* Peel Back Search

Let's say that you've used X-Ray technique and found 400 links. One of those links (e.g., http://www.host.com/group/members/mybio1) points to a corporate site on which several individuals have their biographies. Of course, you can guess that if this one biography matches your needs, there might be other biographies with similar qualifications.

At this point, you can use Peel Back technique. This technique takes one result from previous two searches and drills down into site. It not only reduces amount of time you spend looking at each biography, but it also bypasses any specific walls in place that prevent you from prowling site (e.g., a 403 browser error).

Look at 'members' path in URL. There may be other members of group inside that folder. To take a look, "peel URL back" until it reads http://www.host.com/group/members. In hopes of viewing a list of pages, you press Enter key. Instead, you get '403 Error Message' that tells you that you're forbidden from viewing directory. This usually happens when Web server is setup to prevent 'directory browsing' and there are no default pages (e.g., index.html, default.html, etc.)

To resolve this, you peruse directory indirectly. You already know that biography page is on 'host:host.com' and you know that there is a folder named 'members' in URL. Using this information, you can go to AltaVista and perform an X-Ray search using 'host:host.com AND url:members'. This will return all pages on 'host.com' with 'members' in URL. Viola!

--- Becoming Proficient ---

It is important to use and understand techniques presented so that you can become a proficient Internet Sourcer. The best way to exercise your new talent is to locate various job descriptions on numerous job-posting sites. Prepare a set of keywords from job descriptions and execute various search techniques. Try to fine-tune search to acquire as many specific and relevant resumes as possible.

Additionally, it's important to follow a set of guidelines to provide a professional presentation when looking for and performing various Internet Sourcing opportunities. A subset of some of these general rules is listed below to give you a jump-start on your new career:

- Don't search to find out what you're searching for. To make better use of your time, make sure that you have a solid grasp of target search and expected results.

- Many times, when performing search, keywords at target links are available as used in search keywords. In other cases, however, you'll have to translate search criteria to find most possible returns.

- Start with a small search string that returns a large number of pages. By tuning search iteratively, your string grows and number of returns decrease. Make sure that as string grows, it doesn't become convoluted or contain misspellings. However, also take into account misspellings as some words are misspelled in common ways at target Web sites.

- Assemble your resources to ensure that you can perform a successful search. These resources include bookmarks to search engines, a method of tracking searches, keywords for target search, a list of competitors and their URLs, association sites, universities, company profiles, industry resources, and sites specific to a given discipline.

- Understand and use your techniques for effective and efficient searches. Use advanced search services at various search engines and understand how to apply each technique to each engine.

- Continue working with and learning new search techniques---it is imperative to your success as an Internet Sourcer. Also, visit recruiter-specific sites to read on their latest trends and requirements so that you can stay up to speed with industry.

--- Finding a Job ---

As far as jobs are concerned, once you acquire some experience, go to Jobvertise (http://www.jobvertise.com/) and search for 'Internet Sourcer' and 'Internet Sourcing'. From returned job list, you'll be able to either locate a position or find other keywords that can help you fine-tune your search.

As an added bonus, from information presented, you now know how to best organize your resume to reach largest audience and announce your new profession as an Internet Sourcer. Prepare a searchable resume based on this information and, pretty soon, every recruiter will know your name!

--- What's next? ---

Obviously, in a short article there is no way I can make you an instant expert, but I did provide you with basic information to get you started. Now, you can go out on Web and search information presented here to find additional references and enhance your knowledge of this new position! >From my own experiences, Internet Sourcing is a lot of fun and you can make a reasonable amount of money performing contract Internet Sourcing services.

One of problems of information overload is trying to absorb information on too many subjects. Distraction is a bad thing that happens to all of us. You can avoid getting distracted if you set a goal, focus on that goal, and nothing else but that goal, until you've achieved it.

The other reason for information overload, that I can think of, is big rush to make money. Have you ever known someone that is involved in a MLM program? They are incredibly enthusiastic for a week or two, maybe even a few months, but as time goes by they slow down and eventually they give up.

Why is that? It's because their *drive* was all about fast buck. Their commitment was not based on a true job change. If their desire was to change their employment over to that particular MLM program, then it would change their whole outlook.

However, because they do not see fast money and huge checks promised within a few months, they give up.

Don't be in a hurry to make a fast buck on Internet. Think of this as your new job. It's not temporary; it's going to be something you're going to build over time. And in time it will be very good to you and you will earn money.

Did I say earn? Yes, that's it. You will **earn** money. The fast buck is not earned. People who make fast money just happen to be in right place at right time.

So, learn what you need to know. Try to focus on that subject until you understand it well enough to apply it. Then and only then move on to your next task or goal.

Keep information overload in check. It's a must for any marketer. Stay focused and you'll reach your goals.