Are we being used for content by those that sell their services to us?

I have noticed that many discussions and some blogs ask us for our opinions or how we would do something relating to a specific recruiting function. Some of these are started by members that consult to our industry for a living. Are the consultants to recruiters and/or companies using our intelligence to build their own careers by using what we share in their consulting gigs that they are paid for? Are they using the information to write blogs full of our ideas to drive traffic to them for more consulting gigs? Do we care?

I guess if we think they are just using our intelligence we don’t have to comment. What do you think?

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Permalink Reply by Sandra McCartt on November 30, 2011 at 3:41pm

I guess if anybody thinks their knowledge is somehow unique or they are being used if they share it they should probably sit on it and continue to think they are the only cat in the jungle who knows how to kill a rat. Or they can somehow kill rats better.

I have never thought i was either that smart, unique or elite so i'm happy to share with anyone who might make a buck on anything i flop out there. My connections in many industries have never felt like they were being used if i asked for information that help me ..thank God.

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Permalink Reply by Amber on November 30, 2011 at 3:58pm

Probably so, Cora Mae. And I think if it has the potential to enhance, improve, or change products and processes then it's worth it. I visit various forums, sites, conferences, etc, because people I would be interested in recruiting (or recruiting as candidates) for are participants - and use information that I find when appropriate. It also helps everyone when someone who is trying to sell a service or product actually has some specific user knowlwedge.

Your last point of we can choose what to share and what not to is the bottom line, and there's not a lot that is really so top secret that it can't be found many other places.

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Permalink Reply by Cora Mae Lengeman on November 30, 2011 at 4:47pm

Thanks for your comments Sandra and Amber. I am not suggesting that I have a problem with sharing information with anyone. Part of recruiting and networking is sharing information that is relevant to others.

Sandra: I have never met the “Einstein of Recruiting” but since joining RBC I have found ideas and processes from the members here that work for them and could work for others – including me! It is a great sharing place for all the industry.

Amber: I agree if we can help enhance, improve or change products and processes then it's worth it. I also visit many forums, conferences and web sites and turn around and use information gained from what I read to share with clients and candidates.

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Permalink Reply by Cora Mae Lengeman on December 1, 2011 at 8:16am

Thanks John for your insight.

I like it. Maybe more members will start to contribute to discussions.

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Albright on December 1, 2011 at 8:40am

Great question Cora.

I assume everyone is (or should be) taking everything I say straight to the bank. It's golden. I'm typically 100% correct - so why wouldn't people use my goodness to better their position - regardless of the nature of how they use it?

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Permalink Reply by Cora Mae Lengeman on December 1, 2011 at 9:22am

Really? I haven't noticed anything of value yet..... :)

Thanks for your words of wisdom!

Jerry Albright said:

Great question Cora.

I assume everyone is (or should be) taking everything I say straight to the bank. It's golden. I'm typically 100% correct - so why wouldn't people use my goodness to better their position - regardless of the nature of how they use it?