==> InspireME Friday: Ask For A Reference, Not A Job

"And by letting them know that you hold them in high enough esteem to potentially use them as a reference, you're actually paying them a compliment."

Good Morning Folks,

I can say that FSO has taken the industry by storm! Literally and figuratively.

We made it through another week of the worst winter weather on record, and what troopers the team at FSO are. A client writes: 

"I just wanted to send you a quick note regarding the FSO Team. They have made every effort to get into the office regardless of the adverse weather conditions we have been experiencing this winter. Charles, Harun, Gene and Kathy have made my job easier as I know they will always be in the office when I cannot get there. Knowing that they are always there to support me to make the office run smoothly has been extremely helpful. I just wanted to take this opportunity to “sing their praises”.

That's what we call going the extra smile. It comes standard with every engagement!

With operations in 57 major US cities and a clear focus on concierge service, our goal remains the same - to help firms improve operations & SAVE MONEY.

Now some inspiration for those seeking a job or a better job— there's an easy way to turn dreaded employment networking into deadly effective bonding: 

When you're networking, ask for a reference, not a job. 

Whether you're doing catch-up drinks or grabbing lunch to reconnect (and, hopefully, staying out of this horrible heat!), your main goal is to get an ally, not a tally of job listings. Adding another helping hand to your search is your aim. 

So don't ask your college buddy if he knows of any jobs for people like you. How would he? 

And don't ask your boss from two jobs ago if she has the names of any people who are currently looking to hire somebody like you. It puts her on the spot. 

No, instead, ask for a reference. Mention that you're going to be moving on, or you're already looking, or that you're actively out on the street. Let them know the type of positions you are and are notsuited for, and what you're hoping to achieve in your next opportunity. 

And then ask them if — when it gets to that happy place in your search — it would be OK to use them as a reference. 

By not putting them on the spot about specific job openings, you reduce the awkwardness inherent in the networking conversation. 

And by letting them know that you hold them in high enough esteem to potentially use them as a reference, you're actually paying them a compliment. 

You're also making it easier for them to say "yes", and to feel good about themselves for being a good friend and helping you out with this little favor. 

All of which means that you have a new buddy in your search — one who's going to be thinking about keeping an eye out for new opportunities and an ear open for fresh possibilities for their reference-able friend: you. 

It's wins and grins all around. 

Now, this doesn't work for just any old person you meet on the street. There's probably a pretty good match between people you'd take to lunch and those you could ask to be a reference. So my advice would be to stick to asking those you know well enough. 

Being realistic, the widely offered and deeply wrong advice from the past decade that you should try to extract favors, concessions, names, jobs, and career assistance from people you've only met over the phone is not only useless, it can be counter-productive to your aims by antagonizing your broader network. 

By making your networking about compliments, you'll find it pays dividends. 

Never lose that skip in your step, fire in your belly or twinkle in your eye!

We're on fire and this company is doing amazing things to build for the future. 

From our wonderful FSO Family have a GREAT weekend, be happy and… Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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“ Genius is eternal patience” — Michelangelo
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