Hardcode Your Network

Face it, computers occasionally poop out.  As such, we must protect our modern day electronic rolodexes (CRM, OUTLOOK address books, etc) from the wraths of evil Error Shut-Down Boxes (PCs) and Sad Mac Icons (Macs) harbingering forthcoming lost files. Solution? Hardcopies.

It is a painful process, but hardcopies are the only full-proof way to preserve an electronic network. If you are not disciplined enough to print out an updated version of your electronic contact files AT LEAST once a month, the RSP suggests storing your records in the following tools from the get go (simultaneously as you update your electronic databases of contacts):

The Cold Email

Be it for job prospecting or landing a new client, sometimes we She-Office Ninjas have to send an email out into the abyss. We cross our fingers, hope for the best, and then watch our inboxes for that coveted response.

Cold emails are a shot in the dark. A stranger’s name popping up in a business professional’s inbox can be seen as intrusive of his or her home turf. Nonetheless, the RSP suggests the following tactics to increase one’s chances of turning a cold email into a successful conversation:

1. WARM > COLD: Warm introductions are your best chance for success with a cold email. Cross check your rolodex (LinkedIN, etc.) to see if any of your contacts can formally introduce you to your target email’s recipient. Warm introductions establish trust.

2. PERSONALIZE: Take time to craft your email so that it is sincere and screams anything but a form letter.

3. TIMING: Select a time that makes it least likely that your email will sit stagnant in someone’s inbox. As such don’t send emails on Saturday or Sundays. The RSP suggests sending important emails at times the recipient is likely to be sitting at his or her computer –Tuesday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

4. CLEAR AND CONCISE: Make your email clear and concise. Readers lose interest quickly and want to get to your point sooner rather than later.

5. EFFECTIVE SUBJECT LINE: Limit your subject line to 50 characters or less and try to personalize however possible.

6. CC: APPROPRIATE CONTACTS: Be thoughtful on who you CC on your email. Only CC: someone if you feel the recipient will appreciate you sharing the message with him or her.

7. ASK FOR THE ORDER: Have your last sentence ask for what you want. The RSP suggests using the cold email as a vehicle to ask for time on someone’s calendar—be it for a quick call or meeting—and then using the call or meeting to ask for what your really want.

8. THOUGHTFUL ATTACHMENTS: If you are seeking a job or trying to land a client with a new product, include thoughtful attachments. For example, tailor your resume specific to the email recipient’s industry. Electronic records are the easiest to forward and share with others.

9. PROMPT A RESPONSE: Include a simple, concise question at the end of an email that prompts the email’s recipient for a response.

10. FOLLOW-UP: If you don’t hear back from the first email, you still have one more chance. Wait at least a week and then forward your original email with a short, thoughtful message attached that recognizes the recipient’s busy schedule.

Head Hunter Hunting

An office colleague once told me "If headhunters aren't calling you....then you have a problem." OK. But what if they aren't calling you? How do you solve said problem? The RSP came across a terrific Forbes article attempting to answer this very questions:"How to Headhunt The Headhunters."

1) Take their calls: Talk to Headhunters when they call. If you are not interested in the position, tell them that you are happy with your current job, but to stay in touch. They will most likely ask you if you recommend anyone else for the role.  If you you help them out, they will be more likely to help you out later on down the road when you are looking for a job. 

2) Write Articles: Headhunters look for the "thought" leaders in particular industries. By writing articles in publications or on blogs about recent industry trends, you have more of a chance of getting noticed. 

3) Attend Industry Events: Headhunters often contact the speakers at these events. Get to know those people as a link to the Headhunters. 

4) Join a Professional Association: Become active in one of these types of committees and you have a better chance of getting on a Headhunters radar screen. 

5) Research Recruiters: Target headhunters who work specifically for your industry. Scour recruiting websites for ones that have specific job postings and find a job that fits your specifications. Write to the recruiter about why you feel you would be a good fit for that particular job. 

6) Personal Connection: Ask around your rolodex to see if anyone knows a headhunter in your industry.  Headhunters are more likely to help people who are connected to them in some capacity. 

A Look at Business Cards

The business card─ a  little gem of cardstock that can often be your ticket into a new world of career possibility.  But, just like anything else in this confusing world of business, there are ways to working the business card strategically.  Emily Post unfortunately didn’t make it to the business card section as she was building her empire of manners. Alas, all is not lost as the RSP has a list of Do’s and Don’ts for the business card circuit.

Don’ts:

• Don’t write on a business card in front of the other person (MUST DO! write thoughtful details about the person you have met on the back of the card AFTER  that person is out of your presence……E.g. Kids' and spouse’s names, favorite sports teams, etc)
• Ask/give your business cards at inappropriate times (in a women’s restroom, at a funeral, you get the picture….use your judgment)

Do’s:

• Look at the business card. Store your new contact’s name to memory (at least for the short term!) and then put it away for safe keeping to be exercised in the near term
• Do read up on cultural norms: Different countries have different MOs to the business card. For example, business cards are always received with two hands in Japan.
• During a meeting, do place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated.
• Don’t be shy passing out your business card or following up with a recent business card contact. Savvy networker can always find another excuse to establish communication with someone
• Ask for the order in conjunction with your card.  No one will know what you want unless you ask
• Have a personal contact card: The RSP has seen millions of ecru business cards with corporate logs and Times New Roman texts (*yawn).  Personal contact cards are not only less intrusive and often more appropriate for informal settings, but also can stand out/pop amongst a set of traditional business cards. The following are some great! examples from Kate Spade at Crane.com: