John Sumser has a very clear idea of what he does and for whom, he just has a little trouble explaining it. If asked about his relationship with RecruitingBlogs.com, John will tell you, "I couldn't explain it to you in million years." But, trust me, it's something you want to know. About fifteen years ago, with Monster.com just peaking over the horizon, John started looking for jobs online. But instead of applying for these jobs, he started counting them, which led to keeping stats. It wasn't long before he started publishing those stats. Since then, John voraciously writes about the evolution of online recruiting almost every day.

What is the one word you would use to describe yourself? Seems a simple enough question but careful contemplation drew the answer "independent" from John, a philosophy major turned engineer who just wants to be free. He is quick to speak of the impact Jason Davis, founder of RBC, has made to the HR and Recruiting community. And John, like so many, has been caught in the centrifugal force that is Slouch.

You may be familiar with Sumser's ability to stir an already boiling pot, note the latest discussion started on Friday which has drawn over 150 responses. You may be less familiar with his deep-seeded love for this industry and his unique perspective that is so crystal clear, you can't believe you didn't already see it. John illustrates this when discussing Client Control. "The first thing, the most important thing you have to understand about a client is that the best relationships end. They are not friendships; this is business," teaches John. The adage, never put all your eggs in one basket, is a great way to further understand that the relationship is temporary and the end will come when you least expect it.

"Be building business all the time," John adds. Be active in this pursuit. There really is no way to prepare for the end of a client relationship, just know that it will end and don't be blind-sighted. "It allows you to succeed or causes you to fail, " he brilliantly divulges. This leads to what can be done to keep business flowing. Community. Network. John views networking less like a web and more like a river that we are all flowing down together, different things happening at different times. And he is quick to share anything he comes across, "I give everything away as soon as I discover it. I don't get to own an idea, everyone owns it."

"Create a flow, rather than have an end target, you gotta get the water running to the pump," His familiar use of imagery begins to take shape. "That is how the good word gets out," John continues, "The more you push out there, the more comes back to you." He claims it is not a religion, but truly it is. His beloved way of sharing marks the beatitudes of recruiting. The good word, indeed.




re⋅li⋅gion pronunciation [ri-lij-uh n] –noun
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.
3. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.