So you have to meet this guy Dave. Well, you probably already met him, or at least heard about him, but did you know Dave is a genuine ?superconnector?? And I don?t say that lightly.

Before I explain, let me offer a disclaimer... I don?t usually write about people, mostly because I know how rumors fly so and I prefer to get permission before I go on record. When I asked Dave Mendoza if I can give him a treatment on my blog he said yes [OK - insert sinister laugh here] but that was only after I twisted his arm. Of course, I have an unfair advantage in that I?ve been mentoring Dave for a while now. What I?m trying to say is that this is a very biased opinion :)

So when I say Dave is a ?superconnector? what I mean is that he is the kind of central hub that enables connections with people. Recruiters are great networkers, naturally, but Dave takes it to the next level. His network is disproportionately large relative to other hubs, but most importantly his connections are high in quality, not just quantity. He reaches out, takes risks, and is proactive about introducing people. Not only does this make him an excellent recruiter by allowing him access to much deeper candidate networks, it also adds significant value to anyone who is connected directly to him ? candidates and recruiters alike.

We first met "many moons ago" when he was a client who attended my Master CyberSleuth course. After observing him first hand while we worked through the course material I realized I was dealing with pure natural talent - the kind of thirst for knowledge and tenacious curiosity required in this business. He showed he had more to offer than just social networking (as if that wasn?t enough all by itself) so I asked Dave if he would be open to having a long term mentor. When we couldn't find a suitable one for him he settled on taking me on as a mentor. That lead to me eventually recruiting him as a partner to help me pick up the ball on some of the JobMachine activities I have long been unable to conduct because of my many commitments. For example, you may have already received an email from me about this, or read it on Dave?s blog, but I am very happy that he has offered to conduct on-site training. Through Dave, JobMachine?s CyberSleuthing curriculum can once more be delivered directly to you live and on location.

Among the many conversations Dave and I have had perhaps the one which stands out most is that we both recognize that so many organizations are still not grasping the concepts of talent pipelining and recruitment research. Perhaps Dave can do his part by opening minds through education in a classroom setting or via phone with the hundreds of people he engages daily. Or perhaps he will do it by helping organizations build sourcing strategies from within. In either case I?m looking forward to Dave?s next verse.

If you are interested in receiving training from Dave or would like to bring him in to help you build your organization please contact dave@jobmachine.net and he will send you information. Read more ?Dave? here: http://sixdegreesfromdave.com/?page_id=2 or just invite him out for some fly fishing and a plate of BBQ ribs.

Happy CyberSleuthing!

Shally