Yolanda M. Owens
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First Post!

1/23/2011

16 Comments

 

Fatten Your Professional Little Black Book Online and Off

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In a time where everyone is living their lives out loud and unfiltered, it's hard to determine the professional comfort zone when networking.  Whether tapping into your six degrees of separation or in cyberspace, you need to establish some professional boundaries.  Recruiters and hiring managers realize times are tough, but that does not give job seekers a get out of jail free card for invading their personal space in the name of professional networking; you need to know your role.

So let this be your litmus test.  The next time you decide to call, email or "friend" a random stranger on a social network, ask yourself, how would you feel if this person did the same thing to you? Blindly contacting someone you don't know who could possibly take you out of the unemployment line with a 30-second elevator pitch is the equivalent of drunk-dialing an ex minus the personal connection. Can you say stalkerish? And do you honestly think this makes a great first impression?  Sure it demonstrates the size of your moxy, but doesn't bode well for you in the personal judgment department.

So what is the protocol for networking (online or off) with people you've never met in the job search process?  I call it my social algorithm: six degrees of separation + a common denominator +3 contacts = trust.  In other words, in order to effectively network with individuals you don't know (without being labeled a stalker) you need a connection to their social circle, share something personal in common, and have at least three contacts with them to win their trust.  You can't expect someone who doesn't know you from a can of paint to miraculously recommend you for a job based on a blind friend request, phone call, meeting at the grocery store (fill in the social scenario blank). You have to build a rapport with them and earn their trust through the social algorithm.

So how do you get these types of vitals on said stranger who could hold your future employment in their hands?  Channel your inner 007 and legitimately use your cyber stalking skills for your intelligence.  Do a search for said stranger on LinkedIn to see who they're connected to and if you share individuals in your social circles.  If you do, contact that connection and ask them for an introduction to said stranger so you can elevate your status from stranger to acquaintance.  Now, don't assume that since the introduction has been made you have free access to immediately ask this individual to hook you up with an interview while you're in town the following week.  You have to build a rapport.  Dig deeper on LinkedIn, Google, or just ask your connection where this person went to school, whether they have kids, play the tuba...The angle here is to find out something personal you both have in common so there's a connection and a conversation piece other than the weather and the fact you need a job. 

Now that you have this information in your arsenal, you need to employ the secret phrase "Flattery will get you somewhere".  Use these common denominators to stroke the person's ego and get on their personal level.  Set up an informational interview to find out more about what they do for a living, ask them to be your tour guide next time you visit their city, give them a list of great restaurants for the vacation spot they'll be heading to for the holidays.  This is far more subtle than the blind contact elevator pitch and will get you more traction in the long run.  You'll know the equation is complete once you've had three meaningful contacts with the person.  By then you'll have established enough common ground to talk about your credentials and how your new acquaintance can help you build upon them
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16 Comments
Molly Synclaire
1/31/2011 12:30:40 am

Great article! Love the social algorithm and online contacting tips. It's so hard to gage how to contact someone to get your foot in the door. This was very helpful!

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Mary
1/31/2011 03:13:31 am

I agree with Molly. I truly enjoyed reading the social algorithm tip. What if my connection refuses to make the introduction?

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Maryam
1/31/2011 10:19:27 am

No one likes to be pestered by people that only talk to you because they want something. I like this article because it gives simple rules on how to build a business relationship, and not be one of THOSE people.

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stuart mease link
1/31/2011 09:55:11 pm

Some studies show 80% of jobs are never advertised and the same amount of jobs are uncovered through networking. Sadly, most job seekers do not appreciate or understand the art form and rely on online job searches with a success rate of 10% at best. Clearly, this is why some job seekers get the job and others do not. They understand the power of a network. Your post is another creative spin on the importance of this art form.

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Tanya Rhone link
1/31/2011 11:32:41 pm

Networking is the only way to get a job these days. It's all about who you know and who knows you.

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Howard M.
2/1/2011 12:49:25 am

It was great to see someone put a technique to cyber communications. With all the technological advances personal and interpersonal relationships are what expericenced hiring managers are looking for. Lets remember, how you relate to others in a business and social setting increases productivity. How you come across to people sets the tone on weather you get an opportunity to cross again.

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Toy Norwood link
2/1/2011 01:25:19 am

I think it's rude. That's my personal space (even if it is public), so it doesn't give a stranger the right to just randomly pop up to invade it!

I would say think of it as a real live scenario. If you aren't comfortable just popping up at someone's (that you don't know) house, then what makes it different online?

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Erica Smith
2/1/2011 07:21:35 am

Great advice, Yolanda! I completely agree with you. Although blindly contacting a recruiter or hiring manager may demonstrate great initiative, it's more likely to creep that individual out than inspire him/her to recommend you for a position. I loved the analogies you used...very informative and hilarious at the same time!

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Rochele Barham
2/1/2011 02:14:33 pm

Networking is very difficult. You did a very nice job of offering practical tips for building relationships the right way. If one is considering blindly contacting a recruiter or hiring manager, I suggest taking a very soft approach--for example, expressing your interest in working for the company, and asking if he/she can share information or insights to help you prepare for possible future openings, rather than outright asking for a job.

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Bridget
2/2/2011 12:05:00 am

Loved this post! I will definitely take your advice and not "drunk dial" any potential networking connections!

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Dennis Peterson
2/2/2011 11:25:41 am

It is important to give a good impression right off the bat. There are so many social "no-no's" being used today, especially cyberspace lingo that is un-professional, but widely used. It is extremely difficult to get a warm positive feeling about a future employee through cold, un-feeling email contacts.

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Funmi
2/2/2011 12:17:46 pm

Navigating the cyber world professionally can be difficult. However, your social networking directions are terrific for both the new grad and the person looking for a new job! I love the secret phrase...flattery will get you somewhere. I believe many employers will agree with your secret phrase and social algorithm.

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Kia Silver-Hodge
2/3/2011 08:16:14 pm

Excellent advice! In this age of technology where everything and everyone is so accessible, it's important to respect the personal space of others.

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Bryan Altenhaus
2/8/2011 12:41:49 am

Great article Yolanda! I networked with a CIO of a company the other evening at dinner. I received his business card and shot him an e-mail. Unfortunately I did not do my research, waited two days to send the e-mail and did not receive an e-mail in return. I wish I would have done my research, like you advised, tailored my e-mail to include flattery and been prompt in my response time. I will definitely use these guidelines in the future. Thanks!

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Mandi Luu
2/16/2011 03:51:10 am

Awesome article Yolanda! I can't agree with you more! Your analogies and references to relationships and stalking is a great way for me to relate. I really think it's hard to tell what's appropriate and not appropriate within the social network! Will definitely use your tips and pass to others. :) Make some more blogs and share some more secrets with us please!!! ;)

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yuri link
7/13/2012 01:53:20 am

How do you signup for a blog from Weebly?

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    About Yolanda M. Owens
    Author Chick. Recruiting Sensei. Gen Y Guru. Education Enthusiast. Intern Whisperer.  Read more tips in her book "How to Score a Date with your Potential Employer".

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