Foto | Indsigt | Synspunkt

Some days are better than others. Today was a good day as my networking activities yielded several interesting opportunities. I wont go into details, but when I started the day I had no expectations and now I can look back on a day where networking showed its value. Part of my networking activities today included a presentation for a group of executives talking about two very interesting topics: 1) Must Win Battles - a management tool I have extensive experience with 2) The Rolling Budget - a new management tool that I'm exploring

While going through my LinkedIn network with over 1.200 1st level contacts it becomes evident for me, that many people are in the same situation as me - looking for a new challenge - especially on executive level. Based on talks with executive search companies it is my estimate that finding a new job on executive level can take between 6-18 month and more likely between 12-24 month - unless the general market conditions improves substantially during 2012. And I don't see this happening. During the past three years mane industries, markets and companies has been taken apart and rebuild -- and it will take another three years before global market mechanism has been restored and growth is again happening at a stable level. Through my board responsibilities I know that market conditions are improving and jobs are being created - just not from the top level yet - but more on middle management level and operational level - and that is good. Let's continue the search....

Being connected is so important nowadays. Sitting at home waiting for one of the executive search companies to call is merely not enough - you need to involve a relavant part of your network to multiply your impact towards your future employer. Metaphorical speaking I most be ready to act on an opportunity that has arrived through my network as a "strong "iron" connection. On LinkedIn I'm connected to 1.145 people giving me over 242.300 2nd degree connections. But my guess is, that only a very small percentage of those 1.145 1st level connections are capable of opening an opportunity for me. But who? Therefore I'm spending hours each day going through each of my 1.145 connections to evaluate their ability to help me with my next career opportunity. To find those "iron" connections.