Here’s Part Four of the PharmBoard.com 5-Day MiniCourse designed to get you off to a great start on your search for a job as a
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.

ABSTRACT

—-> Networking guru Harvey Mackay said it best. Networking really is about building a list of people you can count on, but
even close friends and family have other things on their minds than you getting a pharma sales job. You have to follow up!

PART FOUR: THE NETWORKING LINCHPIN

The best piece of sales advice I ever received was this,

“Always leave yourself a reason to return!”

It seems a little cryptic but in reality, it’s as clear as the Montana sky. You see, even though there is no one you can count
on more than your mom, even she has more things to do than to just help you get a pharma job. She’ll need to be reminded.

But here’s the linchpin, reminders are more effective if they come as no surprise. “What,” you say. “Another cryptic message?”

I promise, I’m not trying to be sneaky. Here you go, plain and simple . . .

1. Review step #5 from Day 3 of the 5-Day Minicourse.

(FYI - it says “Ask your family and friends if they (a)know anyone who is in the field and/or (b)would keep
their eyes and ears open for related information and opportunities.”)

2. Leave yourself a reason to follow up with them. It’s as simple as saying, at the end of the call, “Listen John,
I really appreciate you helping me out with this. I knew I could count on you. I’ll catch up with you in a week or
so to see if you’ve run across anyone or anything that might give me a leg up.”

I know, I know. You’re saying, “Ryan, I talk to my mom every day. She’ll remember.”

I understand that but the linchpin is not just about giving you an opening to call back - you don’t need that with your mom. It’s [mostly] about making your contacts accountable for what you’ve asked them to do.

The one small promise to follow up (as we’ve made to John) will embed a little radar in his brain that subconciously causes him to pay special attention to the commitment he made to you to keep his eyes and ears open for related information and opportunities.

Trust me. This works.

If you find this site helpful, please send a link to your career services department so your fellow alumni know about PharmBoard too! I've already written the message for you. :)