Dave Mendoza arrived in the Recruitosphere in the Summer of 2006. I started getting emails from him before his blog was even launched. Some people complained that he was a spammer. But no he said. I'm not a spammer, I'm a networker.
In December 2006 while still a rookie blogger, he won the popular vote for best recruiting blog of the year by reaching out to non-readers of the Recruitosphere.
Not fair said the established bloggers. Well he said, who's bringing in new people? The old hands who stick to their cliques or a guy like me who goes out into the street and hauls in strangers to join the party?
In February 2008, in a move that stunned the Recruitosphere, he celebrated his birthday by doubling the membership of Recruitingblogs.com from 1000 to 2000 in just one week.
JD built a good site but this was the really turning point for Recruitingblogs.com Membership had been growing steadily but slowly. After that it took off and totally blew me away.
About a year ago, he started introducing open networkers to eachother on LinkedIn via his blog, Six Degrees From Dave. When Dave first included me in this project, I had a thousand people in my LinkedIn network. Since then, he's added over a thousand more.
Open Networking Initiative
This is really an astounding project, Dave is giving recruiters the opportunity to make money by expanding their searchable databases on Linkedin and he's not charging them anything.
It's a lesson in human nature, as well as I don't think anyone offers to cut Dave in when they make money on people they weren't able to contact before Dave let them into his circle of friends.
Acceptance Speech.The Recruiting Animal accepted the award for Dave. His remarks were based on earlier statements made here.
Thank you Animal. Thank you panel.
My friends, I am truly honoured. But my first words must be directed to the man who made all of this possible.
I know I will be accused of kissing your ass JD, but certain things must be said, “You are the Mac Daddy, the Sultan, of Community building and Seer of the Next Big Thing. This is a well established fact, but given the passion you have displayed I have an excuse to comment with well deserved praise.
Animal: Hold on a second! Dave, Dave.
Dave: What is it Animal?
Animal: Dave, this prize is for you, not JD. You're being too humble.
Dave: You can't be too humble when it comes to JD, my friend.
Animal: Well then, I have to cut you off. Congratulations, Dave. No one deserved this award more than you.
Dave Mendoza, everybody! I call him Bull Doza, the Master of People Power but he likes to be called El Dave.
