When reaching out to your network for help or advice, going beyond a transactional request will enable you to get a more valuable response from your contacts.
A story, video or some other way of engaging your contact’s imagination provides a clearer and more concrete picture of what you need. This is especially true when your intent is to convey the intangible characteristics of your ideal employee.
For example, I just received a message from Brian Scudamore, CEO of O2E Enterprises (1-800-GOT-JUNK? and other brands). He’s looking for “happy, upbeat people” who want to “be their own boss” by starting a franchise in one of O2E’s related brands. Instead of simply posting a description, he included a 57-second video along with the compelling story of his own entrepreneurial journey.
This approach works because Brian exemplifies the spirit of the person he is trying to reach, and he’s very clear about what he believes are the most important characteristics for franchisees to be successful: a happy, upbeat outlook on life along with grit and get-it-done determination.
Scott and I are big admirers of Brian’s leadership and the culture he has developed. To learn more about his story, listen to our conversation with Brian on Growth Igniters® Radio. Since our interview, O2E Brands has continued to grow and win multiple awards.
If you know someone who might be a fit with these opportunities, feel free to forward Brian’s 57-second video. In the meantime, how will you increase the impact of reach-outs to people in your own network?