A powerful hack for your search is to build a list of companies you are interested in.
You will be surprised at how this simple tactic changes the dialog in your search and helps your network:
Better understand where you are focused
Quickly think through their conections for introductions they can make
More easily introduce you
When you have your account list, you will more quickly find connections to companies and accelerate your search.
I want to help but when executives aren't specific I struggle. You get 2 minutes of my brainpower. Make the ask specific." Top Seed-Stage VC
How to build your company list
Get clear on the criteria for your target companies
Start with a small list. Target 10-15 companies to start. You don’t need an exhaustive list. The goal is to show a thoughtful set of companies to guide suggestions of people who want to help you.
Build your initial list from Whispered’s Company Insights
Filter by size and stage of company
Further narrow by Geo and Space
Prioritize breakout companies
Review descriptions and confidential insights
Don't overthink it: It is more important to put A LIST together than have the list be perfect on day 1. As you go forward as you get negative information on companies you can remove them and as folks suggest new ones you can add them.
"If you are spending more than 1 week on your initial company list you are overthinking it." Whispered Founder
Add to the list from conversations: It is amazing to observe but when you list a few companies it gets people’s minds thinking and you’ll often leave a call with 3-5 new companies to research and potentially add to your list. After sharing 1-2 companies you are interested in (see below), always ask “What other companies do you think could be interesting?”
How to use your company list
Here are several tactics we’ve found highly effective to leverage your company list:
Share your 1 pager / company list after a call. It gives the person a simple ask and prompts them to think of connections they might otherwise not
Highlight 1-2 example companies in conversations with recruiters. They often make connections for top candidates to companies they don’t have active searches for. It is a great excuse for them to nurture relationships
Share a few portfolio companies on your list with talent partners. They love to hear which of their portfolio companies candidates are interested in. This often prompts them with ideas of connections they can make and they are very open to sending your resume to a company. You’ll often find this sparks deep insights from them about the company’s trajectory and leadership. These are great to add to the Company Insight Database and the dialog builds your relationship with the talent partner.
Put on your 1 pager: Link to your target company list to highlight how you are focusing. Airtable is great because you can create one public view to share - and another view with more info, just for yourself.
Integrate into your talk track: Have 1-2 companies to cite as mnemonics to help people understand and remember where you are focused. A great tactic is to use a sample target company to highlight the value you drive.
“When I spoke to recruiters during my last search, I’d consistently highlight my excitement to work at Zapier. I’d explain how my experience with high-velocity, data-driven companies would accelerate their sales model. After a few weeks, someone in my network connected me to the CEO of Zapier and we had a great discussion.” Whispered executive
Network in to companies on your list: Don't worry if there is an open role. We've consistently seen companies create roles for senior executives who have a sincere interest in the company and can communicate the value they bring. As you research who you know at a company you'll also be surprised at how many people you can check in with that you hadn't thought about beforehand. Use your interest in the specific company as an excuse to reach out.
"For each company that you are interested in, write a really nice email explaining why you are a really good fit for that company and send that to the person that you know and then they can just forward that on." Nick Mehta on Who Got Me Here podcast
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