What are the best ways to find and connect with potential interim assignments?

I Would also say my split is 50/50. Out of the agencies although I'm connected with many, its usually the same few that get me work, in principal due to the rapport built up over the years.

Having a good Linkedin profile is super important for us, who work with Executive Interim Management, to find the right candidate. It must be clear in the header that you are an interim and what role you have, for examle "interim CFO", and not just consultant, interim manager, change leader etc.

Cold Outreach Don't hesitate to send personalized emails or LinkedIn messages to companies you admire or organizations that align with your interests. Express your interest in interim work and highlight your relevant skills.

As an interim manager you bring expertise, experience, certifications, etc. But the most important asset you bring is yourself, your personality. Make sure to show specifically your personality in your online presence.

Aside from your online presence, it is paramount to have some real world connections that can lead to your first customer assignment when you're starting out. Getting the first customer is the single most important wall to scale when setting out.

Previous assignments and managers will remember you and come back to you. Even when they change companies. If you have worked with other interim managers they will give their recommendations if you’re skills are needed for a mandate they can’t fill.

Your network is the trusted advisor for your next client. The dynamics of a network contribute to quality: a recommendation of your network creates both shared and additional commitment.

Your network is very important and do keep in touch regularely. Linkedin is a good way - send a message with an update to former clients, colleagues, Interim Management providers etc.

Harnessing the power of your existing network is not just a suggestion; is a strategic imperative for anyone seeking meaningful interim assignments. Your contacts are more than just names in a database; They are potential doors to new opportunities. By proactively engaging with former clients, colleagues, employers, mentors and peers, you not only strengthen professional relationships but also open doors to a wealth of possibilities.

Interim management associations and events are in essence a showroom and an education centre. Here you can prove your online presence to be real and intrinsic.

Events tailored for the interim management community are a great way to learn and expand on your own connections. Anderson Quigley are hosting their next face to face networking event on 19th March 2024. Visit my linkedin profile for more information.

By participating in these associations and events, you will not only expand your professional circle, but you will also gain insight into best practices, allowing you to enhance your skills and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of interim management. It's a two-way street: not only do you get to learn from the experiences and challenges shared by others, but you also have the opportunity to showcase your own expertise and unique value proposition.

Interim management and acquisition are not necessarily expertises that naturally manifest themselves in one person. Therefore a professional agency can help you improve efficiency (less/smaller periods in-between assignment) and improve effectiveness (best fit assignments). That might just be worth the money you spend on them. Make sure your agency gets to know you really well to optimize the effect and benefits.

Use IIM.org.uk annual survey which provides lost of top 50+ ISPs in the UK. Use this as a starting point to then research most relevant ISPs who cover the types of interim assignments you are looking for eg public vs private sector, public vs private vs PE ownership, sector specialisms, functional discipline. Then find and connect with 3-5 with the best fits

Problem with Interim Management Providers move to Sector specific teams is that it leaves Interim Professionals with Sector Agnostic skills like IT HR or Finance without an obvious point of contact

One thing I have found helpful is to ensure you are choosing to work with an interim service provider that works in your space. Many ISP either focus on a sector or discipline. My advice is to see who aligns with your expertise and build a relationship with a few providers in this space. It's also worth checking out the Institute of Interim Management and who they rate as their top service providers and consultants.

Interim Service Providers usually focus on a sector of a discipline. Make sure you partner with a firm that is most relevant to your area of expertise or sector. Choose 2-3 firms to really build a relationship with. You will get a much better experience this way. Check out the annual survey produced by the IIM, this will tell you who are the best interim service providers out there. www.iim.org.uk

Celebrate your succes en achievements. And also dare to be vulnerable enough to share the lessons learned. It shows your continuous learning effort and increases your value for the next assignment. Your next client doesn't need to make the same pitfall as the last.

Document your track record - one of the most effective ways of positioning yourself for new assignments. When hiring an interim manager, clients are often looking for the evidence of when and where you have delivered something similar and what impact you have created.

I've found half my interim assignments through my network and half via recruiters. I don't spend time applying for roles as most interim roles aren't advertised in this way. Working effectively with recruiters is all about relationships, forget your CV and focus on getting to know recruiters (and them getting to know you) so that when the ideal opportunity comes along you are the first person they think of.

I've been a career interim for 12 years. More than half of my assignments have come via my network of valued contacts, with the remainder through specialist interim service providers/recruiters. Maintaining and growing the network is crucial to finding roles that aren't advertised. The best recruiters will have a very clear understanding of the client's needs and won't waste time putting people forward who don't closely match those requirements. It's important to develop good relations with the best interim recruiters so that they understand your particular skillset and will put you at the top of their candidate list when an opportunity arises.

Definitely through building long term relationships with good recruiters and also staying in touch with former colleagues because it's a small world and you never know where your paths may cross again. Even when I'm in a contract I still regularly talk to recruiters and former colleagues because at some point I will be moving on and I don't want to just be a random CV in someone's inbox. I take the time to get to build those relationships so when they get a new role they already know who I am. Equally when I need to hire someone, I know who the good recruiters are who can send me quality candidates. It works both ways.

Networking remains the cornerstone of finding interim assignments. Leveraging LinkedIn to connect with industry peers and joining specific groups can be particularly effective. Attend conferences and workshops relevant to your expertise to meet decision-makers face-to-face. Utilise niche recruitment agencies that specialise in interim placements. Also, maintain an updated online presence highlighting your achievements and skills, making you more visible and attractive to potential employers. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn also increases your visibility and positions you as a thought leader in your field.

Network: Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. Recruitment Agencies: Register with agencies specializing in interim roles. Online Job Boards: Check platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Professional Associations: Join groups related to your field. Freelance Platforms: Explore opportunities on sites like Upwork or Freelancer. Direct Outreach: Contact companies directly to inquire about interim opportunities.