In the 1994 film Wyatt Earp, Gene Hackman famously said those who were not related to him by blood were “just strangers.”
While this is not a great way to view your family and personal relationships, it is a helpful framework for recruiting.
Why? Most of your recruiting contacts start out as strangers.
Your mother taught you to be wary of strangers, and your recruiting prospects are naturally wary of you.
At this stage, the goal is to build some basic awareness.
It’s first: I’ve heard of you.
And then: I’ve heard some good things about you.
Your recruiting communication should initially be focused on just this objective.
For example, you may want to send a quick text to someone you’re trying to recruit that says:
Your name came up in a conversation earlier this week. I thought I’d take the opportunity to introduce myself. I hope to have the opportunity to connect with you sometime soon.
High-performing recruiters and hiring managers are constantly building awareness with dozens of individuals.
Why? The rest are just strangers. And strangers never become hires.