Recently, my friend and colleague, Rob Brown, emerged from a long time of underemployment. Upon surfacing with his new company, Rob wrote one of the best thank you notes I’ve ever read. The thank you note itself would have been a great posting, but its content was even better and Rob’s advice in it applies not just to job seekers, but to those seeking business and connections.
Rob had a number of tips and notes, but the critical ones also apply to those of us seeking to build relationships and business. The list looked like this:
- Send out a monthly (or regular) informational e-mail. In Rob’s case, it was a monthly “training tip.”
- Stay in contact. Rob made friends with someone at each of his target companies and stayed in touch.
- Companies are doing business between Thanksgiving and NewYear’s. Whether they are hiring or spending money, many do have budget and are not “waiting for the new year” to make decisions.
- Review your elevator speech or resume. Does it do the job of telling your story? Be fresh and on target.
- Stay connected. Regular contact.
- Use a data base. Always know what you said to whom and when.
- Be out there. Those in transition should volunteer, do part time work or consult; those looking for business, offer to do a small project as a test.
- Stay involved with your professional groups. Rob and I ran into each other at IABC, AMA and the Chamber.
- Attend every networking event you can. I’ve made and maintained connections from Happy Hours that led to paying business.
- Don’t be on hold. That is, if you are in transition, lead your life; if you are seeking business, don’t let a “no” stop you from pursuing other leads.
- Keep those around you informed. If in transition, bring your family into the loop; at work, communicate (but not overly so) to your team and management just what is going on.
- Seek help and advice. A circle of friends and advisors can give you a perspective you don’t have otherwise.
- Keep the faith. Whether it is church or your own personal faith.
- Thank people. Like Rob’s note, you don’t know who you are reaching out to.
Thanks, Rob. great advice.
Relentless
