Peek-a-boo Classifieds (Part 2)

Posted by Jim Stroud

January 8, 2008

How many magazines do you read pertaining to your skillset? If you are into fashion, you probably read Vogue. If you are into high finance, then INC is probably your thing. If you do not read a trade magazine geared towards your expertise, then shame on you. However it is not too late to start! Whatever you are into there is a magazine (paper or electronic) being published with you in mind.

Magazines usually contain at least one interview , right? Why not write to the person being profiled? Let me correct that, why not read the article on the person being profiled and then write to them? If they are authoritative enough to be featured in a magazine, chances are they have a contact or two that they are willing to share with the person that strokes their ego correctly. I have done this on occasion and can attest that sometimes it works and sometimes not, but when it does work it is very cool!

Why not read the letters written to the magazine that are answered by the editor? A lot of times the e-mail addresses of the readers (in addition to their job title) are posted along with their letter! Good examples of this can be found in INTERNET WORLD & WIRED. Since I’ve recruited for a lot of technology companies, these tend to be my zines of choice. However, for every traditional business executive reading this (present and future), I cannot recommend FORBES magazine enough. What’s wrong with writing some of these people and saying:

“Dear CEO, I saw your letter in Business 2.0! You hit the nail on the head, but what do you think about how “tomorrow’s market” will react to it? By the way, my name is Jim Stroud and I recruit therefore I am. Drop me an e-mail anytime. Signed, Jim Stroud”

Okay, so it’s not Shakespeare, but it does not have to be. Short and to-the-point is ALWAYS the best method when approaching someone this way.

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