Why Your Old Contacts Aren’t Enough Anymore

The Power of Networks in Traditional Employment

I’ve spent my career building relationships and relying on networks to open doors (and vice versa). It’s how most of us have navigated opportunities, especially at senior levels. But over time, I’ve realized something the hard way: networks are made of people, and people move on. The company I worked for in Abu Dhabi 10 years ago? There are only one or two people still there; same thing with the companies I've worked in London, Germany or in the Netherlands. The contacts we rely on today might not be in the same position, or even the same industry by tomorrow.

For decades, professional success has been shaped by relationships. The traditional employment model leans heavily on personal connections, referrals, and insider access to opportunities. While this has worked for many, it also creates inefficiencies and exclusivity that limit opportunities for both professionals and businesses.

Breaking Barriers with Technology

I strongly believe the traditional hiring process is slow, expensive, and often limited to a company’s immediate network. Executive search firms charge high fees, and internal referrals can create an echo chamber that limits fresh perspectives. But technology is changing the game by:

• Expanding Reach – Online platforms (like GigExecs) now connect companies with a global network of senior professionals, breaking down geographical and industry-specific barriers.
• Speeding Up the Process – Instead of waiting months for the right candidate, businesses can quickly access pre-vetted experts ready to engage immediately.
• Reducing Costs – By removing unnecessary intermediaries, companies save on expensive recruitment fees, while professionals gain access to opportunities without gatekeepers.

The Future of Work: Evolving, Adapting, and Staying Relevant

I strongly believe that technology shouldn’t replace relationships, it should enhance them. The way we work is changing, and professionals who embrace flexibility and continuous learning will have the greatest opportunities. We need to evolve, adapt, and reinvent ourselves.

AI is changing the rules of the game... daily! No one really knows what’s around the corner, but so far, the biggest impact has been on junior roles and repetitive tasks. As industries continue to shift, experienced professionals need better ways to stay relevant and leverage their expertise in new ways.

By using technology smartly, businesses can tap into world-class talent on demand, and professionals can find work that aligns with their skills and experience, without being limited to outdated networking models.

Rethinking the Way We Work

The job market is evolving, and so should the way companies and professionals connect. The future belongs to those who are open to change, embracing new ways of finding and engaging top talent, without being tied down by old-school hiring processes.

It’s time to rethink how we build professional relationships, open new doors, and create opportunities that work for everyone. The world of work is shifting, but are you ready and prepared to move with it?

Nuno G. Rodrigues

Co-Founder GigExecs

www.gigexecs.com