Web 2.0. Social Networking. What does it mean to you? To me it means interaction and engagement. A conversation. Two individuals may be engaged in conversation - or 20 may join the discussion - each learning and contributing from a different perspective. If social networking is being embraced by the recruiting community, shouldn't we make sure we are doing it the right way?
Some people don't get this. Whether it's in person or on-line, there are many who are interested in promoting only their agenda. They feverishly gather contacts. Now they spam out their message promoting their agenda. A one way blast. It's a form of social networking promiscuity and it's a good way to get dropped. What do they know about me? What do they care? Case in point:
I was on my way to an in-person networking function. Pre-function, I still get that queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I regress to grade school where no one in particular was clambering for my attention or company. Will anyone talk to me? Will I stand silently like a wall flower for the entire time? I take a deep breath and walk into the room not really knowing what to expect.
One of the eight conversations I had was with a social media consultant. I learned that he had information about how corporations could use social media to create an image and promote their business. He was giving a seminar soon regarding that subject - and said he would include me. In returning to work, I asked him to join one of my social networks - and then he began to push HIS AGENDA.
He pushed for a face to face meeting with his business partner immediately. Whoa! All the sudden, I'm wondering why I'd spend two hours of my time (travel +meeting) for a face to face meeting...again...this week. Felt like a sales pitch to me. I wrote back.
"Thanks. While I'm learning about social media in a corporate context and would love to chat with you further, before we meet again in person - it's only fair to tell you that corporate dollars are tight everywhere. Can you share with me what you would like to accomplish at our meeting?"
No response. Dropped like a hot potato. No invitation to the social media seminar as promised. Nada. No long-term interest in getting to know me and my needs. Just what I could do for him right now. It appears that his only interest in me was my potential spend. I thought he was fascinated with me and in actuality, he was just not that into me. Very short-sighted. Will I promote him? Will I retweet him? Will I give endorse him as a business partner? Fat chance. (How interactive are we being when using social networking to collect candidates? Blasting out our needs without two-way dialog? Hm-m-m-m.)
My advice when you are social networking/recruiting:
- Get to know who you are talking to.
- High touch -find out how you can help them.
- Try to give value with your communications - not just your agenda
- Give before you ask to get.
While this was an in-person experience, it frequently happens virtually. My experience with this consultant was a total turn off for me.
Do you think I'm being too hard on him?
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