Corporate Gatekeepers-- the good part

Mention the word gatekeeper and the image of godzilla with a club is more likely to pop into mind than a friendly ally ready to take your order. Everyone has had bad gatekeeper encounters, but that doesn't have to continue. Turn this inside out and look at role of triage agents from a different angle, you can actually see opportunities to convert them into your helpers even while assisting them to do their job and please their boss. What are gatekeepers there to do?  Not only keep out obviously unwanted inquiries, but also to select those making requests that have potential value. Here's your chance to get the welcome mat spread-- present a value proposition that unmistakably intrigues the gatekeeper, encourages them to let you pass and convinces them you are a "safe bet." It's not just what you say but how you say it. In a recent interview with Peter Clayton at LandedRadio, I described techniques to build confidence and enhance gatekeeper interactions.  I actually enjoy the process of winning a gatekeeoer's approval because it gets me that much closer to connecting with the person with whom I need to Network Purposefully establishing a relationship that will produce leads to unadvertised jobs. So don't shy away from meeting strangers, they could be your new friend or your new boss's administrative assistant.