What are the best practices for using an executive's calendar to network with industry leaders?

1 Identify potential contacts

The first step to using an executive's calendar to network with industry leaders is to identify who they are and why they are relevant. You can use various sources to research potential contacts, such as industry publications, social media, events, referrals, or your executive's existing network. You should look for people who have similar interests, goals, challenges, or opportunities as your executive, and who can offer value, insight, or collaboration. You should also prioritize contacts based on their level of influence, accessibility, and compatibility with your executive.

2 Reach out to them

The next step is to reach out to the potential contacts and invite them to connect with your executive. You can use different channels to do this, such as email, phone, or social media, depending on the contact's preference and availability. You should craft a personalized and professional message that introduces your executive, explains the purpose of the connection, highlights the benefits for both parties, and proposes a meeting time and format. You should also follow up if you don't get a response within a reasonable time frame, but avoid being too pushy or spammy.

3 Schedule and prepare for meetings

Once you get a positive response from a contact, you should schedule a meeting with them and your executive. You should use your executive's calendar to find a suitable time slot that works for both parties, and confirm the details of the meeting, such as the date, time, location, duration, agenda, and attendees. You should also prepare your executive for the meeting by providing them with relevant information about the contact, such as their background, interests, goals, challenges, or opportunities. You should also remind your executive of the meeting and any action items or materials they need to bring.

4 Follow up and maintain relationships

The last step is to follow up with the contact after the meeting and maintain the relationship with them. You should send a thank-you note to the contact within 24 hours of the meeting, expressing your appreciation, summarizing the main points of the discussion, and suggesting the next steps or follow-up actions. You should also update your executive's calendar with any deadlines, tasks, or reminders related to the contact. You should also keep in touch with the contact regularly, by sending them useful resources, updates, feedback, or invitations to events or opportunities that might interest them.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?