Might seem like an odd question...
... but I was lucky enough to get an informational interview with a senior banker (through a close family friend). I left a message with the person asking to meet with them to gain some insight into their profession and experiences, which was pretty standard, but I might have ended the VM with something to the effect of: "(family friend) speaks of you very highly, he thought you would be a wonderful resource."
I had mentioned the call to a friend of mine, and his face turned white when I mentioned that I used the word "resource". I haven't received a response from the senior banker, and it has been a few days.
Granted, I'm sure this person is very busy, but would any of you be "put off" or offended if you were referred to by someone you didn't know as a "resource"? I know it sounds a bit sensitive to worry about something so minute, but I was wondering what you all thought.
Thanks.
Why would that have made his face turn white? What's wrong with resource?
My friend said that it sounds like I'm "using" him.
Which, I guess, makes sense on a basic level... But then again, isn't that kind of assumed? I mean, I'm contacting him to gain some insight into the field, and draw from his wealth of experience to help guide my career in its professional infancy. If he thinks I'm a great fit for his firm, or he knows someone else I should speak to, I'd certainly take him up on his generous help. So I guess I'd be "using" him in that regard?
Language, as in all areas of business and life, is extremely important but especially critical when speaking to senior level ppl. The last thing they want is some college kid talking down to them. "Resource" to these guys are analysts and associates.
i agree with blah123 on this. although to you and me, using the word "resource" may not seem that big of a deal, when you are a senior banker it is. it stems from the fact that the senior banker uses that word to describe his support staff (vps, analysts, associates). He himself is not a resource to you but may be a resource to his clients and higher ups.
Chalk one up to my ignorance, I guess. Crap. Any ideas on damage control? I was thinking of sending a follow-up e-mail that was especially pleasant/grateful to put me in my place, so to speak. I'd have to make sure to not sound too fake, of course, but that's the only idea that comes to mind.. Any thoughts?
I wouldn't do anything at this point. He'll think nothing more than that you're young and inexperienced, thus you used a poor choice of words. Wait for his response, or if you don't hear anything back (say by next Monday) - follow up with that email. A phone call and then an email is too much, but I wouldn't apologize for the 'resource' comment unless he says something (he won't).
Honetly, I don't think it's that big of a deal - just wouldn't recommend it from here on out.
I'd be willing to bet that he hasn't responded because he's got about 1,000 other things on his plate right now. Probably didn't even listen to your whole message - either way, shouldn't be a big deal.
It's no big deal...People tend to over react here
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