JobsbyFax.com

Going through an old issue (Jan/Feb 2006) of Office Solutions magazine, I came across an item about "JobsByFax"), a company that offers bulk resume distribution via fax. I looked it up online and was surprised to find it still in business, given that resume distribution via e-mail is now the norm. (They claim that faxing your resume to a prospective employer is a competitive advantage -- your resume will be "opened" because it comes through that way). I didn't read through the site enough to find out if they get permission from the employers to receive the faxes (although I did see that you can add or remove your fax number for free).

I found the site founder's story very interesting. Apparently, they used to fax 5,000+ companies each day with an advertising-supported "comic" of the day. But when the rules changed about unsolicited faxes, they had to change their business model. The question I have is -- why didn't they just go back to their existing list of 5,000+ companies and ask them to "opt-in" to receiving the faxes?

Has anyone used this service for their clients? I'd be interested in hearing your results.

Get Publicity - Ideas from CDI

Since my background is in Public Relations originally, I'm a big proponent of resume writers using publicity to increase their profile among prospective clients -- especially since advertising is so expensive.

I was reminded that Career Directors International has an extensive resource section for resume writers seeking publicity on their website.

Here are just a few ideas:

1. What is International Update Your Resume Month.

2. What is International Update Your References Week.

3. Popularity and acceptance of video resumes.

4. Challenges of resume writing for job seekers with new OFCCP rulings.

5. Cum laude can get your resume kicked out – resumes and SPAM.

And CDI's Laura DeCarlo reminds me that she is always willing to be interviewed as a second source for any stories you're involved with. Visit the CDI website for her contact information.

Thank You

Send a thank-you note when prospective clients request information (even if it's just an e-mail thank you). Send thank you's even to those prospects who decide not to take advantage of your services.

See if you can collect some information from prospects when they first contact you. At a minimum, you should get their name, phone number, and e-mail address. This will enable you to follow up with them until they make a decision about whether to retain your services.

Survey: Social Networks Attract Affluent Individuals

Thanks to Robyn Greenspan of ExecuNet for passing along the findings of this survey.

According to the latest Wealth Survey from the Luxury Institute, more than 60 percent of wealthy Americans (those with an average income of $287K and net worth of $2.1M) participate in online social networks -- compared with just 27 percent a year ago.

These affluent individuals are most likely members of 2.8 social networks (with roughly 110 connections). Those with even higher incomes belong to more social networks (3.4 on average).

Here are some of the most prominent social networking sites:

ExecuNet is a closed network which allows members to have a direct connection with thousands of senior-level business leaders.

LinkedIn: One of the most popular social networks for professionals.

Facebook: Originally for students, this network has grown to encompass more professional members -- but is still more often used by the Generation X and Y sets than the Baby Boomers.

I just found out about a new social networking service -- Ning -- that I'm experimenting with. I'll let you know what I think about it once I've had a chance to play around with it.