Building Networks

Great recruiting goes far beyond referral programs. The most effective recruiters build on their personal connections and create a talent network. A talent network or “connectors” are a web of motivated people who know potential candidates and can bring those candidates to you. Below are a few ways develop your network:

Focus on developing a talent network rather than a talent pool.
Use your connectors to know when a passive candidate is about to become an active job seeker. ASK: Do you know anyone who is unhappy in their current position or that a management/company change is going to happen?
Motivate them to make quality referrals ASK: What can you do to help them for making the referral?
Build longstanding relationships with well-connected individuals. Always ask for referrals, not resumes.
Referral programs make a good starting point, but in the "build it and they will come" theory there are flaws, so you should always have connectors. Gladwell did a survey of 400 people and only 12 of them were exceptional connectors. When you find a connector hold onto them and keep your relationship strong. Wondering how to spot a true connector? Here’s a few key indicators:
They have 4 to 5 as many acquaintances as the rest of us.
They systematically collect and store people’s contact data. e.g. Do they use Plaxo, LinkedIn, to help them?
They frequently distribute news pertaining to people’s careers.
They know people just well enough to call them on your behalf.
Maintaining a well oiled network is not an easy task. It takes work and dedication. Personally, I spend 2-3 hours per week maintaining my network. A few tips to build strong or stronger networks are:
The same as asking referrals, don’t be afraid to ask people you are networked with if they know of anyone who would be interested.
Start building your network today. Ask people you know their birthdays, etc and send a card on that day.
Drop them a note just to see how they are doing every once in a while for no reason.
Sign-up for sites that allow you to network. I recommend LinkedIn.
Remember – it’s not the quantity of your network, but rather the quality. Choose wisely who you connect to. What purpose will they serve?

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Comment by Ambrish Kochikar on January 28, 2010 at 9:53am: nice post, Jennifer! i'll think of it as the building blocks of building a network. i really liked the reminder right at the end. it's a very difficult task but you put a lot of sensible ideas to start developing good habits that pay off in the long run.

Comment by Charles Van Heerden on January 28, 2010 at 6:56pm: Good point about true connectors. The reality is that building our network takes time. I strong believe in pay it forward.

There are may opportunities to connect with your network, particularly if you have invested in a good database system. I have found using an app (Business Card Reader) for iPhone makes capturing of business cards a breeze. You will be surprised how many people respond after receiving new year greetings and reconnect.

Comment by Jenn Francine on January 29, 2010 at 12:05pm: Great points Ambrish! Good habits definitely go a long way, the importance of being effective is to keep at it and keeping it going. Charles I am going to have to see what they have availble for Droid in regard to a business card reader, it is yet another great way to stay connected!