DISCLAIMER: First and foremost, I don't condone excessive partying under most circumstances and never condone domestic violence or abuse in any form so spare me the moral and judgmental responses.  I live in a glass house.

 

"We are all born originals - most of us die a copy" - Abraham Lincoln

 

Many consider Charlie Sheen a playboy, a genius, an addict, honest, an abuser, a top actor and in some circles, simply crazy.  Perhaps all may true to varying degrees.  But by any standard, Charlie Sheen is an original.  And being such, he was the highest paid television actor (and seems that will continue...see below), he's sold out arenas...is the top story on every tabloid news channel...has the fastest growing twitter account in history (and commands 5K to simply reference a product in his tweets) and by no coincidence, rumor has it CBS wants to bring him back, with a raise!

 

Lessons learned:

1)  Be an original.  Copies can be replicated and as such are cheaper the more you make.

2)  Be honest, regardless of the ramifications.  You'll sleep better and be more respected.

3)  Having the best product will always supersede having the best service.  Think Soup Nazi!

4)  The squeaky wheel gets the grease.  These sayings were made up for a reason.

5)  Any press is good press.  See #4

6)  Focus on "Winning".  Based on the above, looks like he's right.

 

How to parallel this to recruiting? 

 

1)  Propose something unique.  Saying you work harder, have the best technology, have the best people, and saying you work with the best candidates...just makes you look stupid (to anyone who will fill your pockets)!

2)  If you have a superior product, clients will tolerate slips in service.  The reverse is not true!  Clients can care less about updates and emails about failure and how hard you're working...they want product, results.  I recall one of my bosses who would get to work before anyone and leave after everyone.  Some would say he worked hard...others would say he worked slow.

3)  If a client screws you, tell them so and move on.  Otherwise, you've given them a license. 

4)  Do anything you can to get your name out there.  Be memorable and brand, brand, brand.  I've met 100's of recruiters...but I only remember one.  A guy walking up and down wall street during the recession with a sandwich board with all the wall street jobs he's working on.  I remember him!

5)  Keep your eye on the prize...MONEY!  Don't be so pretentious as to believe this isn't the measure of success.  Frankly, it's the only measure.  And for those who wrap themselves in the Snuggie with hot cocoa on a Sunday afternoon and catch up on Oprah re-runs thinking the best measure is making the right fit, think again.  If you are making the right fit, you're making the most money.

 

Fill your veins with Tiger Blood, people!