The Executive's Secret Weapon: How Top CEOs Use Virtual Assistants to Master Networking

Your network can make or break your net worth, which is why so many of the world's 1% invest so heavily in cultivating excellent relationships. But how do busy executives manage to forge meaningful connections while juggling countless responsibilities?

The answer is an open secret in celebrity and high-net-worth circles: the executive assistant. When you're meeting hundreds of people, it pays to be strategic about research, conversation, and follow up. The best of the best know to delegate this to go from casual networkers into social powerhouses.

The Networking Imperative: By the Numbers

Before we dive into strategies, let's consider some stats:

• According to a LinkedIn survey, 80% of professionals consider networking crucial for career success.
• A study by the Adler Group found that 85% of all jobs are filled via networking.
• A study from Research Gate revealed that executives with larger networks are 60% more likely to secure high-ranking positions and experience faster career growth.

Networking isn't just a "nice-to-have." It's a crucial part of reaching your career goals. If networking isn't your favorite way to spend your time, don't worry. Your assistant can help you be more intentional, more strategic, and more successful at your next event.

Why Leverage Your Assistant for Networking?

1. Time Efficiency: You can focus on core tasks while your assistant handles research.
2. Deeper Connections: Armed with relevant information, you can engage in more meaningful conversations.
3. Improved Recall: Briefings help you remember key details about numerous contacts.
4. Strategic Relationship Building: Rather than just aimlessly wandering, you can identify and prioritize the most valuable connections at the event.
5. Competitive Advantage: This kind of intentionality helps you stand out in a sea of casual networkers with your in-depth knowledge.

The 9-Step Power Networking Strategy: A Blueprint for Success

Now that we've got the basics out of the way, let's talk about making it happen. Your goal is to make better, more meaningful, and longer-lasting connections at your next networking event, and to delegate all of the heavy lifting to your assistant. Here's a step-by-step playbook on how to do it well:

1. Create a Pre-Meeting Briefing Template

Develop a standardized format including:

• Name and current role
• Recent achievements or news
• Company updates
• Potential talking points or shared interests
• Social media highlights (recent posts or engagements)

2. Identify Key Attendees

Before each significant event:

• Task your assistant with researching 2-3 key attendees
• Focus on decision-makers, potential partners, or industry influencers
• Consider using event apps or attendee lists for preliminary identification

3. Set Clear Deadlines

• Establish a timeline for briefing submissions (e.g., 2 days before the event)
• This ensures you have time to review and internalize the information
• Include buffer time for any necessary follow-up research

4. Utilize Diverse Research Sources

Instruct your assistant to gather information from:

• LinkedIn profiles and activity
• Company websites and annual reports
• Recent news articles or press releases
• Industry publications and thought leadership pieces
• Social media accounts for personal interests and recent activities

5. Review and Prioritize Information

• Go through the briefings and highlight the most relevant points
• Star items that could serve as conversation starters
• Consider creating quick reference cards for each key contact

6. Apply Insights During the Event

• Use the researched information to guide your conversations
• Take mental notes on which details proved most useful
• Look for opportunities to provide value based on your research

7. Provide Feedback to Your Assistant

• After the event, offer quick feedback on the briefing's effectiveness
• This helps refine the process for future events
• Consider using a simple 1-5 rating system for different aspects of the briefing

8. Update Your CRM

• Task your assistant with adding new contacts to your CRM or contact management system
• Include relevant notes and follow-up actions
• Set reminders for future engagements or check-ins

9. Continuously Refine the Process

• Regularly review and optimize your networking strategy
• Identify ways to make briefings more targeted or efficient
• Stay updated on new tools or platforms that could enhance your networking efforts

Bonus step: Industry-Specific Applications

For Finance Executives

Focus on recent market moves, regulatory changes, and potential synergies between firms.

For Tech Leaders

Emphasize recent product launches, funding rounds, and views on emerging technologies.

For Healthcare Administrators

Concentrate on recent research publications, policy changes, and innovative care models.

Better Network, Better Business

By leveraging your assistant's skills for pre-event research, you're not just preparing—you're strategically positioning yourself for networking success. This approach allows you to be more effective, more memorable, and more intentional in your networking efforts.

Remember, it's not what you know, but who you know—and more importantly, how well you know them. With this strategy, you'll transform from a face in the crowd to a networking maven, making every connection count.

Ready to revolutionize your networking approach? Start implementing this strategy with your assistant today, and watch as your professional network—and opportunities—expand exponentially.

Don't have an assistant yet? Book a free consultation with our assistant experts and learn how to implement this powerful strategy with your team.