The golden rule of recruiting

Yes, this is a very simple post for a Friday -- treat others as you would want to be treated.  I had several great reminders this week of the benefit of this philosophy, both personally and professionally, that I thought I would share to end the week on a lighter note. 

The first incident happened after I had all kinds of trouble hooking up my new Roku streaming player (If you don't know what this is, don't feel bad -- I didn't know until five days ago.  Google it and go buy one.) to our receiver at home.  I spoke with several customer service people on the phone to absolutely no avail.  So I decided to go the old fashioned route and went into the store where I bought the receiver four years ago.  The guy that sold us the unit was still there, remembered me immediately once I mentioned our purchase, and proceeded to sit down with me for fifteen minute to figure out a solution.  What he suggested worked like a charm later that evening when I got home and I danced with my two-year old daughter to Black Eyed Peas.  I bought a Starbucks gift card the next day and went back to the store to thank him.  What a great example of doing something without any possible reward or remuneration.

The second incident occurred when an old client from a previous job (which means this would go back more than ten years) called to see if I would have any ideas for her regarding convention speakers.  She knew that I had a lot of local connections and was hoping to tap into that network if possible.  I brainstormed with her regarding a few ideas, put a call into an old friend of mine, and they were exchanging emails within hours.  They have already outlined a quote for services and will likely consummate a deal by the weekend.  Both parties seem thrilled with the outcome.

The third incident involves a candidate who reached out to me regarding his search.  It was a profile that I was pretty certain I would not be able to provide much assistance.  But I took the call and spent thirty minutes with him talking about possible directions for the next step in his career.  He really appreciated my advice and ended the call by asking how he might be able to help me sometime in the future.  I can't remember the last time I had someone ask me that question.  Candidates usually call for one reason only -- what can I do for them?  To be asked the question inspired me to want to help him in any way I could moving forward with his search.

I could go on with a few more thoughts, but will conclude with the encouragement to consider this simple philosophy as I have this week.  Whether it be at work, at home, at the grocery store, behind a slow driver at a red light -- treat others as you would like to be treated.  You just might be surprised with the results.