Hi Chris,

There are so many great networking ideas out there I am not sure where to start. If you are looking to purchase a list your best bet is to go the Hoovers, Info USA or Dunn and Bradstreet, or one of other many mailing houses that abound. I have had success with the 3 listed above. This will get you the names but they will be cold cold leads....

If you are looking to network I would suggest you check out the websites for CATA (Canadian Advanced Technology Association) and (NAAT) North American Association for Technology. If they are having meetings where you are going to be you can get to meet some senior level technology people.

I would also ask your current clients (presumably VPs of R&D) what industry associations they belong to so you can get involved in those groups. Perhaps you can arrange with the organizers of these groups to give an information seminar on the issues your company solves.

I know this is general and basic information....and I could go on for days with information that may be useless to your specific situation. If you don't mind answering a couple questions I may be able to help you more directly:

1) What cities are you looking to build a network in?

2) What markets do you sell to?

Thanks
Colleen - Colleen@engageselling.com

I think we need a bit of a clarification here from Matt, who started this thread.

He posted this question in three different forums (this one + R&D + HR), and his profile says that he's a recruiter for Crystal Decisions.

So, I surmise from that that he's looking to identify top talent in the software industry, with the intent of luring them to work for his company. And, I think that's great: it's a fine goal, a good idea, and a wonderful use of these discussion forums.

However, it may serve to focus some of the answers. I don't think Matt wants, for example, a directory of IT execs, because that doesn't tell him who the hotshots are.

Joe's and Caroline's answers are good, but I don't know if we've exactly hit the nail on the head -- yet.

So, Matt, jump in here if I'm wrong -- but I think he's looking for ways to identify the thought leaders, the people who could help his company soar. I don't think he's looking for job titles or people to sell to.

Yes? No? Maybe?

Thanks, Matt.

I'm not an R&D guy, but if I were searching in that space one of the places I'd hang around is Builder.com.

It is one of the best online pubs for development-related stuff, (though I already admitted I'm not an expert). Sharp writers, contributers, and topics. It's owned by CNET, so their resources are deep, deep, deep, and the site shows it.

They tend to cater to a mid-level crowd, I think -- a bit below what you're looking for -- but who knows, you might find an up-and-comer, or you might ask around there to see who they regard as the R&D superstars.

They do have a discussion center, too, but most of the topics are fairly techie.

I'd sign up for their newsletter (it's free), browse each week's issue, and pursue the contributors and editors for their ideas.

Hello,

I agree with Dave. The best thing to do would be to use one that is already in the company. Identify which one has potential and "grow" him. At least two things to gain from this:
- He doesn't have to accommodate and the other employees do not have to accommodate with him;
- He will be tailored for you company needs.

With a new one... you have to be lucky to find one that will be 100% productive as fast as the inside version.

If you still go for option two - I don't think you can find them that easy. A good one is a busy one, so he won't have too much time for communities/blogs/etc.... :) It's the second time I get this in one year... ok ok ok just kidding :). Search for companies... get contacts... steal them. not nice, but I cannot think of any other way...