Does cold calling really work? Let me tell you about a call I received today from a young woman in Delaware.
It was an unknown number, but that wasn’t so unusual. In my line business, I tend to get random numbers – you never know if it could be a journalist or media outlet responding back to a story pitch. I picked it up on second ring. The voice on the line went directly into whatever script she had written in front of her – talking so quickly and with such vigor, it was if she believed the line would drop the instant she paused for even a single breath. It took me a moment - a few really - to realize she was rattling through her resume and seeking a remote job in PR.
I felt compelled to interject her script with "Whoa, whoa now! Hold your roll." Yes, it was in the most southern voice I could muster. Think: Matthew McConaughey meets Reba McEntire. I asked her if she knows anything about me or what I do. She said no. I asked her if she follows me on LinkedIn or knows anything about my agency. No again.
I understand, it’s hard to find positions in PR… especially remote jobs… when you’ve just graduated college and maybe don’t have the foot in the door to gain experience yet. I get it. Truly. I’ve been there, too.
Hearing her on the phone, I wanted to help her. I had a few minutes to spare, so I went into mentor mode without even realizing it or second-guessing it.
I asked if she was a part of any professional organizations – like PRSA, AMA, HBMA and IABC (to name a few). No, she had never even heard of them (what are they TEACHING college students these days?!). I told her put down the cold calls and get involved – to expand her network – and really get to know people. I told her a key piece of advice that I often share with many students and young professionals – build relationships and potential mentors in your career field. It’s a slow burn, but it’s purpose-driven.
Lastly, I told her to use social media as a tool for outreach in the future and invited her to connect with me on LinkedIn. I hope she takes me up on that at some point.
I’m a firm believer in building bridges. “If you are good at building bridges, you will never fall into the abyss!” - Mehmet Murat ildan
If you’ve made it this far in my story, I’d love for you to share your own bridging story. How has building authentic relationships helped you in your professional journey?
