The ruse call or Networking.. which is more efficient?

Too often on the public recruiting networks one will note a prominent promotion of the ruse call. When I read these posts, I am profoundly curious as I don’t understand the purpose or need of the ruse call.

So I wonder, do people pump up the ruse call because they don’t understand the art of networking? Is it because they haven’t been able to see the benefits for themselves? 

Or is it because they don’t know how to make a strong Networking Call, where to make that call, and how to gain the required information? Maybe they don’t understand the Real Art of Recruiting. The purpose, the real Value of our industry?

That has to be it.. Let’s look at sales for example — In sales, there are people who can knock on any door, and they will walk away with that paper signed. Is it a gift? Do they really believe in the product that they are selling and they are able to have people see it? Do they understand their industry really well? Are they always in that Zone.. like the basketball player who can make EVERY basket, none stop..

I had been a recruiter for over 5 years the first time I heard of the Ruse call. Someone even played out a script for me – wow, this seemed fascinating.. but you know what, it just didn’t feel right. Did I want my name to be associated immediately with a lie? What if I wanted to do business again with that company, or my voice was recognized.. What if..

I have been looking at Porsche 911’s for some time.. targa roof, fuche wheels – I have been putting it off for years - I realize that my new name would be Michelle Andretti. Just won’t be able to sit behind that wheel and not push that envelope.. So, I am waiting to mature a bit more. Well, in a way, that may be why I can’t do the ruse call either.. Gaining company information via a lie could be considered illegal. Do I want to take that chance. Is it worth it? Shoot, do I want to deal/afford with the potential legal issues that could come from this all, even if it were in my favor?

Okay, a bit paranoid, I admit.. but then I also thought what was the purpose? Why would I need to do this. Gee, wasn’t the tools currently implemented working for me today? Gee, not only was there names to be gotten, but in all the networking that was implemented there was so much that was gained. New Clients were made with each call, got to meet individuals who became great friends, who will help me with referrals with one call. Name recognition is awesome as well.. goodness, I don’t remember when I had to make a marketing call to find Work!

Networking may take some time, but if done well, done right, a strong reputation is built; one that puts You above the rest of the competitors, as an expert in your industry. The phone rings because people remember you, they trust you, and they refer you to your friends.

Sure the Ruse call may work, but there is so much lost from it.. is it worth it?? Is it really necessary? Wouldn’t it be easier to refine the networking Skills instead? Refine the art of reaching out and touching someone?..

My thoughts..

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ABOUT KAREN MATTONEN, CAC, CSP 

Karen is an experienced, successful recruiter who operates her own business and is actively involved in many industry organizations and activities. Her recruiting career began with Snelling Corporation. In 1998, after a successful tenure as a recruiter with Snelling, Karen struck out on her own, founding Advanced Career Solutions (ACS). ACS focuses on recruiting for the HVAC Industry.

 Karen has achieved accreditation as a California Accredited Consultant (CAC) through California Staffing Professionals. She has also gained her Certified Staffing Professional Certificate (CSP) through American Staffing Professionals. (www.americanstaffing.net)

Karen has a new and future-oriented vision of what recruiting can and should become: a profession we can be proud of for its ethical standing, professional conduct and ability to build great organizations. Her doing-well-by-doing-right philosophy is shaking up the status quo in an industry that needs to be shaken. She does this with conviction, leadership, and a distinctive voice that cries out for change.

Karen was a co-creator of the landmark webinar event – “EEOC Discrimination Debate.” This event featured senior members of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and staffing industry experts discussing and debating difficult issues about discrimination in today’s workplace environment. Company executives, hiring managers, recruiters, and human resource professionals from across the United States were invited to participate in the free Webinar and live panel discussion.

Karen also served as one of the panelists on the discussion team in the March, 2006 event.As co-host of the popular podcast “The Recruiters Lounge,”Karen discusses her frank opinions on the recruitment industry with her co-host, Jim Stroud.