The Importance of Networking
Posted by Kevin Logterman on Wed, Jul 07, 2010 @ 03:30 PM
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I was interviewing an internal stakeholder for an ongoing Vice President Business Development search. This particular individual, Tom, had joined the company just 9 months earlier, in a rather unique but compelling way and in a way a top talent utilizes.
Tom was at a crossroads with his old firm, a competitor to the firm he’s with today. With no non-competes to be concerned with, Tom made a list of companies where his skills and experience would bring value. He found contact information for the company’s Presidents or CEO’s, crafted a script for what he was going to say and picked up the phone.
During our conversation, Tom explained that within a matter of weeks he had meetings with many on his list and, following a series of meetings, had an offer from my client. Today, he’s doing well, is a great fit with the organization and seen as a high potential within the firm.
The take away from this is that exceptional talent isn’t going to wait for someone to call them. They’re likely to make a move on their time and very likely to tap into their network and/or create the appropriate network to explore opportunities.
I should mention that the recipient of Tom’s call, the President and someone I’ve known for many years, is a natural born marketer, always curious and intrigued with new ideas and people. Had he not been in need of someone like Tom, he likely would have developed an ongoing relationship with him and helped him find the right opportunity.
As a professional, you can learn from Tom. More likely, as someone who makes people decisions, there’s much to be learned from the President of the company that took Tom’s call. Always be networking, always be looking to make connections. You’re likely to help someone and run the chance of helping yourself, too.