a strategic asset, not a last-minute tactic. This also illustrates the huge differences in the way people think.

Many people feel they need to find all the answers themselves, so they never ask for help. But leaders know they don’t know everything. They get help.

They hire coaches. They understand that the wisest investment they can make is in themselves. A really key part of this strategy is building connections.

Top performers place a high value on connecting with business owners and key department heads. But, and this is crucial, they are smart about it. They know you won’t waste your requests.

You start by making a real connection. So when you do need a big favor, it makes a big difference. Okay, let’s put it all together.

What is the ultimate strategy that successful people follow? Because it’s not just luck, it’s not just talent. It’s definitely about a repeatable mentality and a very specific approach throughout their career. This all brings us to what we call the big lesson.

This is the core idea. What truly separates the successful from those who are just barely getting by. That’s it.

Winners find a way to win, losers find a way to fail. Sounds simple, right? But it’s also very profound. This means success is no accident.

This is a direct result of a thoughtful, proactive choice to find a way forward no matter what. So how do they actually do it? Well, they learn from their mistakes instead of making them over and over again. They know what they are good at and they use those strengths to their advantage.

They are humble enough to overcome their shortcomings. Perhaps most importantly, they learn to inspire people, not just manage them. Let’s be honest, people want to work with and for inspiring people.

Which leads to one final extra tip, which is really the secret to the whole thing. People want to connect with winners. When you adopt this playbook, when you become visible, you build real relationships, you inspire others, and networking is no longer a chore you have to do.

It just starts happening to you. So I leave this question to you. Take a close look at what you are doing now.

Are you networking just to get your next job? Or are you building a product that will power your entire career for years to come? The choice and strategy are yours.

LinkedIn’s #opentowork post

About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman

People hire big game hunter Jeff Altman to provide no-nonsense career advice around the world because he’s done so much in people’s careers Easier. These matters may involve job hunting, Recruit more effectively, manage and lead better, career transition, and advice on solving workplace problems.

He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 job search podcast on iTunes with over 3,100 episodes.

Is your job search routine or consistent?

You’ll find important information to help you with your job search on my new website, ⁠⁠JobSearch.Community⁠⁠ In addition to video courses, books, and guides, I answer members’ questions about their job search every day. Leave your job search questions and I will respond every day. Becoming an Insider+ member gives you everything you get as an Insider+ member, plus you can connect with me via Zoom call to get your questions answered. Become an Insider Premium member and we offer individual and group coaching.

Don’t act desperate!

Also, please subscribe to ⁠JobSearchTV.com⁠ on YouTube and No BS Job Advice Radiothe #1 job search podcast with over 2,700 episodes in over 12 years. On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and almost anywhere you listen or watch podcasts.

You can also answer your #jobsearchquestions on Tuesday at noon ET. Search for career coaching office hours on LinkedIn and mark that you are attending. If you miss the live broadcast, you can access the recording.

Mastering your executive brand: A guide for C Suite professionals

Schedule a discovery call on my website, ⁠www.TheBigGameHunter.us⁠ Talk to me about one-on-one or group coaching

LinkedIn: ⁠

⁠Resume and LinkedIn profile reviews⁠⁠www.TheBigGameHunter.us/critiques⁠

Job opportunities will increase in 2026, according to LinkedIn

We allow this and other articles to be used on your site as long as they include a backlink ⁠www.TheBigGameHunter.us⁠ and states that it is provided by Jeff Altman of The Big Game Hunter as the author or creator. Does not acknowledge his work or provide backlinks ⁠www.TheBigGameHunter.us⁠ Subjects you to a $1,000 fine, which you voluntarily agree to pay.

Relevant