How to apply the rules of dating to your
job search
By
Mark
Caddell, Liaison's Director of
Operations,
OK, first let me say that I'm not a dating
expert. But I've realized over the years that
my experience with dating runs
somewhat parallel to my efforts to connect
and network in business. So although it's a
bit of a metaphorical stretch, let's have
some fun and explore the challenges and
opportunities of networking - the ultimate
dating game!
Look In Your Own Backyard
Raise your hand if you met your significant
other through an introduction by a friend,
family member, or coworker. Likewise, it's
always easier to meet business contacts using
the circle of friends, family, colleagues,
and former colleagues that you already know.
Call each one of them. Most of them would
really love to help you but just don't know
how. Ask them to think of two or three people
that they respect and are successful at
whatever they are doing. Then ask them if
they would be comfortable calling or emailing
them about you. Don't worry if their contact
isn't the President or VP of a high- profile
company. Everyone you meet can be a valuable
resource of contacts, feedback, and career
ideas.
Think about how you landed your last job. It
probably was because you knew someone that
knew someone that knew someone. One thing
that works well is calling vendors that you
have patronized and asking them to keep their
eyes open for positions for you. They usually
have many contacts and want to return the
favor of your past business by introducing
you to their contacts. Who knows? They also
might want to offer you a job as well!
"Introduce Me!"
People usually feel more comfortable with you
if someone they know makes the introduction.
It doesn't have to be formal, maybe just an
email or voicemail that let's them know who
you are and that you'll be getting in touch
with them.
Get To Know Them
It would be nice to walk up to that perfect
person as soon as you see them and ask them
to marry you. Let's face it - it just doesn't
happen that way... at least not when I tried
it! All humans have protection mechanisms
that keep us from getting too close too soon.
And so it is with meeting new business
contacts. Establish some common ground and
take it slowly. Strike up a conversation with
them about their family, golf, technology, or
how their business is doing. Ask them to meet
you for coffee. Show them samples of your
work. Ask about their interests. Just like
dating, you'll quickly know whether to
proceed with the relationship, or introduce
them to your roommate.
Let Them Know You Care
I wouldn't recommend flowers and candy, but
maybe you can be of help to them before you
ask for something. You might have some
potential contacts or work for their
business. Maybe they're looking for a new car
and you recommend a car dealership where
you've experienced great customer service.
Ask Them Out
So, just ask, "Can I spend 30 minutes with
you hearing about what you do?" It will lead
to contacts, interviews, and later possible
employment.
First Date
During your conversation or interview, ask
your new contact about their particular
business or barriers to success. Ask them
what about work keeps them awake at night.
Ask them to describe their dream job. This
not only puts them as the focus, but also
gives you valuable information about their
company.
Ask them about their previous jobs.
They may
have worked somewhere that you would like to
explore, and possibly wouldn't mind sharing
contacts from that company.
"Hey, I'll Call You!"
Follow up your conversation with an email or
phone call communicating something of
substance. For example, maybe you could share
an idea you had after hearing their marketing
problems, or suggest some new software that
you thought might help their development
team. If you were discussing music, send them
a link in a follow-up email to your favorite
music that you thought they would enjoy.
Spring 2007
