How do I raise my profile as an expert?

•Networking events: Identify industry seminars that look interesting to you, and stay for a drink and a chat afterwards. Or put yourself forward as a speaker or panellist. You can start locally with your nearest Business Link or Chamber of Commerce. Be specific about what you can offer in terms of expertise. You can also try approaching an event’s organisers to offer yourself as a substitute speaker — speakers often pull out at the last minute.

•Tap your alumni network: Headhunters may look for alumni recommendations for candidate leads or to get information on someone they already have their eye on, so it helps if you are in contact with former classmates. Joining online alumni groups on social networking sites such as LinkedIn will put you in touch with other alumni.

•Digital networking: What information comes up when you type your name into a search engine? Your online presence will be scrutinised by headhunters, so it’s worth checking your LinkedIn page is up-to-date and your Facebook profile passes muster. Doig recommends using a site like www.pipl.com, which will list your appearances on all social media sites. Include a photo of yourself on your social media profile – it’ll put a face to your name.

•Join your trade body: Industry bodies such as ACCA (for accountants), the Marketing Society and the CMI (for managers) are a great starting point for events and networking. It’s always possible you might meet a headhunter there, too. Membership organisations and conferences aren’t cheap, though, so invest wisely. Be sure the people you want to meet are going to be there.

•Get quoted: Industry magazines and websites look for to approach for comment or contributions. Aim for publications that are considered their industry’s ‘bible’ —in retailing, it’s Retail Week, in TV it’s Broadcast. (If you don’t know which one should be your target, search the name of a high profile business leader in your industry and see where they’ve been quoted.) Blogging and micro-blogging (via Twitter) can also help you set out your stall to a wider audience and help you build up a network within your industry.