One of the first things I did after setting up my desk and my computer was to start an important task in my new venture- Commence with the social networking.  That meant to me exposing myself in a grander nature on the internet than I had been comfortable with.  To me: Twitter, Facebook, even Linked In was inviting unwanted attention.  Imagine if you can, someone who had gone until now as a virtual ghost on the internet and was proud of it.  Even better, does anyone know anybody in recruiting who doesn’t wish some kind of attention.  Attention has pretty much the same importance as a business card or an advertising campaign for your business.

After setting up the standard accounts, and blog sites, I was asked to register anywhere I thought recruiters would be, or the sites where I could be noticed as a “Professional People Person” or the “Mindful Motivator” I had become known as.

This led me to an amazing program for any professionals looking to set up a network of valuable contacts, all in one place; that program being LinkedIn.  I decided that the best way to learn about this program would be to find a tutorial, or some form of instruction which would guide me to setting up an account which would give me the most exposure and allow me to create my all-important network. As a Salesperson, my day-planner and business card file was key, the emphasis is on ‘was’.  In this new world, you have to have a presence on the internet to succeed.  I found a book which would answer all my questions about LinkedIn called “Using linkedin” by Patrice-Anne Rutledge.

The first thing I started with was to edit my profile and the basics of my past work history, most of  which came from my resume; and create an identity which would set me apart from all the others in my business. Then came the contact information; meaning how could people get a hold of me should they need my services. Company website was listed, along with e-mail address, Twitter and Facebook feed, and my blog sites (Something to Think About; and The Recruiters’ Assistant- both on WordPress and assorted other blog-sites over the Internet; check them out and challenge my point of view).  As per my instructions I used the summary section as the place where I would list ALL my CONTACT INFORMATION.  Its amazing how many people are satisfied with just the bare essentials of information.  I want to be  found if my services are needed; less information would lead to problems with people being able to reach me. Please look at my information and feel free to add me to your professional network, as any assistance I can give is available for the asking. (http://ca.linkedin.com/in/thedanieljsmith).

As I have learned: Linked In is a KEY resource for many industries, so feel free to establish the maximum exposure of YOUR brand, which in turn is as successful as the person in control wishes to be.

To be Continued……

Views: 191

Comment by Daniel J Smith on December 17, 2010 at 2:10pm

Amen to Paul; Everything has a purpose. I had no idea this was going to be such a hot debate when it comes to "correct technique"  This has been a masters class

Comment by Daniel J Smith on December 17, 2010 at 2:15pm

the good ones stay around, and like every business that has both good and bad times; the bad recruiters fall by the wayside--They are their own worst enemy, regardless of how good the tools. 

Comment by Sandra McCartt on December 17, 2010 at 2:31pm

Linkedin has been a source for 9 candidates for us last year that have been placed.  All in positions that paid from 100 to 200K.  We don't spend time futzing we spend time looking and recruiting candidates on what has proven to be an excellent source of both candidates and referrals.  In some verticles that we work it is not as effective as a google search or a job board posting  for healthcare and life science candidates  it has been great.  It saves a great deal of time sourcing names within companies that can then be called.  One VP level candidate was the result of someone who is active on Linkedin seeing several of our postings within a group, then telling a colleague to call us as it appeared we had a lot going on in her field.  The candidate was not on Linkedin but her colleague was.

Comment by Daniel J Smith on December 17, 2010 at 2:33pm

Really???? So the program does work??? Thanks for your view Sandra, I look forward to communicating with you in 2011- I respect what you say.

Comment by Sandra McCartt on December 17, 2010 at 2:44pm

It won't work if you just post a profile and wait for someone to find you.  It won't work if you waste time reading Q & A's, and just rattling around looking at interesting people to try and make connections.  It will work just like any other list if you do a focused search or post actual jobs to Linkedin groups.  Sometimes the results, like any other source are not instant.  I placed one candidate who was not looking when i contacted him.  Six months later he was laid off, remembered our conversation and reached back to our conversation to let me know he was on the market.  He accepted a new job with our client three weeks later and referred another candidate from his company that we also placed.

Comment by Paul Alfred on December 17, 2010 at 2:59pm

What kills me is that Robert fails to realize that I am a Oldschool Headhunter I know what it feels like to make the player Salaries long before LinkedIn came along I am referring to the days when Job Boards were free 96 ... And back then it was just the phone ... Robert I am still a Headhunter but I use other tools as I am sure folks like Sandra McCartt can tell you ... Why would  I close off another revenue stream that is not very good business ...

 

I also need to let you know that Fortune 500 Companies are investing in Tools Like LinkedIn ... I am sure the people that run those firms did the Risk Assessment  before making the investment .   What research are you referring to .. Why don't you start reading a little more check a few Gartner Reports - holdup I will make it simpler for you  ...  Chris Barblc has some really cool article links on what is happening today in the Real World Online ... http://www.recruitingblogs.com/profiles/blogs/recruitment-marketing... - Learn something or Back up your statements with Research...  I have no problem saying I am wrong ...

Recruitment Marketing Articles of the Week 12.11.10 to 12.17.10

Comment by Daniel J Smith on December 17, 2010 at 3:04pm

 Paul, I think I could probably add to my bag of tricks with your experience. Thanks for the wisdom

Comment by Paul Alfred on December 17, 2010 at 3:18pm

Thanks Daniel, I really did not want to use your blog in this way but we have some fever in it which is a great thing ... My problem with Robert  is he just makes blank assumptions of  people ... He talks about old-school headhunting so much ok write a blog teach us something as its a dying art  - I love working with Old School Headhunters ... They are the real real ... But some of us  have evolved and it seems Robert fails to get that ... Or.... Is afraid to evolve ...  I get it change scares you ... Welcome to 2010 !

Comment by Sandra McCartt on December 17, 2010 at 4:52pm

I don't think it matters which school you went to or when you graduated.  What matters is can you make a freaking placement, get a candidate started to work, send a statement, collect it, fulfill the guarantee period and go do another one.

I have seen "phone pounders" fall out in six months because they simply can't evaluate a candidate or a job order, don't understand the nuances of what people do and how they do it.  And can't sell either the candidate or the job no matter where it came from.

The worst i ever watched come apart in my office was a lady who wanted to work accounting.  She could get a listing from a public firm then spin her wheels sending candidates who were working for a grain company in financial accounting.  She would go online or call and recruit a dozen candidates who didn't fit, send them on and bang her head against the wall when all she got back from the employer was, NOT A FIT.  I finally asked her why she was having so much trouble with understanding what they wanted.  Got a blank look then the answer, "They have an accounting degree, i don't know what else they want."  That was after days of "splainin" what was needed for a public firm.  It just didn't make any sense to her.  The time waste of calling was just that, a time waste. 

To Robert's comment that 80% of recruiters fail because they are playing with social media.  Maybe some do if they are spending time on twitter or facebook trying to be buddies with people.  My take is that is totally different and can be classified as socializing instead of recruiting.  Recruiting is contacting someone about something whether you use a tin can and a string, a phone, a computer or a megaphone.  And ya better know what you are talking about if you want to sell it.  My thinks.

I think most new recruiters fall out because they simply can't get past the surface.  There are a lot more layers to any profession than just the degree or the buzz words so the time waste is not the source of candidates it's being able to define the "fit" and sell it

Linkedin to me is just like a great big list, much the same as the listing for pathologists or CPA's in the yellow pages.  I wouldn't connect with someone just because they were a CPA, i would reach out if i had a position in public accounting, they were in public accounting or i had a position in agribuisiness and they were a CPA working in agribusiness.  It takes less time if you have a profile to look at than it does if all you have is a yellow page listing without experience attached.  Thus the value to me of Linkedin.  More info faster, less wasted time calling people who do not have the background i need. 

Comment by Daniel J Smith on December 17, 2010 at 5:10pm

Hopefully to end this delightful and informative discussion: Sales are sales, regardless the style or methods used. Most sales are commodity driven (have you got what I want now) and recruiting is no different. There are successful people out there, as well as those who blame their tools for a lack of success. The key is to learn from each and every transaction; be it face-to-face or over the internet. The job still needs to be done by the professional using all means necessary. Have a Fantastic Weekend Everybody

thedanieljsmith

Aspire for greatness and in others inspire greatness

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