Hello, my name is Linda Craig. Today we will be talking about how to “Think Outside Your Computer to the inside of Your Inner Circle.” Yes, technology has come a long way to improve our lives. The internet may be one of the best ways to do research. But it is the least efficient way to gain employment. With its hundreds of websites to include: wetfeet.com, jobfox.com, and dice.com. You could be on the computer for endless days just looking, applying and then waiting for responses. However, useful it may be it is impersonal & not the only way to score employment. How many of you use the internet as your main source for job searching? How is that working for you?? Perhaps the time has come to awaken the lost art of personal communication. Certainly the idea of not using the computer may be foreign. Can even be scary for some people. Have you ever thought of doing a drive by or making a cold call? These options allow you to gain employment in a more personal manner.

Consequently, saving the computer for your research, some networking and applying for employment. There are places where you can locate employment postings offline. In local papers, the Denver Business Journal, posting boards of restaurants, community centers, and stores. Then keep in mind the Chamber of Commerce, visitor centers and libraries. The potential for what you are looking for may be there or may be a great way to get something in the meantime.

The importance of both personal and business networking is essential. Keep an open path, to all who you are in contact with.

A way to get some in person networking is to attend an association or club meeting. Coloradolinks.net/ ColoradoClubshttps://jobstars.com/denver-professional-associations-organizations/.

In addition, you can check out Meetup.com – neighbors getting together to learn something, do something, or share something with each other. Or Meetin.org - A community dedicated to providing a casual social environment. Members are encouraged to organize and participate in events in any given MEETin city.

Then for one more thing, get out to that neighbor who has been after you to come by to their annual big BBQ. Or when the next invitation comes, for a wedding, Bar Mitzvah, pool party, graduation or Winter Solstice celebration. Get up, get out and go meet some new people. Get to know someone who just might be your connection to that number one job you have been searching for.

From your networking keep a reference document of people who are willing to be a reference for you. Talk with them regarding what they would be saying. Get their name, title, & best number to reach them.

The front door is not necessarily the best way to get employed. Allow friends or business acquaintances in your network to assist you in finding another way.

Cold-calling or drive-bys are done solo. You will need to map out your strategy. Determine how much time you are going to allow yourself for each. My suggestion is fifteen to twenty minutes for cold calling. Travel time to get to the business plus 15 to 20 minutes for a drive by. More time if an interview is requested. Determine how many companies you want to contact for the day? Have the company information readily available including basic information from the web site that shows you know about them.

If doing a drive by do you know how to get there? Do you have gas in your car? Are you dressed appropriately? That means take a look in the mirror. When cold calling or doing a drive by how you are dressed helps put you in a business state of mind. No pajamas, sweats, swimwear, birthday suits, or dance clothing. Have your questions you want to ask ready in order to stay on track. Rehearse answers to potential questions as well. Have a tablet & pen for note taking. If doing a drive by and have a nice briefcase, have more than one resume or cover letter, a portfolio or e-folio specific to the company you are pursuing employment with and business cards with your QR code. When doing a cold call, be prepared to email a resume, cover letter or e-folio specific to the company you are pursuing. For either the cold calling or drive by have your reference document handy, especially if someone referred you to the company.

For cold calling you will need a quiet place with no distractions such as kids, animals, mates, radio, television, etc. This allows for business to be conducted undisturbed. If necessary, ask a friend to watch children & pets, request your mate to busy themselves quietly or perhaps run an errand, or make use of your friend's house while they take care of things at your house. For a drive by if necessary ask a friend to take care of kids, etc. at your house or if necessary give you a ride.

When doing a cold call or drive by, use positive relevant information, talk their language, deliver the message quickly, don’t visit & waste time, keep the conversation lively, avoid discussing the obvious, listen well, rehearse and be prepared to be interviewed. You want to be comfortable, focused, and have a positive attitude. Have good posture and remember to smile.

You are now ready to make some calls or do a drive by. When the phone is answered or someone greets you, say good morning or good afternoon depending on the situation. Introduce yourself by first and last name. If possible try to avoid Human Resources and communicate with the department manager, not the hiring manager. You can then give your 30” elevator speech and one brief intro experience. Which comes after the question of potential job openings. They may refer you to their website for employment. Give them compliments on their website. Then make the statement you are interested in potential employment openings that have not made it to the web site. Show your passion as you talk about your interest in this company and how your skills will be used. Track who, what, when, where, why, and how when done.

So you think you are ready now. For best results lots of practice will make for a better performance. Hook up with someone whose opinion you trust and will give you honest feedback. Have a conversation with them regarding what you want to accomplish. And when you have practiced & think now you are ready. Practice in front of the mirror. No kidding, it is one of the most important. Are you smiling? If not you should be. A smile can be heard. So remember to do it. When you speak let your interest, enthusiasm, and passion flow, not only your words, but also the tone you use. Focus on your skills and what they can be used for.

With the use of the telephone or your vehicle, a list of acceptable researched companies, some simple communication skills, and a positive attitude you will be on your way to doing cold calls & drive-bys like the professionals you are.

With every cell in your body show your passion. After all, you are the product.