Comments on: Using your contacts without making them feel used http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/ From Microsoft to MySpace, Fortune magazine writers share their unique insights about the business of technology every day. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:29:01 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Patreisha Richey, Chicago, IL http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11880 Patreisha Richey, Chicago, IL Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:49:58 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11880 Amazing post. At this time, this information could not be more crucial for myself and others. Rarely are we ever taught the etiquette or art of maintaining contacts. We know how to attain them, but not how to keep them. Thanks! Amazing post. At this time, this information could not be more crucial for myself and others. Rarely are we ever taught the etiquette or art of maintaining contacts. We know how to attain them, but not how to keep them. Thanks!

]]> By: Patreisha Richey, Chicago, IL http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11884 Patreisha Richey, Chicago, IL Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:49:58 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11884 Amazing post. At this time, this information could not be more crucial for myself and others. Rarely are we ever taught the etiquette or art of maintaining contacts. We know how to attain them, but not how to keep them. Thanks! Amazing post. At this time, this information could not be more crucial for myself and others. Rarely are we ever taught the etiquette or art of maintaining contacts. We know how to attain them, but not how to keep them. Thanks!

]]> By: Adrian in Haverhill, MA http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11879 Adrian in Haverhill, MA Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:48:22 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11879 In my last position, before being let go in January, my manager had pushed on us to forget the email, and all electronic forms of contact, and just "pick up the phone and call." Social networking is great, but it seems to have reduced the process down to adding as many people on Linkedin as possible, without so much as an attempt at a half-hearted introduction. I wonder how many of us, these days, would be willing to pick up the phone and call rather than write a "nice, neat little note," to the contact we've ignored for so long or when approaching the new prospect. What do you think? When networking among people you've known over the years, would you call or send a message? Regards, Adrian http://recessionjobsearch.blogspot.com In my last position, before being let go in January, my manager had pushed on us to forget the email, and all electronic forms of contact, and just “pick up the phone and call.”

Social networking is great, but it seems to have reduced the process down to adding as many people on Linkedin as possible, without so much as an attempt at a half-hearted introduction.

I wonder how many of us, these days, would be willing to pick up the phone and call rather than write a “nice, neat little note,” to the contact we’ve ignored for so long or when approaching the new prospect.

What do you think? When networking among people you’ve known over the years, would you call or send a message?

Regards,

Adrian
http://recessionjobsearch.blogspot.com

]]> By: Adrian in Haverhill, MA http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11882 Adrian in Haverhill, MA Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:48:22 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11882 In my last position, before being let go in January, my manager had pushed on us to forget the email, and all electronic forms of contact, and just "pick up the phone and call." Social networking is great, but it seems to have reduced the process down to adding as many people on Linkedin as possible, without so much as an attempt at a half-hearted introduction. I wonder how many of us, these days, would be willing to pick up the phone and call rather than write a "nice, neat little note," to the contact we've ignored for so long or when approaching the new prospect. What do you think? When networking among people you've known over the years, would you call or send a message? Regards, Adrian http://recessionjobsearch.blogspot.com In my last position, before being let go in January, my manager had pushed on us to forget the email, and all electronic forms of contact, and just “pick up the phone and call.”

Social networking is great, but it seems to have reduced the process down to adding as many people on Linkedin as possible, without so much as an attempt at a half-hearted introduction.

I wonder how many of us, these days, would be willing to pick up the phone and call rather than write a “nice, neat little note,” to the contact we’ve ignored for so long or when approaching the new prospect.

What do you think? When networking among people you’ve known over the years, would you call or send a message?

Regards,

Adrian
http://recessionjobsearch.blogspot.com

]]> By: Curmudgeon, Nashua NH http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11881 Curmudgeon, Nashua NH Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:53:48 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11881 I supervise a couple of twenty-somethings, and I am amazed as the seeming aversion to work face to face, especially with customers. I agree that it isn't often strictly necessary, and I have many colleagues and friends that I have never met, but in person solidifies business (and personal) relationships in ways that you can't do online or on the phone. I actually had someone participate in a conference by phone rather than drive about five miles from the office to do it in person. I'm not at all outgoing, but I am a bit old school in that I think that you are sending a message if you can't take the opportunity to actually meet someone. Any opinion? I supervise a couple of twenty-somethings, and I am amazed as the seeming aversion to work face to face, especially with customers. I agree that it isn’t often strictly necessary, and I have many colleagues and friends that I have never met, but in person solidifies business (and personal) relationships in ways that you can’t do online or on the phone. I actually had someone participate in a conference by phone rather than drive about five miles from the office to do it in person. I’m not at all outgoing, but I am a bit old school in that I think that you are sending a message if you can’t take the opportunity to actually meet someone. Any opinion?

]]> By: Curmudgeon, Nashua NH http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11886 Curmudgeon, Nashua NH Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:53:48 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11886 I supervise a couple of twenty-somethings, and I am amazed as the seeming aversion to work face to face, especially with customers. I agree that it isn't often strictly necessary, and I have many colleagues and friends that I have never met, but in person solidifies business (and personal) relationships in ways that you can't do online or on the phone. I actually had someone participate in a conference by phone rather than drive about five miles from the office to do it in person. I'm not at all outgoing, but I am a bit old school in that I think that you are sending a message if you can't take the opportunity to actually meet someone. Any opinion? I supervise a couple of twenty-somethings, and I am amazed as the seeming aversion to work face to face, especially with customers. I agree that it isn’t often strictly necessary, and I have many colleagues and friends that I have never met, but in person solidifies business (and personal) relationships in ways that you can’t do online or on the phone. I actually had someone participate in a conference by phone rather than drive about five miles from the office to do it in person. I’m not at all outgoing, but I am a bit old school in that I think that you are sending a message if you can’t take the opportunity to actually meet someone. Any opinion?

]]> By: Steve Dorfman, Washington, DC http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11883 Steve Dorfman, Washington, DC Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:35:38 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11883 This is so on-point, Nadira. I recently learned that we experience 1/20th the number of human interactions, as compared to 20 years ago. You've raised the awareness and provided some valuable tips. Let's hope that other Gen Y'ers are tuned in, turned on and take this seriously. (Thanks for sprinkling in the great humor, too.) Best Regards, Steve Dorfman http://www.blog.driventoexcel.com/ This is so on-point, Nadira. I recently learned that we experience 1/20th the number of human interactions, as compared to 20 years ago. You’ve raised the awareness and provided some valuable tips. Let’s hope that other Gen Y’ers are tuned in, turned on and take this seriously. (Thanks for sprinkling in the great humor, too.)

Best Regards,
Steve Dorfman
http://www.blog.driventoexcel.com/

]]> By: Steve Dorfman, Washington, DC http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11888 Steve Dorfman, Washington, DC Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:35:38 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11888 This is so on-point, Nadira. I recently learned that we experience 1/20th the number of human interactions, as compared to 20 years ago. You've raised the awareness and provided some valuable tips. Let's hope that other Gen Y'ers are tuned in, turned on and take this seriously. (Thanks for sprinkling in the great humor, too.) Best Regards, Steve Dorfman http://www.blog.driventoexcel.com/ This is so on-point, Nadira. I recently learned that we experience 1/20th the number of human interactions, as compared to 20 years ago. You’ve raised the awareness and provided some valuable tips. Let’s hope that other Gen Y’ers are tuned in, turned on and take this seriously. (Thanks for sprinkling in the great humor, too.)

Best Regards,
Steve Dorfman
http://www.blog.driventoexcel.com/

]]> By: Misti Burmeister http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11885 Misti Burmeister Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:14:50 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11885 Excellent article, superstar! I appreciate the way you approached the challenge and, even more importantly, the practical steps you outlined. Thank you for being a part of the solution! Misti Burmeister, best-selling author of "From Boomers To Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations" Excellent article, superstar!

I appreciate the way you approached the challenge and, even more importantly, the practical steps you outlined. Thank you for being a part of the solution!

Misti Burmeister, best-selling author of “From Boomers To Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations”

]]> By: Misti Burmeister http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11889 Misti Burmeister Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:14:50 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11889 Excellent article, superstar! I appreciate the way you approached the challenge and, even more importantly, the practical steps you outlined. Thank you for being a part of the solution! Misti Burmeister, best-selling author of "From Boomers To Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations" Excellent article, superstar!

I appreciate the way you approached the challenge and, even more importantly, the practical steps you outlined. Thank you for being a part of the solution!

Misti Burmeister, best-selling author of “From Boomers To Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations”

]]> By: Larry, Austin, Texas http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11892 Larry, Austin, Texas Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:01:46 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11892 This is an excellent piece of work. As a senior employee, I find myself surrounded with a bunch of 20 somethings who, to make it simple, haven't a clue....but they sure think they do. Their lack of manners and respect would be laughable, if this was "The Office", and not for real. I guess it's the entitlement mentality so apparent in this age bracket. This group needs to learn that there's so much more to a career than showing up and smiling a lot. In the long run, this recession will probably be good for some of them. The party's over, certainly for the forseeable future. Now the bosses look at who they NEED, not necessarily who they want. This is an excellent piece of work. As a senior employee, I find myself surrounded with a bunch of 20 somethings who, to make it simple, haven’t a clue….but they sure think they do. Their lack of manners and respect would be laughable, if this was “The Office”, and not for real. I guess it’s the entitlement mentality so apparent in this age bracket. This group needs to learn that there’s so much more to a career than showing up and smiling a lot. In the long run, this recession will probably be good for some of them. The party’s over, certainly for the forseeable future. Now the bosses look at who they NEED, not necessarily who they want.

]]> By: Larry, Austin, Texas http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11895 Larry, Austin, Texas Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:01:46 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11895 This is an excellent piece of work. As a senior employee, I find myself surrounded with a bunch of 20 somethings who, to make it simple, haven't a clue....but they sure think they do. Their lack of manners and respect would be laughable, if this was "The Office", and not for real. I guess it's the entitlement mentality so apparent in this age bracket. This group needs to learn that there's so much more to a career than showing up and smiling a lot. In the long run, this recession will probably be good for some of them. The party's over, certainly for the forseeable future. Now the bosses look at who they NEED, not necessarily who they want. This is an excellent piece of work. As a senior employee, I find myself surrounded with a bunch of 20 somethings who, to make it simple, haven’t a clue….but they sure think they do. Their lack of manners and respect would be laughable, if this was “The Office”, and not for real. I guess it’s the entitlement mentality so apparent in this age bracket. This group needs to learn that there’s so much more to a career than showing up and smiling a lot. In the long run, this recession will probably be good for some of them. The party’s over, certainly for the forseeable future. Now the bosses look at who they NEED, not necessarily who they want.

]]> By: Diane K. Danielson, Cohasset, MA http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11890 Diane K. Danielson, Cohasset, MA Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:43:33 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11890 Really useful list! It sparked some additional thoughts that I share with my gen Y audiences when it comes to networking. Both have to do with making it easy for the other person to respond to you. First, you need to communicate in the language and manner that the person you want to approach is most comfortable. In other words, if they are phone people, you need to call; if they are email people, email, etc. In addition, anything you can do to make it easier for the person to take time out of their busy schedule will be looked upon favorably. For example, I can't make a separate trip into the city to meet with a job hunter; yet, if I'm already in the city and giving a talk and they attend, I can usually find a few minutes. Another tip is that experts often respond to blog comments if they have a blog, and that's another great way to start a dialogue. You're helping them out by commenting on their blog (and hopefully adding some insightful thoughts), and that opens up the opportunity for future correspondence. Diane K. Danielson ceo, http://www.downtownwomensclub.com Really useful list! It sparked some additional thoughts that I share with my gen Y audiences when it comes to networking. Both have to do with making it easy for the other person to respond to you. First, you need to communicate in the language and manner that the person you want to approach is most comfortable. In other words, if they are phone people, you need to call; if they are email people, email, etc. In addition, anything you can do to make it easier for the person to take time out of their busy schedule will be looked upon favorably. For example, I can’t make a separate trip into the city to meet with a job hunter; yet, if I’m already in the city and giving a talk and they attend, I can usually find a few minutes. Another tip is that experts often respond to blog comments if they have a blog, and that’s another great way to start a dialogue. You’re helping them out by commenting on their blog (and hopefully adding some insightful thoughts), and that opens up the opportunity for future correspondence.

Diane K. Danielson
ceo, http://www.downtownwomensclub.com

]]> By: Diane K. Danielson, Cohasset, MA http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11893 Diane K. Danielson, Cohasset, MA Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:43:33 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11893 Really useful list! It sparked some additional thoughts that I share with my gen Y audiences when it comes to networking. Both have to do with making it easy for the other person to respond to you. First, you need to communicate in the language and manner that the person you want to approach is most comfortable. In other words, if they are phone people, you need to call; if they are email people, email, etc. In addition, anything you can do to make it easier for the person to take time out of their busy schedule will be looked upon favorably. For example, I can't make a separate trip into the city to meet with a job hunter; yet, if I'm already in the city and giving a talk and they attend, I can usually find a few minutes. Another tip is that experts often respond to blog comments if they have a blog, and that's another great way to start a dialogue. You're helping them out by commenting on their blog (and hopefully adding some insightful thoughts), and that opens up the opportunity for future correspondence. Diane K. Danielson ceo, http://www.downtownwomensclub.com Really useful list! It sparked some additional thoughts that I share with my gen Y audiences when it comes to networking. Both have to do with making it easy for the other person to respond to you. First, you need to communicate in the language and manner that the person you want to approach is most comfortable. In other words, if they are phone people, you need to call; if they are email people, email, etc. In addition, anything you can do to make it easier for the person to take time out of their busy schedule will be looked upon favorably. For example, I can’t make a separate trip into the city to meet with a job hunter; yet, if I’m already in the city and giving a talk and they attend, I can usually find a few minutes. Another tip is that experts often respond to blog comments if they have a blog, and that’s another great way to start a dialogue. You’re helping them out by commenting on their blog (and hopefully adding some insightful thoughts), and that opens up the opportunity for future correspondence.

Diane K. Danielson
ceo, http://www.downtownwomensclub.com

]]> By: Jon Lyles, Montreal, Canada http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11887 Jon Lyles, Montreal, Canada Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:10:49 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11887 Great advice. I am going to post this article to my blog and suggest to everyone to read it and follow the advice. Best Regards, Jon Lyles President<a href="http://www.eximiuspersonnel.ca/index.html" rel="nofollow">Eximius Personnel</a> Great advice. I am going to post this article to my blog and suggest to everyone to read it and follow the advice.

Best Regards,

Jon Lyles
PresidentEximius Personnel

]]> By: Jon Lyles, Montreal, Canada http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11891 Jon Lyles, Montreal, Canada Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:10:49 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11891 Great advice. I am going to post this article to my blog and suggest to everyone to read it and follow the advice. Best Regards, Jon Lyles President<a href="http://www.eximiuspersonnel.ca/index.html" rel="nofollow">Eximius Personnel</a> Great advice. I am going to post this article to my blog and suggest to everyone to read it and follow the advice.

Best Regards,

Jon Lyles
PresidentEximius Personnel

]]> By: Thom Singer, Austin, Texas http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11894 Thom Singer, Austin, Texas Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:11:15 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11894 This is good advice. People need to remember that networking is NOT just for when you are in need. You should always be building relationships along the way. Avoid your contacts until you are looking for help and you will be seen as a taker. Networking should be a lifestyle where you create and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. Be helpful to others as often as you can and you will find them lined up to help you when you are in your hour of need. But if you have always been "too busy" to help others you will find some cold shoulders when you are trying to reach out for help. Bummer. Everyone should look to make new contacts, keep connections alive or reconnect BEFORE they find themselves job hunting. But even if you are in that spot, be sure to be looking for ways to help others anyway. I have written several books on this topic, and I am still amazed at how many people have the wrong idea about networking. thom singer Author and Speaker http://www.thomsinger.com This is good advice. People need to remember that networking is NOT just for when you are in need. You should always be building relationships along the way. Avoid your contacts until you are looking for help and you will be seen as a taker.

Networking should be a lifestyle where you create and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. Be helpful to others as often as you can and you will find them lined up to help you when you are in your hour of need.

But if you have always been “too busy” to help others you will find some cold shoulders when you are trying to reach out for help. Bummer.

Everyone should look to make new contacts, keep connections alive or reconnect BEFORE they find themselves job hunting. But even if you are in that spot, be sure to be looking for ways to help others anyway.

I have written several books on this topic, and I am still amazed at how many people have the wrong idea about networking.

thom singer
Author and Speaker
http://www.thomsinger.com

]]> By: Thom Singer, Austin, Texas http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11897 Thom Singer, Austin, Texas Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:11:15 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11897 This is good advice. People need to remember that networking is NOT just for when you are in need. You should always be building relationships along the way. Avoid your contacts until you are looking for help and you will be seen as a taker. Networking should be a lifestyle where you create and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. Be helpful to others as often as you can and you will find them lined up to help you when you are in your hour of need. But if you have always been "too busy" to help others you will find some cold shoulders when you are trying to reach out for help. Bummer. Everyone should look to make new contacts, keep connections alive or reconnect BEFORE they find themselves job hunting. But even if you are in that spot, be sure to be looking for ways to help others anyway. I have written several books on this topic, and I am still amazed at how many people have the wrong idea about networking. thom singer Author and Speaker http://www.thomsinger.com This is good advice. People need to remember that networking is NOT just for when you are in need. You should always be building relationships along the way. Avoid your contacts until you are looking for help and you will be seen as a taker.

Networking should be a lifestyle where you create and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. Be helpful to others as often as you can and you will find them lined up to help you when you are in your hour of need.

But if you have always been “too busy” to help others you will find some cold shoulders when you are trying to reach out for help. Bummer.

Everyone should look to make new contacts, keep connections alive or reconnect BEFORE they find themselves job hunting. But even if you are in that spot, be sure to be looking for ways to help others anyway.

I have written several books on this topic, and I am still amazed at how many people have the wrong idea about networking.

thom singer
Author and Speaker
http://www.thomsinger.com

]]> By: Brian C - Beaverton OR http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11905 Brian C - Beaverton OR Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:05:10 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11905 Good advice... But the time to start looking for your next job is the day you start the one you currently have... You need to lay the ground work for that networking email/phone call months to years in advance. If you already have a connection to someone it's a lot easier to get past the awkwardness and onto the "what is happening in your business" part of the communication. It also helps to have been giving folks a hand when you were on your way up... 'Cause you never know who you are going to meet/need on the way down. Always remember - What goes around comes around. And when it comes back 'round to you - having a big network is way better than no network... Good advice…

But the time to start looking for your next job is the day you start the one you currently have… You need to lay the ground work for that networking email/phone call months to years in advance. If you already have a connection to someone it’s a lot easier to get past the awkwardness and onto the “what is happening in your business” part of the communication.

It also helps to have been giving folks a hand when you were on your way up… ‘Cause you never know who you are going to meet/need on the way down.

Always remember – What goes around comes around. And when it comes back ’round to you – having a big network is way better than no network…

]]> By: Brian C - Beaverton OR http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/02/16/using-your-contacts-without-making-them-feel-used/#comment-11906 Brian C - Beaverton OR Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:05:10 +0000 http://thegig.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/?p=303#comment-11906 Good advice... But the time to start looking for your next job is the day you start the one you currently have... You need to lay the ground work for that networking email/phone call months to years in advance. If you already have a connection to someone it's a lot easier to get past the awkwardness and onto the "what is happening in your business" part of the communication. It also helps to have been giving folks a hand when you were on your way up... 'Cause you never know who you are going to meet/need on the way down. Always remember - What goes around comes around. And when it comes back 'round to you - having a big network is way better than no network... Good advice…

But the time to start looking for your next job is the day you start the one you currently have… You need to lay the ground work for that networking email/phone call months to years in advance. If you already have a connection to someone it’s a lot easier to get past the awkwardness and onto the “what is happening in your business” part of the communication.

It also helps to have been giving folks a hand when you were on your way up… ‘Cause you never know who you are going to meet/need on the way down.

Always remember – What goes around comes around. And when it comes back ’round to you – having a big network is way better than no network…

]]>