IT Employment

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Seeking advice from CTOs and Directors

0 helpful
3 replies

by tim heard

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

What's an acceptable, ethical way to try to get the attention of CTOs and directors to offer assistance in locating skilled contractors or permanent employees? I have recently begun contacting some very prominent CTOs, offering to place someone with them free of charge, if they will be willing to allow me to prove myself to them for future service.

I know that the job market is still lukewarm, and that most hiring managers already have established ties to certain agencies or recruiters, butI honestly feel that it would be well worth their time to work with me, and I have references to support that assertion.

Would anyone be willing to give me some advice?

Thanks in advance,

Tim Heard
Malone Technical
(502) 231-9240
theard@jcmalone.com
www.jcmalone.com/heard.htm

3 replies

by maxwell edison

I once had a source from whom I purchased all supplies used by our engineering and drafting staff. (It was rather significant - tens of thousands of dollars a year.) A sales rep from a competing firm would drop in a couple of times a year seeking to establish a new relationship with us. My standard reply was that I was very happy with my existing supplier, and I had no compelling reason to change. However, she continued to visit, left a calendar and goodie basket at the holiday season (along with her business card), and she was always polite, professional, friendly, and respectful - but never overbearing or pushy.

I subsequently had a series of problems with the supplier I was using, and decided to sever the business relationship withthem. Guess who I called to be my new supplier? I've been buying my supplies from her for quite a number of years now. She's better, she's faster, she's more accommodating, and she even takes me to lunch once in a while.

Be persistent, but respectful. Offer to take these prospects to lunch, and explain how you're ready, willing, and able to be "waiting in the wings" as a backup technical provider in case their existing contact should become problematic. At times, there's nothing more valuable than a "clutch hitter" sitting on the bench waiting to be called into the game. And before long, the good ones become the starters.

by tim heard

I appreciate your suggestion, and certainly am open to employing that method with local employers. We're definitely seeking long term relationships, not quick profits.

However, my goal has been to try to expand out business outside our geographic territory. After all, the search for high caliber technical candidates often extends beyond one's own city.

My goal would be to pick up one or two big name clients this year and just quietly begin establishing ourselves with them as a resource that can provide solid results at a lower cost than our larger competitors. (We're doing that with smaller firms too, but one or two large accounts can make a huge difference to a small company such as ours...)

I think RiverFreight's comments arecorrect too. I'm probably not going to get very far without doing some research on each potential client. I think he took my offer the wrong way, though. My intent isn't to offer any castoffs. It's to do a legitimate search for free. My feelingis that such an offer were to yield a legitimate loyal customer, it would be well worth it.

Anyway, thanks to both of you for your willingness to share your thoughts.

by riverfreight

First, you are new second, do research and send a 'Prospectus of Forwarding'; available in most business form texts; to inform them of what your Company has available to them to provide for that Companys furtherance and future. THIRD: They aint interested in emploing your castoff employees in that manner - let 'em steal them then you know you are on the right track with your in-house training and education programs.
RIVER FREIGHT

This discussion is closed to new replies.