Surprise Guest: Shally Elvis Steckerl of JobMachine
Topics: LinkedIn. The Deep Web. Shally's Grow-op. Also: Tina Winner talks about placing executive level candidates in contract jobs.
On The Couch: Maureen Sharib, Shannon Myers, Tina Winner, Fred Z
Introduction: The Dark Side of a Brand
Hi Everyone, it's me, The Recruiting Animal, back with you again. You know, one of my candidates listened to this show the other day. This was the very first time that a candidate listened to my show. And I don't know if he was trying to kiss my ass or something but he called me up and said, "Hey, Animal I think this show is really good. And I know someone in radio and I'm going to send your show to him."
"Great," I said. So a few days later he sends back this message. "My contact thinks you stink. He has no interest. He says you're too loud." Too loud? The first thing I thought was: Hey, Whitebread, maybe you want something bland. Well, to each his own but you've got to understand This is not Lawrence Welk. This is the Sopranos!
Yes, this show is the Sopranos of recruiting programs. You don't come here for watered down versions of popular tunes. You come here wondering: who's going to get hit today?
Now sometimes, I fail. I admit. I can't make all my guests fun to listen to. all of the time. I'm just not that good. But when I'm failing, I do invite my genius listeners to call in. If you think I'm no good, show me what you can do. That's the idea. You don't have to tell me who you are. Just tell us what you think.
But most people, they don't have the GUTS to state an opinion. And you know why?, It might hurt their brand.
Now look, The Recruiting Animal is no dummy. Some people can get fired for telling the truth in public. I don't want them to come on the show. But, still, let me tell you, you can go overboard with your personal brand. Because sometimes a brand is nothing but an excuse to be a chicken. You've got to lay low and keep your head down because you don't want to appear out of character.
People used to be ashamed to be so concerned about their public image. We used to call them phonies or plastic people. But, really, thats the logic of a brand. You want to be known by one thing alone so you make yourself one dimensional. You don't colour outside the lines . That's the dark side of a brand.
Think of some of the interviews you see on the news. Why are the so repulsive? Because those guys always have to stay on message. Their brands are as phony as the day is long. And it's not very attractive. Because your focus is also your limitation.
I go to Starbucks every morning and I see lots of moms talking to their little kids. And most of them are really nice to those kids. And I really admire them. But you know which ones I like the most? The ones who can talk to adults as well. Because it's nice to specialize in more than baby talk, isn't it?
And if you don't agree, go find another podcast because in case you didn't know, I'm the Recruiting Animal and this is the Recruiting Animal Show!
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