Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul DeBettignies on July 30, 2008 at 11:52am

Shawna,

My personal opinion is that I think sometimes people just join groups to collect names while others like you and I join to share information.

A suggestion I have is to re-send the message again and if not already done so, personalize it as much as you can. Use the RecruitingBlogs.com name, how you have become connected with them, why you are reaching out, etc.

Maybe a second message will get a response.

Permalink Reply by Tiffiny Smith-Esther on July 30, 2008 at 2:47pm

Dear Shawna,

I feel the same way you do. I absolutely loved the "whole idea" of Linkedin professional networking and like you, I've accepted every invitation I've received, invited hundreds of recruiters (and others in our industry) to "please join my professional network on Linkedin." Most have accepted my invitation, some are "still pending," and no one has "declined" my invitation. I completely finished my profile at 100% two days ago, and it must have taken at least ten days (probably more) to finish the whole process.

Because I set my expectations too high (which I have a tendency to do...a LOT!~lol), I too have been somewhat "disheartened" during the whole process of getting oriented and affiliated with the site and members, and learning ways of using the site, etc., etc. Obviously, like yourself, I believed in the "guaranteed results" I had been hearing of for several years...and was also considering the fact that I would now have the ability to potentially contact, access, network with, network through, connect with, and even eventually share and work with the thousands and thousands of recruiting professionals, consultants, experts, and candidates in need of assistance...to establish, maintain, and grow professional business relationships with many members who are in our industry...across the world, which is the reason my profile is very detailed, specific, honest, and thorough...explaining current projects working on, my backround and history, the knowledge, and talents I've aquired during my seventeen plus years of successful experience, and even including my most recent "career adventure" of starting my own firm! l was careful in all my writings and wording, making sure I had no spelling or grammatical errors, and making certain nothing I said (wrote) could potentially be misinterpreted or perceived wrongly by others...I wrote about best practices and told of where I've been, where I am now, and where I want to be...regarding my future career goals, basically allowing others to see "who I am."

My question today (for anyone) is: "Just exactly why, for who, and what did I do all that hard work for? Myself?" I certainly hope not! Additionally, I have also personally reached out with personalized letters and inmails, welcoming any and all advice, help, words of wisdom, and encouragement (all of which I desperately need at this stage and time of building my new firm), I have written excellent recommendations for others, asked many questions, probed, and prodded enough now to see that my previously expected results are simply "not a reality..."~Not yet at least! I have, however, been recommended by three of the most respected, successful professionals I know, and that is GREATLY APPRECIATED, but like yourself, I've receive no (zero) replies from anyone who is "genuinely" offering me any help or advice to aid in the growth of my new company, and as far as making solid "real" contacts, who I can trust and share specific candidates and client needs, job order specifics, projects, or obtain "split-fee" agreements and contracts with? There are a very select few...maybe a total of three?

I've come to realize that everybody is not like me...we are all different people with different backgrounds and environments, different dreams and goals, from different parts of the country and the world...So I will not expect anything anymore, and maybe now "good things" will start to happen! That is all I can hope and pray for...

I wish you all the best, and high success in all your career adventures! If you are ever in need of my assistance or help, I will respond accordingly...and do all I can to make sure your questions are answered and your specific needs are met.

That is my promise to ALL recruiters everywhere...not just the members of Linkedin.

Feel free to contact me any time! I look forward to it!

Warmest Regards,

Tiffiny Smith-Esther
President/Executive Recruiter
Smi