Blog Post: Use Your Resources!

One of the worst mistakes a job seeker (or anyone in business) can make is to not use the resources that are placed at his/her disposal.  Here are a few of those mistakes that many make and how to avoid them.

 1). Letting networking contacts go stale.  This is the prime, #1, incredibly terrible, calamitous (have I made my point?) mistake that job seekers and anyone in business or sales makes.  George gives you Julie and Irving to call.  You let it sit for two or three weeks.  While I usually don’t use this word about anyone or anything — highly stupid.  Why?

 Well, you see George has probably called Julie and Irving and told them nice things about you, as well as primed Julie and Irving for your call…which never comes.  By the time you get off your behind and get one of those “round tuits” these people have either forgotten you, or think you’re a flake…and they’re right.  In addition, you’ve REALLY made George angry because now George also looks like a flake for having such flaky friends.  George is probably going to have to “burn” a favor to get back into Julie and Irving’s good graces — if he can.  One thing is for sure:  George will never give you any more leads ever again.  And it is a sure bet that Julie and Irving, even if they talk to you, aren’t going to risk their reputations by giving you leads.

 Now, here is where the true and in-depth stupidity of this move really shines forth.  George is probably well connected or you wouldn’t have wanted to network with him in the first place.  If someone in the future says “Say, do you know Joan Smith over at Canwe Cheatem and Howe?” George is going to say “Yes, but don’t help her.  She doesn’t follow through.”

 The most important rule of thumb is follow up on networking contacts within TWO DAYS of receiving a referral.  Then the ball’s in their court.  If you don’t hear back within two weeks, call again, then forget it.  But don’t “burn” your networking contacts.  Ever.  Never.  Cut off vital parts of your anatomy first.  I think you get the point.

 2).  Being arrogant or rude to networking contacts.  In some ways this is just as bad as ignoring them.  Don’t be rude by being late, missing an appointment, or other obviously rude things.  You are clearly saying “My time is far more important that yours.”  And don’t act arrogant or rude in a meeting.  One individual I know missed a meeting entirely without calling, then set up the meeting again (supposedly for an hour) and looked at his/her watch and said that s/he had a meeting with me s/he had to run for.  What this person didn’t know is that I was lunch with the individual’s spouse at that very moment, who mentioned “I thought you had a meeting with Jane Doe.”  BUSTED!

 Another individual had a luncheon set up with a networking contact and another individual at 11:30.  The two of them stood in plain sight outside of the restaurant, heads together, until 11:50, leaving the networking contact sitting at the table awaiting them.  Obviously the height of rudeness…and arrogance.

 Of course, just acting like a jerk is the quickest way to stop people from helping you.  If I hear bad reports back regarding someone I refer, I will make sure that the jerk has no more access to the hundreds of people I know, at least not from me.  In the interests of good business I usually won’t “burn” the individual, but I sure won’t refer anymore.

 3).  Not taking someone up on an offer.  I have been in the career business for 28 years, and have specialized in the Front Range almost all of that time.  I’ve gotten to know lots of people and I love to give back to the community.  I also get rave reviews on classes or workshops I give for free to community organizations.  But you’d be surprised how few community organizations (and even individuals) take me up on my offer of free help.  And before you point out that it is probably me, I hear this from dozens of people who are both more likeable and better looking than me.

 It also isn’t because the help offered is inappropriate.  Usually I and the others I speak with who are ignored in their generosity are exactly what is needed.  But most of us will offer once or twice and move on rather than beg someone to take our expert help or volunteer time.

 If someone offers you a helping hand — take it!  Don’t be too proud to get the expert help you need….for free or thereabouts.  If you work with a community organization, keep in mind that these people you’re ignoring have a great deal of influence in your donor community, and your rudeness will get around.  Call back.  Accept help.  And….

 4).  Operating in ingratitude.  A great Spiritual Master once told a story about 10 people miraculously healed of a degenerative and highly contagious disease.  Only one returned to say, “Hey, thank you!”  Say “thank you” early and often for help you get.  A lunch or drinks can be nice, but a simple “thank you” note is usually sufficient.  Even an “e-note,” though not great etiquette, is better than nothing.  And you’d be amazed how many people even neglect that common courtesy.  Those with an “attitude of gratitude” get a great deal further than those who seem to think that getting help is their due.

 Look, I know what some of you are going to say.  “I’m too busy.”  Fine.  Then don’t ask for help either specifically or generally.  If you can’t follow through on networking contacts, don’t network.  But be aware of the consequences, which might be extended unemployment or whatever.

 Realistically, the only acceptable excuses for not being polite and following through are: death, jail, hospitalization, death in the family, major natural disaster.  Failing these, learn manners or get out of the business world and enter a world where you can be rude.  Politicians come to mind.

John Heckers, MA, CPC, BCPC is an executive strategy and executive life coach in Cherry Creek , Colorado .  He welcomes you calls at 720.581.4301, or your emails at jheckers@heckersdevgroup.com.  www.heckersdevgroup.com.  For a free executive résumé guide, write jheckers@aol.com and put RESUME in the header line.  For info on an upcoming Structured Networking Event for executives at the director level through “C” Level only, send an email to jheckers@aol.com with EVENT in the header line.  John is very happy to meet with executives for a free hour of executive coaching, just call the above number. Please don't ask for the resume guide or networking info in the "comments" section as I have no way of replying.  Send me an email.