Why My Staffing Firm is Kicking Your Butt

Last week several people from our staffing firm attended the American Staffing Association conference in New Orleans. As the owner of both a staffing firm (Dawson Resources) and a video technology firm (TalentRooster) I was able to observe from a unique angle. Our staffing firm is based in Ohio, where the economy couldn't be worse, yet our business couldn't be better, which got me thinking.... Clearly I'm no smarter than other owners, so what are we doing better? Following are the top 10 reasons why we are enjoying success:

1. Culture. People love working here - average tenure is 4 years+

2. Technology. We provide smart phones and remote access to our ATS, enabling them 24/7 access to everything.

3. Technology. We represent EVERY candidate with video and it's been a game changer.

4. Culture. Our dress code is business casual and jeans on Friday.

5. Culture. We provide fresh baked cookies and bottled water to our candidates.

6. Technology. We drug test (on site), background check and video ALL candidates we hire.

7. Culture. We play music at work!

8. Culture. Employees are empowered to make decisions and run lines of business.

9. Culture. If a client is locked in on lowest price or abusive to staff, we walk.

10. Culture. We host quarterly events offsite, for staff to blow some steam and have fun!

It turns out that culture and technology are what it takes to be successful in staffing today. Sadly, few owners truly understand the importance of these two components and they will continue to run mediocre firms.

Comment by Kerin Colby on October 18, 2011 at 9:48am: I wish you were based in South Jersey! I'd love to work for a company like yours!!

Comment by David DeCapua on October 18, 2011 at 9:56am: that's funny! Yes, in America most companies require a drug test before a candidate can begin working. In my opinion it's a monumental waste of time, but you know this business - you do what the client dictates.....

Comment by Charlotte Byndas on October 18, 2011 at 10:03am: Terrific Tuesday to you,

It is so nice to hear from a "lover" of our profession. Number seven made me laugh out loud. I can never figure out a company in which attitude is connected to results that does not allow for music. Music can make even a challenging day seem better.

Bravo to your team on a great year!

Comment by Leigh Cosgrove on October 18, 2011 at 10:08am: Point 9 is the way that all staffing solutions companies should work!

Comment by David DeCapua on October 18, 2011 at 10:14am: Agreed. Sadly we've shot ourselves in the foot by competing on price - now it's all clients lock in on.

Comment by Darryl Dioso on October 18, 2011 at 10:24am: Would love to hear how #3 has helped you with clients. I find so many are reluctant to try it for fear of "discrimination". Can you share? Maybe offline? My email is ddioso@rmgmtsolutions.com.

Comment by Nick Lagos on October 18, 2011 at 10:42am: Nice to read about a business (not-withstanding the fact that it’s a recruiting firm) that understands the value of its employees. Shared success (both tangible and less tangible rewards), shared responsibility and empowers
its employees (how novel). Give professionals the training and tools to do their jobs, then, have the “brains” to get out of the way.

Forget that you’re talking about a recruiting firm, this formula works for any business.

Great post, thanks for sharing.

Comment by Tim Spagnola on October 18, 2011 at 10:45am: I would love to hear more about #3 too. It makes so much sense that this would really make a submittal stand out. What tools are you using (if you don't mind me asking)?

Comment by David DeCapua on October 18, 2011 at 11:11am: TalentRooster.com - check it out. Works like a charm - we love it! Will blow up your business!!

Comment by Francois Guay on October 18, 2011 at 4:40pm: Congrats on your companies success. It is all about the work and cultural environment,. Pay and perks only keep you so long.