If executives want to stay on the radar screens of executive recruiters, they'll need to first and foremost, network! They'll also want to have a presence on the top online sources for visibility, of course: a BlueSteps membership and a polished LinkedIn profile. A well-branded personal website is also a great idea.

If you're a leader in a particular industry, don't forget about the press. Media coverage keeps your name in the public and your talents and accomplishments in the spotlight. Of course, many of us are shy about tooting our own horns, while some of us could be a little shier when it comes to our own horn-tooting. But creating opportunities for the media to trumpet your name and talents allows you to stay focused on what you do best, leading, while also getting ample recognition for your hard work.

In an article at CEO.com, the author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (don't let the title fool you), Michael Michalowicz outlines some strategic maneuvers to maintain consistent coverage in the press.

Michalowicz says: "I start small. Think of it as 'niche' press coverage. First, I book a speaking engagement at a college. How do I get the gig? I contact one of the many club leaders and offer to come and speak to their group."

Focus on university clubs related to your business and expertise. Don't forget about alumni clubs as well.

Michalowicz suggests to, once your engagement is booked, contact the school newspaper the week before you are to speak and ask them to send a journalist to cover it. If your engagement is open to the public, also contact the local media. Often, online articles that come out of it will have links back to your website or your company's website--great for keeping your name in search engine rankings.

Repeat the process over and over, and you will have great exposure in your region, healthy exposure online, and eventually you may start attracting interest from larger media outlets.

You'll also have a reputation as a respected authority in your field and good relationships with the media.

And, you will stay visible to executive recruiters who will be more likely to find you the next time they have a search that fits your industry and function.

This article was written by Joe Chappell from the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC).

About BlueSteps
BlueSteps is the exclusive service of the AESC that puts senior executives on the radar screen of over 8,000 executive search professionals in over 70 countries. Be visible, and be considered for up to 75,000 opportunities handled by AESC search firms every year. Find out more at www.BlueSteps.com.