How Strategic Networking Leads To Executive Roles & Salary Growth

Networking is often touted as the key to career advancement. But how does it play a role in you reaching senior and?executive level positions and achieving salary growth?

This month's "Getting Visible At Work" newsletter is a 10-minute read but worth the time to build, maintain, and leverage a strategic network to further your career.

If short on time, save the article and scroll to the bottom for the free resource. It?outlines the strategic networking approach I've used with success. My clients?also get visible and?transform their career trajectories.?

Debunking A Myth

MYTH: Advancing your career is all about who you know. I disagree with this common myth. Here’s why.

In 2015, I asked a senior executive what she was hearing about me. Since my performance was rated as exceeding expectations year over year at the company, her response was surprising: "Nothing. That's what you want to work on, Valissa."

The Reality of Career Advancement

REALITY: Advancing your career is about who knows you and your impact.

Key people didn't know me, my work, or my impact. As a result, my name was not on the list for key opportunities or promotions. Until I reached out to this senior executive leader for advice, she had no idea what I'd achieved since she was my next-level-up leader two years prior.?

And you know what??That was on me.

Who haven't you spoken with in a while that would be a good person to catch up with and talk about growth, achievements, and career aspirations?

In my case, two problems were clear:

1. Low visibility
2. Lack of strategic networking skills

I had been super focused on exceeding expectations in that current role and assumed the impact of my work was broadly known and would get me to the next level. After all, that strategy has always worked.

Would this surprise you??The strategy is common among mid-career women who have hit a career wall.

It is one of the habits Sally Hegelsen highlights in How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back From Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job, co-written with Marshall Goldsmith.

Even if you see yourself in this story, the good news is you?possess the power to solve those two problems: low visibility and lack of strategic networking skills.

The Importance of Strategic Networking for Your Career Advancement

The LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company 2023 Women in the Workplace study reveals that men advance at a much higher rate starting at the management level.?

A significant factor in this advancement is men's greater tendency to build a strategic network of coaches, mentors, and advocates to achieve their career goals. Call it what you want, but it’s reality.

Only 41% of women, compared to 62% of men, build a strategic network of coaches, sponsors, and mentors.?

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know I champion what you can control and influence. Each of?us possesses the power to?control what we say and do.

Call-to-Action

I know you dream of more fulfilling work with meaningful impact, a salary that matches your contributions, work-life harmony, and generational wealth for your family and community.

Here’s your call to action:

Identify and activate your strategic network. Claim your space as a senior or executive leader in your organization.

It can be overwhelming to think about where and how to start and what to say. You don't have to learn by trial and error. You've got me.? Click?>>> here.

5?Steps to Build and Leverage Your Strategic Network

1. Identify Your Network: Strive for a diverse network—up, down, and sideways.?

Download this free resource, Build Your Ideal Network, to aid you. Click >>> here.

As you review the resource, identify who currently does or could fulfill roles for you and where you might have relationship gaps.

Consider the following as network potentials:

• Manager/Manager’s Manager
• Colleagues/leaders that you work with and/or they count on you to do your job well (stakeholders)
• People in the role you have an interest in
• Leaders one level or more up from where you want to be
• Department leaders of areas you aspire to explore
• Leaders who are decision-makers/influencers in the promotion process
• Employees and leaders at other organizations

2.?Reflect and Plan: Outline what to ask and share so they can share it with others. Think of impact, growth, aspirations, and resources that support your advancement. Then, email them or pick up the phone to get on their calendar.?

Example:

Hi [name]. I’m participating in a leadership development challenge. One exercise is to conduct 20- to 30-minute interviews with [colleagues or leaders] about their career journey and for potential advice. I’ve chosen you because [what you admire about their leadership]. If you’re open to it, I will review your calendar and send you a meeting invite. Does that work for you?

3. Conduct Informational Interviews: These 20- to 30-minute sessions are a great way to begin and strengthen a relationship. They also enable you to gather insights and share information.?

Most people appreciate being asked about their career story or for advice. Most appreciate receiving questions in advance and may even share high-level responses beforehand with the opportunity to delve deeper when you meet.?

Clients are having incredible discussions and strengthening key relationships for greater visibility and opportunity. I recently shared the case study about "Karen" who captured the attention and support?of two key executives.

4.?Maintain Connection: Schedule follow-ups with updates, questions, offers to help, or something they expressed interest in.?You are planting seeds.?

Here is a sample thanks:

“Thank you for your time today. What you shared about [X] was insightful and will benefit my career journey. You mentioned [Y], I thought this may interest you.”?

After you meet, schedule your next follow-up with an email. Determine what works for you.?

Note: Your email could be a quick note with an article, event, video, recipe, website, book title, etc., of something they mentioned to you that interests them.

"When we talked, you mentioned [Y]. I thought this might interest you."

5.?Expand Strategically: Set a realistic goal that doesn’t burn you out and aligns with your specific goals.?

Within your company, attend events, host events, join relevant groups, and participate in cross-functional committees to meet individuals who can add diverse perspectives and support to your network.?

Embracing Strategic Networking

"Karen", is a recent client alumnus.? She?was hesitant when introduced to the strategy. Below is a snippet of?how she has embraced it and the results so far.

She has initiated and currently hosts a team of her peers. They meet regularly to discuss developing an entry-level leadership pipeline, improving operational excellence, and creating more strategic thinking space for themselves.?

Not only has her demonstration of?leading without authority caught the attention of senior leaders. She has gained a sponsor and?male ally among her peers.

Strategic Networking As A?Priority Now

Companies are always evolving. Those decisions may impact you.?Be sure to proactively build your external network as part of your strategic networking plan.

At a minimum, find one hour once per week?to conduct those interviews, send messages, or call someone. Ask about the Ditch It, Delegate It, Do It framework if you believe you can't find an hour.

For external visibility, consider?engaging on social media, joining an industry organization, or assuming a leadership role with a non-profit organization.?

Strategic Networking As A Game-Changer

Strategic networking has been a game-changer personally and professionally.?

Seven key people played a role in my emergence from a career plateau in 2014.? After the layoff in 2019, each opportunity was secured through my network.?

Before transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship this year, the last W-2 role was a 60% salary increase from my VP role at the bank plus more vacation.?

As an entrepreneur, clients, speaking engagements, and my collaboration with?a national women's organization, PayTech Women, as their?Coach Committee Chair?were opened up to me by my network.

I'm not saying it's easy when you start, especially when you're not used to asking for help or talking about yourself.? I don't get it right all of the time. Conversations will flow with some and not with others.? That's ok.

You will find your rhythm and your?people. Just keep going and?showing up as you.?

• What tips would you offer for strategic networking??
• What relationships have been helpful for you and how?
• What role have you played or can you play for someone else?

Conclusion

Strategic networking is more than people knowing your name and face. It's about allowing key people to know who you are, what matters to you, and the impact you make. Identify, build, and maintain relationships with those who will speak to your impact, aspirations, and potential. They will carry your name into rooms you're not in.

You will advance your career by taking intentional steps to evaluate, reflect, connect, maintain, and expand your network.

Watch how your deliberate efforts transform your professional journey.

I am rooting for you.

P.S. Remember to download your free resource, Build Your Ideal Network here.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Valissa Pierrelouis, Leadership Success Coach. I help aspiring Directors and Executives, like you, seeking career advancement become more visible by elevating and showcasing your brand as an invaluable next-level leader. Together, we explore the leader you are, the strengths you possess, and the leader you are destined to be. ?Using my signature framework, we find where to amplify your voice, value, and visibility so you grow your career impact, influence, and income—without overworking.

Let’s connect: LinkedIn | Website | Free Build Your Ideal Network Resource