How to Hire A-Players: Finding the Top People for ... - GIT home page

Industry Conferences and Continuing
Education
Don’t Just Sit There. Reach Out! 83
A-Player Principle: People want to follow the Big Dogs in
their industry. If you have been successful, take the time to
give back to business and professional groups. The A-players
you meet will make this time investment pay off.
Several years ago, I was talking with the partners of a civil engineering
firm about strategies for creating an A-player team. They mentioned
that they hated sending their top employees to the
continuing education classes that were required in their industry.
At these classes, their best employees rubbed shoulders with executives
from the competition, and some of these relationships inevitably
resulted in job offers. The recruiters in chief from these
competitive firms were out in force—and this firm was sending
their best employees right into their sights.
While you usually can’t pull your employees out of these events,
you can turn them to your advantage. Get everyone in your business
who participates in these events focused on identifying and
connecting with A-players. If you don’t talk up the importance of
this relationship building, most of your people will never give it a
second thought. Remember your A-player mind-set, and remind
everyone that these events are full of A-players who could be big
contributors to your company. Starting on the morning of the first
session and continuing the length of the event, your team should be
on the lookout for the next addition to your company. I don’t care if
you are tired after a day of boring lectures—go to the bar with
everyone and hang out. You are just one conversation away from
finding your next A-player.
This does not mean that you or your people should be aggressive
recruiters at these events. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Adopt a laidback
attitude with everyone you meet and avoid mentioning
employment opportunities at your company. Just connect with