Introducing Your Organization
Introducing your organization effectively is a key first step in building trust and establishing a productive partnership with employers. A clear and engaging introduction helps employers understand the value of workforce development services and how these services can meet their unique hiring needs. Successful introductions go beyond the basics by aligning the organization’s mission with the employer’s goals, providing a compelling reason for collaboration.
Key Points of Alignment
Many workforce organizations in Chicago approach initial introductions in a structured, mission-focused way. Here are shared practices across organizations:
Emphasis on Mission Alignment: Organizations often highlight mission alignment with employers, emphasizing shared goals around workforce inclusivity, community impact, and skill-building. This alignment helps position workforce services as beneficial to the employer’s hiring objectives and long-term workforce development goals.
Clear Value Proposition: Most organizations provide a concise overview of their value proposition, focusing on specific benefits such as training programs, financial incentives, or hiring subsidies. This helps employers quickly understand the advantages of partnering and clarifies how the organization can address their workforce needs.
Tailored Messaging for Employer Audiences: Workforce organizations tailor their initial messaging based on the employer’s industry, size, and specific challenges. This targeted approach ensures that each introduction resonates with the employer and emphasizes the most relevant services, fostering a connection from the first interaction.
Unique Approaches by Organizations
National Able Network: Focuses initial conversations on understanding employer workforce needs, skills demands, and training interests. Takes a strengths-based approach that emphasizes shared goals. Read more here.
Employment & Employer Services (E&ES): Uses simplified website intake forms followed by personalized outreach. Business account executives take a sales-oriented approach to relationship building. Read more here.
Chicago DFSS: Partners with World Business Chicago and skills-focused organizations to make warm introductions. Maintains basic employer records in ECM database. Read more here.
Cook County Bureau of Economic Development: Takes a program-specific approach, customizing introductions based on specific initiatives and funding streams. Uses Rise Kit platform to track engagement. Read more here.
Cara Collective: Employs comprehensive research and relationship-building playbook. Focuses on finding mission alignment and demonstrating clear value proposition through concrete examples. Read more here.
