EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE: BUILDING BETTER PARTNERSHIPS Get involved in the  planning stages Send in your big guns Understand and respect employer’s urgency Identify a primary VR staff member for each company Spend more time discussing candidates for jobs that are currently open Make extensive accommodations the exception rather than the rule Tour the company and keep information about the positions Learn the “culture” of the company Do not underestimate the importance of human resources EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE: APPROACHING EMPLOYERS Place a high priority on creating professional marketing materials Professionally train your VR personnel in sales skills Recognize that every contact with a company is marketing and reflects upon the people you represent Become an entity the company can rely on Make every contact with a recruiter count Understand that approaching employers also means receiving them Avoid gimmick marketing Get involved in networking opportunities Evaluate the corporate connections you have in your community Use senior-level VR staff to establish high level relationships Match the level of marketer to the level of the person with whom you are meeting Market to each company individually EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE: MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS Place a high priority on maintaining relationships Nonsuccessful referrals damage the potential for a long-term relationship with a company Establish your entity as a resource to employers Take the time to learn about a company Develop a marketing budget that buys time with employers Use business advisory committees wisely