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Batter up. Here comes the Pitch.

December 15, 2008 By

I hate buying jewelry.   Why, because I dread the “Cut, Clarity, Quality” pitch (if we ever meet, ask me about my wife’s first wedding ring).   When they start to talk, I simply say in my head “blah, blah, blah”.

After you meet a large number of people, when they explain their business it will begin to sound similar.  So you’ll be in danger of my ‘blah blah blah’, so I recommend that instead of listening that you ask about their client base, experiences, etc.    You bring their pitch to life.  They don’t know you’ve heard it 20 times, so simply expect it.

Now, flip this around, make sure you don’t deliver the ‘blah blah blah’ in return.

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Phone vs Face-to-Face – Pros/Cons

December 15, 2008 By

During my outplacement, I had a running discussion/argument with my friend, Nancy Burke (from Lee Hecht Harrison) about face-to-face versus phone meetings.

I prefer face-to-face meetings, as I feel they build a stronger connection.  A point that most people agree they do as well.   Now the downside to face-to-face meeting is scheduling.

The most face-to-face meetings I had in a week?  25.   Obviously, I had some serious scheduling mojo to get that many in a week and not be racing between meetings (70 mph is only kind-of-racing).

The upside to phone calls that gain greater exposure to the market, as you can easily reach more than 25 networking contacts in a week.   Also, a phone call can precede or lead to a meeting later on.    

While a call may not build as strong of a connection, do not underestimate the benefit of greater exposure, especially when you hear about a possibility.

No matter whether you meet someone by phone or in-person, the preparation work to get ready for the meeting remains the same.  

If you do make a call, you will need to follow up more often to establish a reason for that person to remember you beyond the ‘4 week window’.

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The Stealth Resume – Your LinkedIn profile URL

December 15, 2008 By

When sending your initial networking e-mail, be sure to add your LinkedIn profile URL to your e-mail signature (e.g. name, phone number, etc. – at the bottom of an e-mail).

Here is why I like adding this to your e-mail signature:

·         Gives your networking contact a simple method to look at your background

·         Your LinkedIn profile is dynamic – you can change it daily to reflect where you are in your search

·         Your profile can include more than work history, but also your targeted role and key skills

With the wide usage of LinkedIn, the URL to your profile is becoming more commonplace – so put it to use for you.

You can change the LinkedIn URL – www.linkedin.com\in\stevesmith

Filed Under: E. Meetings: Before, During & After Tagged With: , ,

Follow-up to a meeting

December 15, 2008 By

Networking is a roller coaster.  An empty week can quickly fill up or slow down.  Meetings can turn good and bad unexpectedly.   All I know is when I got to Friday, I was dead dog tired.

I made the mistake early on in my search to use Friday afternoon or Saturday to do all of my follow-up – thank you notes, etc.    I was doing this work when I needed a break.

Carve out time specific points in the week to do your follow-up.   Trust me, it’s easier.

Here is my outline to a follow-up note.

·         Simple thank you and “Here are the follow up items”

·         My follow-up items

·         Their follow-up items

·         Any points of interest or personal connections you made (e.g. you both sail, same school, etc.)

Remember that the e-mail is likely to be read on the blackberry so you need to make sure in the first screen shot they understand the e-mail contains follow up items.

Save the follow-up to funny stories, etc. to the end.   They are important connection points, but not the intent of your e-mail.   The intent is to get your contact to follow up.

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How the networking story worked out…let people know

December 15, 2008 By

We all like to know how a story ends.

The same is true for networking leads.

So let people know who gave you the networking leads how they worked out.

For me, those notes from people saying thanks really make my day.

The added bonus for you:  These notes are about positive connections, so it’s good for the psyche.

Filed Under: E. Meetings: Before, During & After Tagged With: ,