Rita Ashley, Career Coach. Field tested advice for executives.

  

DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?

Networking for Executives is the name of the job search game.  You know about introductions, you leaned how to do them as a child.  And you know what a referral is.  But do you know the value of each?  Which should you request?  How to use either?

When you receive a phone call or email from someone suggesting you meet with or talk to someone, are you not then on the alert for the contact?  Don’t you begin to puzzle over how you can help? 

And when the person does call, isn’t it easy to chat simply because you are prepped?  That’s the value of an introduction;  the recipient is ready, willing and able to help and you don’t have to explain much.

A referral on the other hand, “Just use my name,” or “Tell Sonja I suggested you to call,” while useful, is not as strong as an introduction.  Your call will be accepted and your email may get an answer, but the preparedness, the eagerness of the recipient is not quite so certain.