Agenda for advice/referral meeting

1. Mr. ____________, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me.
(Present business card.) I assure you that I will take only a brief amount of your time.
2. My purpose in seeing you is to get your advice and counsel as I transition to the next phase of
my management career. I’m certainly not asking for a position, but as a successful leader in this
industry, I know you will have an opinion on how I should move forward. You have a view not
only to what’s going on in the industry today, but what the future holds and I want to ensure
that my career remains in sync as new trends evolve.
3. In the very near future I will begin a marketing campaign to locate a position where I can make a
significant contribution to a challenging and growing company. In order to reach my goals, I
need to know how my skills and abilities relate to today’s market and how I can best identify
those who would have an interest in talking with me. Finally, I need to ensure that my
campaign results in a move that keeps me in sync with the future of the industry. Perhaps
you’ve guessed by now that I am not someone who likes to stand still…moving forward is my
favorite direction.
4. To begin with, let me start by telling you just a little bit about myself and then I have some
questions about you, your business and the industry in general.
5. I have exceptional experience in a wide range of business environments, with significant
achievements in creating and building new business, developing new product lines and in
formulating and executing strategic projects. My management strengths lie in my ability to
organize, train, motivate and lead a wide range of people having varied personalities from
diverse backgrounds. Indispensable ingredients to my success have been my analytical talents
and effective and realistic goal setting combined with a consistent emphasis on bottom line
results.
6. That’s me. Now I would like to ask you several questions about yourself and your company. Do
you mind if I take a few notes?
7. I am sure you realize that you are something of a role model. How did you get started in this
business?
8. How did you develop your career?
9. Sounds as if you really love your work. What is there about this industry in general and your job
in particular that you like the most?
10. What are the key issues and changes in the industry today…particularly as they relate to your
business?
11. What does the future hold for your company and the industry? (Problems, solutions, trends,
etc.)
12. What are the typical management challenges or problems your company faces? (What solutions
are working?)
13. Where in the organization are these problems addressed? By whom?
14. How do companies in the industry find qualified candidates for senior level positions? (Your
company, for instance.)

15. That’s interesting and especially helpful. When I begin my campaign I want to be sure to target
not only the right businesses but the right people in those businesses so I don’t waste time…
theirs or mine.
16. Problem solving, creating and developing new businesses and products and developing an
organization of qualified and motivated people…these are the activities in which I have
substantial experience. My goal, of course, is to try to fit my talents and abilities in the right
organization. How do you see someone with my abilities fitting into a business like yours?

17. How would you recommend I proceed?

18. How can I identify decision-makers and leaders like yourself who could benefit from my
background and qualifications?

19. Can you recommend anyone that I should contact? (If so…may I use your name as an
introduction?)

20. I really appreciate the time you have spent with me. You have been very helpful.

With your permission, I would like to send you a copy of my resume. Should you learn of any other
opportunities that arise over the next few weeks you will be better able to recognize a potential
match. If you find yourself in a position to point me in the right direction as you have today, I would
be very appreciative.