Last fall I was invited to a Melaleuca Party. Of course, I didn't know what a Melaleuca Party was, but I was assured by my friend (and hostess of the event) that I would enjoy myself. I should have known it would be a different kind of party than I'm used to when she told me to arrive on a Saturday morning at 11:00!

I must say I did enjoy myself. Melaleuca products are solid via the "party" form of distribution (think Tupperware parties of the seventies). A great presentation was given and the products all seemed excellent. They ranged from vitamins and dietary supplements to all types of skin and food products. And, as someone who takes lots of vitamins and for whom homeopathic remedies are my default, I was "predisposed," as they say.

But the party took a very interesting turn at the end of the presentation and subsequent order-taking.

Instead of packing up her suitcase and heading for the snacks in the other room, our presenter went on to give a very polished and compelling message for us to consider joining the ranks of Melaleuca salespeople around the world.

She told the history of the Company and the philosophy of the founders. She clearly stated their values and their commitment to quality products in a socially responsible environment. Tapping into those values, she described how she quit her HR job at the local Microsoft office, made an investment of time and money getting up to speed on the products, was now "her own boss" and totally independent of anyone's scrutiny of her work, and how she was being rewarded financially beyond her wildest dreams. She urged us all to seriously consider making a career move similar to hers.

I must admit, it was compelling. But seeing as I already have one job that fulfills my needs (and takes up most of my time!), I took a pass. But, I liked her effort!


Purchasing or Recruiting?

And that's the point — I liked her effort to recruit me.

It was refreshing to see someone genuinely excited about what they are doing and proceed to actively recruit. Why? Because I think that some companies, who may have very compelling opportunities, do not tell their stories with enough enthusiasm.

Instead they view the hiring function as much less engaging and exciting, very similar to the purchasing function — only it's human beings and their talents that they're purchasing. And without that compelling message, they miss a golden opportunity to enthusiastically draw great people into their companies.


Three Good Reasons

Here are three good reasons why your recruiting message should be as compelling as our Melaleuca lady's was:

1. It gets top candidates to look at your company. If you want top talent to leave their current job to join you, then you had best give them an excited, compelling reason to do that. You are recruiting someone to leave the security of where they are a top performer and join your ranks. You won't be able to do that with a mediocre message.

2. It creates buzz. Your recruiting message gives you a chance to talk up your company and create a "buzz" in the market for it. Even though I didn't join the Melaleuca sales ranks, I'm still talking about the company.

3. It keeps your existing team jazzed about your company. Remember, your employees can get recruited out too! A great recruiting message is a wonderful retention tool as well. Telling the story over and over again about the exciting things that are happening and the bright future of your company not only attracts top talent, it also goes a long way toward keeping your top players.