Times are tough and the old approaches don't seem to work very well. IT management is spending more time at the office and less anywhere else.
Knocking on doors won't work unless you are bearing gifts. What do you give a senior manager? Time is what you want (his), you have no money, so you have to provide security, knowledge, or prestige. The last is the easiest - come seeking advice. Over a few discussions where the manager is advising you, you can work in your own value and credibility with intelligent questions that he can answer. Once he recognizes your insight and wisdom as expressed by seeking his perspective, you can expand that to include career issues.
Go where the business leaders are. Skip the technology trade shows, since you are just one of the herd. Instead, go to the trade shows of the industries where you would like to work. Talk to those folks about how they use technology in their business, and have a resume ready to pass out if they show interest.Along the same line, find out what the industry magazine of choice is and consider placing an add in it. At least check out some issues to get the names of the movers and shakers you hope to reach.
Go to church. I suggest the churches with the largest budgets. Chances are, the contributions are coming in from senior business leaders.
