Careful preparation is definitely the key to successful executive networking Here are the top ten tips:

1) Work on an action plan
Look at a networking plan as another executive plan. Identify your goals and the outcome you want before you start and keep them in focus. Decide what you will do and when you will do it. Then execute your plan systematically. Be sure to do at least one thing to touch your network every day.

2) Prepare your self-marketing message
Ask yourself how you want to be perceived at work. How you will portray your strengths and unique contribution in the marketplace. What information will be relevant and important?" Have your sixty-second sound bite and your two-minute self-marketing message prepared, smooth and concise. A coach can help you put together and articulate a powerful unique value proposition.

3) Gather valuable information
Do some research using the Internet, the library, business journals, news articles and informational interviewing to determine the companies that interest you. Then find out all the information on them that you can, including products/services, market position, competition, industry trends, mergers and acquisitions, customer satisfaction (or lack of), financial stability, and current company challenges.

4) Take 'connectivity' beyond the norm
Focus on connecting with individuals and executives that not only work for, but are vendors of, clients of, or distribution partners of your target company, or who are in some other way connected. They don't have to work there to be useful connections for you.

5) Plan to meet your target contacts where they are - or plan to be
What professional or community associations does your target contact belong to? What luncheons or dinners do they attend? Which conventions do they frequent? Where are they scheduled to speak? Find out and go there. Meet them.

6) Visualise the specific outcome you desire
Before each networking encounter, ask yourself what you want to come away with after the meeting. For example, are you looking for a lead, a contact name, or information on a company's particular challenges or successes so that you can tailor your approach? Stay focused, but flexible enough to build on what you are given.

7) Know the correct methods of approach
If you think that you are not looking for a job, but for opportunities, leads, contacts, and information, you will be more successful. Ensure that you approach each networking contact politely, unselfishly and with a great attitude. Finishing your meetings with: "Now, what can I do for you?" You will definitely make a lasting impression.

8) Network with other executives
Network through various methods, both locally and nationally: join executive internet e-lists, executive associations, niche sites, networking teleconferences, industry meetings, etc. Don't think of other executives as competition, but as cooperative partners in your job search, you'll find that as you reap, so will you sow.

9) Plan to increase your visibility
Volunteer your expertise, write articles, offer to speak at a professional association. The principle of attraction can work for you and you'll gain valuable exposure.

10) Stay on track with a follow-up log
If you promised to call someone two weeks later, or email an article to someone you met, keep a log of your networking phone calls and meetings, and what was discussed. You'll find it easier to follow-up and you'll have a quick note to refer to when someone follows up with you weeks later.