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By Root 587 0

give me the experience I need with a highly successful business. The Opportunity News is looking to feature prominent businesspeople and this would be free publicity for you.

He: That’s something we can always use. But only three months? What if we want you to stay?

You: Let’s see how it goes. You’re under no obligation. I’m here to help and learn!

He’s in forest fuzzyville.

The fourth question he might ask but doesn’t care about:

He: Do I pay you?

You (smiling): Yes, you pay me.

He: How much?

You: Whatever you think I’m worth.

Pay is a relative term, counterbalanced with the answers to the other three questions. It’s a tax-deductible afterthought.

That’s why we don’t obsess about pay or negotiate it with the instant approach (until we’re deciding between multiple gigs). If we don’t like the deal, we instant interview out.

Since offerors naturally want who they can’t have—and you’re irresistible—they ratchet up the offers.

Whatever he offers, you say, “I’ll have to think about it. I have other offers pending.” (You do if you’re an I.I.)

Now you know what intern really means.

Instant interviews!

Do 76: Zipping Through It All at City Hall

You can zip through any city hall within a few hours. It generates an average of nine interview leads.

I learned the way to do this in courthouses. Respecting and learning from the clerks wins cases.

Go on a weekday afternoon when you’re done with your 16 instants for the day. You’ll get more news than you can use in a day. Replenish your supply of business cards from your car. You’ll make good use of them.

Look at the directory, and make a few notes about the rooms where you’ll find . . .

Business License Department

You’ll see the people applying for licenses milling around the counter. These are usually startup business enterprises.

Be friendly and ready to assist a likely offeror. Maybe she needs a pen or help with the forms. General genie gifts (Do 1).

Get excited for her. People starting a new business hear “It’ll never work” very often. You’re about to have a magic moment.

Go from Magic Four Hello to Magic Four Goodbye seamlessly. Then when she turns in the forms and leaves, grade her business card or paper, go up to the counter, and look for the most likely person to tell you everything he knows.

Ask:

What new businesses have filed in the past week? (Take notes. There’s always paper around.)

Where is your list of filings?

Do you know anyone who could use assistance?

Business licenses are public records, so the clerks talk freely. They see everyone who’s opening, changing ownership, changing business names, or moving.

A big source of information. Leave your card for sure.

Building Inspection Department

Inspectors are usually back from their rounds in the afternoon. You can set your watch by their discipline.

With the exception of home-based businesses, every new, remodeling, or expanding business deals with these cops.

They can be brutal in enforcing the codes and—like police—off-duty they make up for lost friendliness.

When you meet inspectors informally, they’re basic taxi drivers (Do 36). Very knowledgeable, down-to-earth, people-people who will help you in any way they can.

Try to get an invitation to go behind the counter into his office. Say, “Would you mind if we talk in your office for a few minutes?” He won’t refuse—it’s his office. He can sit and relax with someone who actually wants to talk to him.

If you’re looking for interviews with any building-based business, it’s hard to envision a better lead source.

Parks and Recreation Department

This is usually a very open, informal place where people sign up for activities.

There’s a wealth of information available.

You’ll probably also see flyers and calendars that include business meetings, company picnics, and expos.

Take whatever information looks promising.

Then ask a likely offeror, “Who do you know that’s looking for someone to help with any of these things?”

Your list of names