Week 7: Setting Up the "First Date"
How to Set up the "First Date"
Video Time: 7 Minutes Action Time: 1-3 Hours
Video Time: 7 Minutes Action Time: 1-3 Hours
Now that we have covered the benefits of setting up the first “date”, we are going to give you the steps on how to set up these “dates” and get your foot in the door!
First Date Tips and Tricks
1Dress Appropriately.
You don’t have to be in a full suit and tie but do dress nicely. Remember dress for the job you want! Dress for what you would wear if you worked for that company. If they are a skateboarder company, board shorts might be appropriate! If it’s a bank, a nice dress or shirt and tie would probably be appropriate.
2Don’t immediately ask for the job.
This is like asking someone at a bar “Hey do you want to get married?” before they even know your name. Start slow, you don’t want to sound too desperate!
2Don’t immediately ask for the job.
This is like asking someone at a bar “Hey do you want to get married?” before they even know your name. Start slow, you don’t want to sound too desperate!
3Create a dialogue that doesn’t solely focus on work.
Do this by asking questions, showing interest in what they’re saying, and talking about more than just work. Make the meeting about the other person and not just you. This will help take some of the pressure off you and we know you have enough pressure as it is!
3Create a dialogue that doesn’t solely focus on work.
Do this by asking questions, showing interest in what they’re saying, and talking about more than just work. Make the meeting about the other person and not just you. This will help take some of the pressure off you and we know you have enough pressure as it is!
4Know what you want form the person and ask politely.
They may ask “what can I do for you?” at the end of the meeting. If that happens, tell them you want to know about any inside opportunities in your area of expertise, a meeting with the hiring manager or an introduction to HR. Know what you want and ask kindly, “I’d love to get an introduction to the Creative Director.” Asking about the company will show your interest in it and may even lead to future job opportunities.
6Invite them out to coffee or somewhere based on similar interests.
Once you secure a date, invite them to coffee or if you have bonded over any personal things, invite them to something regarding that. If they love to golf and you do too, invite them to the driving range or if they belong to a knitting circle, ask when they meet and can you join. Just think of them like your sorority sister/ fraternity brother (maybe just don’t party with them). Remember: this is about making a connection with someone, not grilling them about their job or asking for a job!
4Know what you want form the person and ask politely.
They may ask “what can I do for you?” at the end of the meeting. If that happens, tell them you want to know about any inside opportunities in your area of expertise, a meeting with the hiring manager or an introduction to HR. Know what you want and ask kindly, “I’d love to get an introduction to the Creative Director.” Asking about the company will show your interest in it and may even lead to future job opportunities.
5Set up the next “date” right away.
If you like the person you met with, set up a second meeting right then and there! Don’t wait until days later when they get busy or become uninterested in meeting up again. You want to keep the momentum going! Or if you don’t like them, consider it like a one night stand!
6Invite them out to coffee or somewhere based on similar interests.
Once you secure a date, invite them to coffee or if you have bonded over any personal things, invite them to something regarding that. If they love to golf and you do too, invite them to the driving range or if they belong to a knitting circle, ask when they meet and can you join. Just think of them like your sorority sister/ fraternity brother (maybe just don’t party with them). Remember: this is about making a connection with someone, not grilling them about their job or asking for a job!
7Follow up after the meeting!
Send them a thank you, share an article about something you talked about, etc. This way your meeting is fresh in their mind even days later. You laid the groundwork for a connection now you can start building it even further!
5Set up the next “date” right away.
If you like the person you met with, set up a second meeting right then and there! Don’t wait until days later when they get busy or become uninterested in meeting up again. You want to keep the momentum going! Or if you don’t like them, consider it like a one night stand!
7Follow up after the meeting!
Send them a thank you, share an article about something you talked about, etc. This way your meeting is fresh in their mind even days later. You laid the groundwork for a connection now you can start building it even further!
Things to Keep in Mind before the Meeting
In these business meetings, we would hope you have a few more “dates” in order to get your foot in the door and receive a reference and get an interview. Here are the things you need to consider before you get to that next step!
1What are your skills?
Are you a techy, a good listener, an amazing balloon animal artist, an animal tamer? No matter how random or obscure your talents may seem to you, please use them. They can be an amazing asset when you are trying to build relationships with these business professionals. Through talking to these individuals, learn what they might need and offer some free labor and assistance.
2What are your first steps and talking points?
Never go into a meeting without these! Have some ideas of how you can help these business professionals.
3
What is your why and your call to action?
Go into the meeting knowing these. Practice this in front of the mirror or with your friends and family.
4What assets do you have that you can use?
Knowing what you’ve got and how to present it will be crucial to the continuation of this budding business relationship!
1What are your skills?
Are you a techy, a good listener, an amazing balloon animal artist, an animal tamer? No matter how random or obscure your talents may seem to you, please use them. They can be an amazing asset when you are trying to build relationships with these business professionals. Through talking to these individuals, learn what they might need and offer some free labor and assistance.
2What are your first steps and talking points?
Never go into a meeting without these! Have some ideas of how you can help these business professionals.
3
What is your why and your call to action?
Go into the meeting knowing these. Practice this in front of the mirror or with your friends and family
4What assets do you have that you can use?
Knowing what you’ve got and how to present it will be crucial to the continuation of this budding business relationship!
Incoming Challenge!
This week we have a special challenge for you!
Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to schedule five “first dates.”
As always, should you or any of your IM Force be captured or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in ten seconds. Good luck.
Woah… Sorry. Just got into that Mission Impossible mode, if you know what I’m saying! But hey, this mission is still a serious one because it will get you that much closer to your dream job. But don’t worry, this message will not self-destruct… phew.
So make sure you set up those 5 “first dates!” Let us know how it goes and we look forward to having you back next week for “Charming Your Audience.”
The next episode is on How to get a 2nd, 3rd, etc. “date”. See you there!