How To Generate Leads

"Invite someone to a quick networking meeting
at a location convenient to them
and PAY FOR their coffee or tea!"
CareerBabe's advice
for today's tougher-than-usual job market.

"Networking is not just something you do when you need something
from someone; it is something you do all the time."
Susan RoAne: How To Work a Room

Most people have a network or can construct a network to reach people who work in a target career field. "No," you say, "not me, I'm just getting out of school" or maybe "I'm just leaving the military after 25 years!" YES, even you!

When you build your network, don't expect your contacts to put you in touch with people who have specific jobs available. This usually does not happen! You'll need to contact busy people who may or may not have time to see you. Expect to be concise and polite. PLUS,you'll be perceived as MORE memorable, professional and appreciative if YOU pay for your guest's beverage!

Here are some excellent sources of leads:

• Career Counseling Office, on-campus interviews
• Research via the Internet - but not alone. In a very specific, professional manner.
• Professors in your major field
• Professional conferences
• The Alumni Office of your school
• Fraternity/Sorority buddies, your family, dentist, people you know and those you meet.
• Professional Associations
• Research (reading newspapers/magazines. Going to Web sites.)
• Serendipity

NOTE: Keep all your contacts in a database or spreadsheet so you can follow up.

How Do I Ask For Leads?

Let's assume you're a new lawyer looking for work in San Francisco, although this will work for any profession in any location in the world. You want to visit San Francisco during your summer vacation and get your search started by talking to people. First, simply get yourself over to the Alumni Office of Your College. Explain your goal and ask them to provide you with a list of ex-law school alumni in San Francisco who work in your field. There may even be an active alumni career counseling network.

Second: Call! What You Say: (Rule #1: Be brief) "Hi, I'm Suzy Q, a new graduate of ABC University and the alumni office gave me your name. I'm coming to San Francisco to look for a job. Do you have a moment now?"

This call does three things:

1. It establishes a logical connection to the person
2. It briefly explains the call
3. It asks the person for permission.

Note: You can use variations of this script endlessly.

Three: Follow Up! Do whatever you said you would. If you said you would mail, write or fax, then mail, write or fax. If you said you would phone, then phone. In other words, show the person you are reliable.

Four: Say Thank You!

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