Having recently joined The Tuttle Agency to "recruit, develop business, and brand...," Steve Levy is eager to talk about his position there and seems to have this whole talking thing down pat. As engaging as he is, his witty subtlety usually borders on sarcasm. You gotta be quick, in mind and spirit to keep up with Steve. His consultative nature quickly disarms you, as does his wit and speed. You better be quick.

Steve's experience includes having to lay-off up to 7,000 employees. Not an easy task when you care about people. His determination to justify each lay-off proves his desire to do right by people. And it may just be why he so enjoys recruitment. It feels better. His engineer mind is like a strategic trap to the unsuspecting soul, so be prepared, if possible, for anything. In the middle of a phone conversation he stopped and revealed, "This is the corner I was standing on when the first tower fell." Referencing 9/11, he clearly holds precise moments close and uses them to interact and create impressionable bonds.

One is the loneliest number, for sure. Ask any recruiter that has worked out of a home office on their own. "I was bordering on recruiting eccentricity," aren't we all? Steve takes those times and attaches them to his stories and creates a brand that is impressionable and right off the bat, you know where he stands. Laying this level of vulnerability before a client is captivating and he calls it "Zen Recruiting." The old quality over quantity thing rings true in his words, "Getting that important face time, that is how people get to know you." And trust you. If a client doesn't trust you or your ability, what do you have? Whatever it is, you won't have it for long.

Looking at things analytically allows for improvement. The single most important thing a recruiter can do? Establish your brand. When speaking with clients, Steve will assure them with, "You are not hiring me to be an external recruiter, you are hiring me to be an employee, with a lot at stake." He is passionate about making this point, "I recruit for a company as if I were the CEO out there recruiting for his own company. I am the company. What we do (recruit) has a strong impact on the company. Getting commitment to this suggestion from the Hiring Manager can be a little tough. Steve likes to remind that, "You hire people to solve problems. " Figure out what the problems are and, voilá! you have a job description. Simplified conversations about the job lead to better understanding about the type of candidates this Hiring Manager wants. Better communication, imagine that?

"Positivity is just as contagious as negativity." Words that describe a way to engage individuals in every aspect of your life. Former engineer, current recruiter/consultant, and, get this, active lifeguard (since 1977). You get the impression that doing something for the sheer joy of it takes on a whole new meaning. There are no assumptions, there are no competitions or metrics, just simple joy. Take it, lead with it, and drive this message home with clients- I am the company, I am here for you, and I want what you want: the right hire.