Doug Smith

 Director of Client Relations

 417.782.3694

 doug.smith@ramseymediaworks.com

 

As an avid reader and listener of audiobooks, I've found a recent gem that seamlessly blends science with practicality in enhancing social interactions: Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards. This recommendation came from a trusted friend and mentor, Sandy Tush, an Executive in Residence at Milestone Leadership in Bentonville, Arkansas.

While Audible has been my go-to for absorbing knowledge on the go, there's something about holding a physical book in hand that I still cherish. Captivate was one of those treasures that prompted me to grab a hard copy, allowing me to highlight, annotate, and revisit its invaluable insights.

Van Edwards unpacks 14 "hacks" or practical strategies for navigating social interactions and forging strong connections. These hacks prove not only powerful but also easily applicable, particularly in the realm of professional recruiting where relationships, connections, and trust are paramount.

Among these hacks, three stood out as particularly pertinent for recruiting endeavors:

1. The Curiosity Hack (#5): Engage candidates authentically by demonstrating genuine interest and asking thoughtful questions. By truly listening and understanding their needs, recruiters can offer tailored solutions that resonate.

2. The "Yes" Hack (#8): Build rapport incrementally by securing small agreements along the way. This momentum-building approach – championed by sales legends like Tom Hopkins, J. Douglas Edwards, and Zig Ziglar – fosters trust and cooperation.

3. The Reciprocity Hack (#12): Establish trust and rapport by offering genuine support and assistance to candidates. By providing valuable insights and guidance, recruiters can earn the confidence of candidates, even if they're not ultimately the perfect fit.

These strategies underscore the importance of authenticity, empathy, and integrity in the recruiting process. Ultimately, our role as recruiters is not just to fill positions but to serve as trusted advisors, guiding candidates toward opportunities that align with their goals and aspirations.

Captivate serves as a valuable resource for honing these essential skills, reinforcing the fundamental principles of rapport-building and trust in any professional endeavor. Edwards’ hacks can help in all facets of daily life, but they can be especially pertinent in driver recruitment pursuits.

If we can help you with any of the strategies listed above please reach out – we're here to help you succeed.