(In Part I, we mentioned why it's a good idea to read the business section of your local newspaper - particularly on the days they mention promotions and new hires.  We also covered why it's a good idea to contact those mentioned.  Today, we'll cover how to contact them.)

Now that you're looking at the business section for notifications of promotions and new hires, how do you contact your new potential contacts?  While there are many ways, here are the 5 Best Practices:

1) Send a congrats note.  Sending a simple card is impressive because it's rarely done.  The card should be blank (which you can buy cheaply by the box), leaving you room to write your congratulations and well wishes.  Making sure your handwriting is legible (printing it on your computer looks impersonal)  and that you include contact information, also mention that you'd like to offer your congrats more directly - either in person or by phone.  Why send it by snail mail?  Your email can be deleted too easily without being read.

2) Get introduced.  You and your potential contact may know someone in common.  Talk to people in your network.  If you don't have someone in common, someone in your network most likely will.  Whether you're one step or two removed, ask to be introduced.  Introductions provide instant credibility.

3) Congrats phone call.  This is a rather forward method of contact.  Call the person directly and offer your congrats.  From there, you might want to mention your similarities (where you went to school, had the same majors, you've worked at the same companies, organizations you belong to, etc.), and ask if you could meet sometime to discuss the company, industry, etc.

4) Play dumb.  In lieu offering a "direct" congrats by phone, you might try paying a sideways complement.  You might try calling your potential contact directly, then beg forgiveness because you're not sure if you have the right department.  The scene might play out like this: A) S/he answers the phone using his/her name; B ) "I'm sorry - I think I might have the wrong department...say - you said your name is (his/her name) - are you the same (name) I saw in the business section the other day?";  C) S/he answers "yes;"  D) You offer your congratulation on the promotion, then say something like, "Given your new position, you might be able to help me out...;"  E) Describe his/her department in detail; F) S/he says you have the right department; G) You schedule an appointment or begin conducting the informational interview while you're on the phone.

5) Send your resume.  Rather than contacting the person to offer congratulations, you might try submitting your resume to him/her without even mentioning the recent promotion.  S/he can forward it to the correct contact person or human resources, or contact you to ask a few questions.

IN THE CARAVAN: Make contact with those mentioned in the business section of your local paper by sending a note, getting introduced, calling, playing dumb or submitting your resume.

NEXT TUESDAY: Playing a Role

Check out last Tuesday's Part I post on targeting the business section.

Want more Networking advice?  Check out these posts and The Lion's Pride section of WildJobSafari.com!

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