Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sandy White on January 6, 2009 at 9:20pm

Irina,
Having just started my recruiting business (I was laid off December 3rd), I focused on what I knew (Sales and HR) to get my business going .. and the internet and a telephone is all you need after this ! I have had the advantage of being in the same industry for many years and worked to renew, and make new, contacts .. as well as letting others in my network know what I was doing. I also talked to as many people as possible who, I knew, would help me to spread a 'positive' word about my new venture .. and who were connected in the industry. I also feel there should be some flexibility in the beginning to find a niche (industry, services offered, etc). Keep in mind this isn't the voice of experience, just my thoughts.

The results of these efforts to date? I had my first contingency contract in place, with an international company, approximately 2 weeks after I was laid off, to fill their Sales and Human Resources roles. Days later, I landed an opportunity to recruit for another organization on a retained search basis (Sales and HR again) and signed an agreement to work with another recruiter (split agreement) just today .. working positions in areas that 'I know best'. A couple of additional contingency contracts are in a pending state.

Too much information? .. possibly .. but it will give others a feel for the activity level that it took to get me where I am after one month of targeted activity.

I'll save my biggest challenges for another day .. operations !

Wishing all a profitable '09 !
Sandy White
Sandler Careers
832-515-3725

Permalink Reply by Slouch on January 9, 2009 at 10:41am

i would suggest picking up the phone and start dialing and don't stop.

Permalink Reply by pam claughton on January 13, 2009 at 5:12pm

I agree with Slouch. There's really no shortcuts, just pick up the phone, smile and dial. Email works too, especially when combined w/phone followup. Just be strategic in who you call, see if you know anyone at the company who you can check with to introduce you, that's the best way, and then just targeting companies that you want to work with. It really is a numbers game.

Good luck!
~Pam