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Over the past three years, we had a large number of
senior executives approach us as they were beginning
to look for a new opportunity. When we began
speaking with these executives, we continually
emphasized the fact the 90% of opportunities at the
senior executive level are found through networking.
Ironically, almost every executive that we spoke
with said that their network was weak or non
existent. While most executives had relationships
within their industries of expertise on a national
or global basis, many lacked local relationships
that could assist them in their efforts to find
meaningful employment in southern California. A
common theme was that they had moved many times
previously in their careers, and were now focused on
remaining in southern California with a new
employer. In March, 2002, to help senior executives
build strong, local networks, we created the
McDermott & Bull Executive Network.
The McDermott & Bull Executive Network enables
senior executives to build relationships quickly
with their peers, and to gain valuable information
on unpublished job opportunities. The group is
comprised of senior executives that are currently
unemployed and looking for their next career
opportunity. Members include past CEO's, Presidents,
CFO's and Vice Presidents of some of southern
California's leading companies.
The McDermott & Bull Executive Network consists of
monthly teleconferences, bi-weekly meetings,
quarterly networking events and a participant roster
including over 300 Southern California members.
The teleconferences are anchored by guest speakers
who are executive coaches, corporate HR officials,
outplacement executives, financial consultants and
other professionals that can offer advice and
counsel to senior executives seeking their next
positions.
On a quarterly basis, the entire McDermott & Bull
Executive Network meets at The Sutton Place Hotel in
Newport Beach, California for an evening of highly
structured networking and relationship building. The
quarterly events attract over 100 members and
consist of three 25-minute meetings in small groups
of four senior executives who get to know each other
and continue to maintain contact after the event is
over. Guest speakers discuss success stories with
the members, as well as tools and tips to help in
their job search efforts.
Over the last two years, the McDermott & Bull
Executive Network has grown to include over 350
currently transitioning members and 130 currently
working members throughout Orange, Los Angeles, and
San Diego counties. Over 90% of the currently
working members found their employment opportunities
through networking with other executives. We
continually grow the membership and welcome
referrals of senior executives in transition that
could benefit from the McDermott & Bull Executive
Network.
Career management should remain a constant priority.
In each newsletter we will be delivering content
that will add value to the continual development of
your career. Coming up in the next issue: “How to
build a network that will be there when you need it
most.” |
