"I want to be successful when I grow up". Isn't that what we are taught at an early age? When you are younger you aspire to do so much and achieve so many great things. You are full of vigor and stamina. You have goals, and you start knocking them down one by one. You are determined to be somebody. You are determined to make a difference.

One thing I have really learned over the years is that the definition of success can be polar opposite from one individual to another. As I have been on this site for going on 2 years, I have noticed the differences of opinions. The one thing that remains true though, is that we are all similar in one way. We are recruiters. We are all passionate about the recruiting profession.

You see, there are many different types of recruiters. There are 3rd party recruiters, corporate recruiters, independent agents, "headhunters". Oh who am I kidding!! You can call it whatever the hell you want. Our job is to find and place the BEST TALENT.

We argue. We disagree. We agree. We praise. We bitch and moan. We attack when we feel passionate.

The point is though, even though we are seeking the same talent, I beleive the #1 difference (even though we are all doing the same thing) is how we define what success is. What we do, what we believe, and how we go about doing our business from day to day is how we are different.

I am certain the topic of success and why we all got into recruiting in the first place has been discussed. Why? I was part of many of those debates and even started some of those discussions.
As someone who has been in the field since 1995, I know things have changed. Drastically. I know there are better ways of doing things than others. So, my answer to what success is? Longevity. If you can survive the pitfalls- the good times and the bad, then you have achieved success in this business.

So as Matt Charney, Tim Spagnola, Noel Cocca, Nicole Greenberg Strecker re-invent (and are doing a kick ass job) Recruiting Blogs, be cognizant of your audience. We are all playing for the same team. We have a lot to learn from each other and even though your definition of success may be different than mine.... We are all doing the same damn thing! Placing people!

Now- that I went on a rant, I would love to get the tired and true conversation going again with so many new members and old- time RBC members. Give me your best shot. Do me a favor though, be more creative than money. We can make money in any profession.