Help Me Help You!

Make it impossible for me to say no!

Jerry Maguire is such a quotable movie! But this line, where Jerry is begging his client to "help me, help you" is so easy to relate to. Especially this time of year.

What's happening around this time of year? Graduation. A time when hundreds of thousands of students try to establish their first step into their profession.

I love helping students move into the work-force. But here’s the conversation I typically end up having:

Student: Can you help me with my job search?

Me: Sure! What are you wanting to do and which introduction can I provide?

Student: Oh, anything really! I just need a job, so, whoever and whatever!

And this isn’t a rip on just students…I’ve had this same conversation with seasoned professionals! The problem is this: you’re trying to make me do your work for you. I can’t figure out what you want to pursue for you. Nor will I make a bunch of random introductions for you in the “hopes” that you find something you might like!

In the past? I’ve done some guessing and sent people “potential” job leads. 100% of the time (not 90%, not 95%...100%!) I get a “no, that doesn’t look interesting.”

You have to “help me, help you!” Make it really easy for me to help you. Narrow in on the career field you want to explore, go through my contact list and select 2-3 people that fit that profile. And even better? Write up a quick paragraph about yourself for me that I can share with my connections!

The easier you make it for me to “help you” the more likely I will. You’re asking for a favor, make it impossible for me to say “no.”

And lastly, if I’m passing you a lead or an introduction…please, I beg of you, do not ask me “how much does it pay?” Not only will I have no idea, I’m not going to spend cycles trying to find out for you. That’s (again) your job. And frankly? It’s the wrong question to lead off a conversation. Think of it like dating…if you’re out with someone on a first date and the first question they ask is: “so, how much do you make?” What’s the likelihood of date #2 happening? Something to think about.

Good luck, graduates!