Networking Contacts - How do you do it?

I am trying to get some folks to help me build up a network of technical resources (developers, software architects, DBAs, etc.). I have been sending emails and leaving voicemails, but I've only gotten about 5% of the people to call/contact me back.

What do you use as your "hook" for networking? Most of these people are not right for our team, but would know people who ARE right, so I am not directly soliciting them.

Also, I am an internal recruiter, so I am not looking to solely build a database (although that would be a nice side benefit) - I actually have positions to fill.

I would appreciate any thoughts on what people have used successfully in the past, and also any comments on whether a 5% response rate is good.

Thanks!
-Katie

Katie Carty Tierney
Corporate Recruiter, BSG Alliance
ktierney@bsgalliance.com

www.bsgalliance.com
cell: 952-261-9689
skype: txaggie94
Check out my blog - txaggie94.wordpress.com

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Slouch on August 7, 2007 at 7:31pm

Craig, what you describe is essentially the essence of how a blog can help a third party recruiter.

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Permalink Reply by Shilpa on August 9, 2007 at 5:38am

Hi Katie,

I use networking tools like Linked in,Xing,Plaxo,Monster Network as "hook" for networking.

Being a third party recruiter and having restrictions about disclosing client details, its difficult to get good % of network contacts.

According to me, 5% favorable response is a good percentage.I have observed that out of 100 e-mail I could get 2 relevant contacts.

Also, to build a good network you need to keep in touch with every contact and reply every e-mail you receive as a respond. Just an acknowledgment will make a difference!

Regards,

Shilpa Lele
Senior E-Recruitment Specialist
OS2i

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Permalink Reply by Katie Tierney on August 9, 2007 at 2:04pm

Thanks for the feedback. I guess, being a techie, I am used to a 100% success rate (that is, if my stuff didn't work perfectly, it wasn't done!), so the touchy-feely interpersonal aspect is difficult for me to fully grasp at this point. :)

-Katie

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Permalink Reply by Katie Tierney on August 19, 2007 at 8:34pm

Thanks, Karen! Very helpful link!

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Permalink Reply by will on August 20, 2007 at 3:38pm

katie,

You can also join forums where technical people are most likely to be found like Tek tips forum.

Thanks

Macmay

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Permalink Reply by Sandeep Kumar on February 14, 2008 at 1:16pm

Katie,

I was trying to reach you on your cell but it was going to VM. I sent you an email from my official ID please let me know if you need any assistance on your requirements?

Sandeep.

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Permalink Reply by bill martineau on February 14, 2008 at 2:49pm

The two big keys here are Provide them with VALUE (thanks craig) and don't expect success on the first try (and the nod goes to Karen).

With this in mind focus on the script you use when making the initial contact, make sure you are leaving your mark (you want them to remember you), and stay in touch especially when your not asking anything of them.