Send Materials With Notes Correctly

The first time I saw a marketing technique like the one used on me today, I was both disgusted and impressed.  This afternoon in the mail I received a marketing piece with a post it attached saying some person thought I would be interested in the information and signed it with their initials.  The first time this happened to me, I really worked at determining who the “J” was on the post it to make sure I didn’t blow off something that was important to someone I cared about.  Unfortunately for the person who sent it, I checked with my “J” friends first rather than just calling them.  So I was disgusted because it is a lie. If I call this person, they don’t know me and it was a ploy to get me to call.  I’ve known some recruiters who do this in the form of leaving a voice mail “regarding a highly confidential matter” and then it is because they think you will know someone good for a position.  It got the desired result, but now the rest of the call is to prove the recruiter isn’t a slime bucket.

But I was impressed  because it was genius.  If we had even the most tenuous relationship, when I called if the person could say we met somewhere or talked at some point and they truly thought I’d be interested, I’m hooked.  To tell someone they made enough of an impression on you that you remembered them when something came up is a huge ego boost and would definitely get my attention.

So do this the way it was intended.  Go to a networking event and meet people.  Jot down on the back of their business card something they said or something they are interested in.  When you follow up after the event, don’t just send a “great to have met you” email- instead, include in it something that is based on what they discussed; something they would truly be interested in.  If you don’t have it electronically, send it hard copy.  But be sure to put your name on it and have the note say something to reference your conversation so they have a context.  At the end of the day your messages will get noticed and people will think of you as someone who really pays attention.  Meanwhile, I’m not returning this call.  But I’m still impressed.