Targeting New Hires

Networking has changed a lot in the last few years. Witness the proliferation of organized networking groups in most cities throughout the U.S. Also, professional networking sites like LinkedIn.com provide a relatively easy way to expand your contact base.

With all the new-fangled ways of meeting and greeting people, though, some "old school" methods prove to be at least as beneficial - if not, more. Personal works well, but instead of preaching the benefits of networking at organizations again, let's look at an even "older school" way to reach key business people.

All daily newspapers have business sections. Most business news is local, with some world and national mixed in (so that investors can make informed decisions). Nearly all papers have a weekly feature wherein they announce promotions and hires at prominent companies. Some even include photos next to the announcements.

These are good people to contact. Here's why:

They're not really brand new. There's a lag time at most newspapers. Sometimes it's a couple weeks, sometimes it's a couple months. So, while the honored people are relatively new to the position, they aren't brand new. They've gotten their feet wet and have been in the new job for a little while. (This is important because brand new people often haven't had time to do much in-house networking.) The lag time between hire or promotion to publication is usually sufficient enough for most to get a handle on things - at least enough to squeeze in a conversation.

They're qualified for you. The announcements always state the new job title and company. Usually, a little background (where they previously worked or went to school) is mentioned. This is prime information - it allows you to decide whether or not you want to reach out to them. Do they work for the right company? Do they work in the department in which you're interested? This information is laid out for you for just the price of your local morning paper. It really doesn't get much easier than that.

They're professionals. They've done the work search thing. Chances are, they networked their way into their new positions. And, because they're professionals, they may be able to help you network your way in, too. If not, they may at least be able to supply some information from their own search.

IN A NUTSHELL: Scouring the business sections of daily newspapers for promotions and new hire announcements is an excellent way to network your way into companies.