1. Cold Calls. If you are cold calling me from any company that rhymes with Blobert Blaf or similar companies, call me from your mobile because I can see your company on my caller ID. Expect me to still blow you off, but call me in 6 months to show me you made it. We may talk then.
2. Warm Intros. Get a warm introduction. It can be from my neighbor, book club pal, former coworker, or my dry cleaner. I'll be nicer because I want to keep my friends happy.
3. Link. No mattter what, ask to connect with me on LinkedIn. Send me the invitation while we are talking on the telephone. It is easy for me to say yes and get rid of you, but I'll see your updates and remember you. 90% of you don't do this.
4. Timing for Calls. No time is a good time, but there are definitely bad times. Call anytime but during payroll cycles, open insurance enrollment, and merit raise cycles.
5. Solve My Problems. Research my company, show interested in my business, and then ask me about my business. Get me to complain about how I can't find a SQL Developer (because I don't know it is different from a SQL DBA), and offer solutions.
6. Payrolling. Offer to payroll the people I find at 30% or if you really want my attention, 25%(ouch) . Refresh the offer by email every 60 days. I'll call you the next time my CEO/CFO/CIO is breathing down my neck to get the person in today. This is your foot in the door.
7. Lunch. Find me on Yelp.com to see where I really want to eat. I could eat steak and lobster everyday for lunch if I took all of your invitations.
8. Outings. If my boss finds out I was golfing with you during the day, I'm dead so invite me to a seminar you are sponsoring on social networking or SharePoint. Schedule it to end at 4:00PM so I can't go back to the office (darn!) and we can have some time to talk.
9. My Ego. Emphasize how you know I'm too busy to recruit. By bringing you in, I'm admitting I can't do my job.
10. Small Gifts. Give me a ceramic coffee mug. A mug? Why? I'll throw away portfolios, candy, business card holders, and pens with your logo. I won't throw away a heavy mug. It just doesn't feel right. It can still be a pen holder or displayed on my shelf.
