10 Lessons in 10 years: Learnings of managing my own recruitment business.

10 Lessons in 10 years: Learnings of managing my own recruitment business.

As I sit in my home office writing this article – I’m feeling a little older, wiser and a lot more curious.

Looking back on my first day, ten years ago, I couldn’t believe it.?

I had a phone call from a gentleman asking about my business. He offered to meet with me and discuss what I was doing, and at the end of the conversation, he asked if I would like to join his business.?

I was flattered, but I graciously declined the offer.??

And I’m so glad I did because Insearch Talent Solutions has been a real passion of mine.?

These are the 10 lessons I’ve learnt:

1. Customer experience is the most important part of my business. To succeed, you have to treat others with respect and treat them as you would like to be treated.
2. Be authentic. I love the fact that I am bringing more of ME to the business. I used to have the professional Nicole and the home Nicole – these two Nicoles are now one. And that is why I’ve brought my passion in and created a Mindfulness & Meditation program.
3. The people that you thought would help you, don’t. Don’t rely on your inner circle to help you. They are busy too. And that’s OK! Be mindful of your support crew and know who genuinely wants you to succeed. They may be different from what you initially thought.
4. Have enough money in your bank account so you can survive for six months without making a sale.
5. Be clear in your area of expertise. It has taken me a while to agree to this as I see myself foremost as a recruiter.? I have recruited almost every job you can imagine in the past 30 years.? But as I have matured, I’ve realised that specialising in an area is a lot more efficient. I also partner with other recruiters now to help each other out.
6. You don’t have to have a large team of people to be successful. I had a dream 20 years ago to build a large recruitment company and held onto that for a long time. After a few years of managing my own business, I realised it was no longer my dream.
7. You have to trust people. Recruiters can be untrusting (in my opinion!). But I’ve had to learn to trust them and partner with them over the years to grow my business. Of course, it goes without saying. You have to trust the right people.
8. Take time out. I took 6 weeks off earlier this year to get my health back on track. It was the best thing I ever did. Remember to take care of yourself even when you’re managing your own business. Well-being is so important - again, another reason why I’ve created a mindfulness program. Take time out for yourself. Trust me, it will all work out in the end.
9. 2020 taught me to make sure that you have time for what makes your heart sing.? Whilst I can recruit for almost any job, I’ve decided to work more closely with clients and candidates who align with the Insearch values. That way, I can focus on building long-lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.
10. Change is good, become curious – be you, be consistent and be authentic. Know your strengths and leverage them, outsource your weaknesses. You don’t have to do it all!

Insearch Talent Solutions turn 10 this week! Time flies. Thank you to all my clients, candidates, colleagues and recruitment network who have all supported me in the last 10 years.?

As I reflect, do you have any feedback on your experience working with me? Or have any handy tips to prepare me through the next 10, 20, 30 years? Send me an email ([email protected]), I’d love to hear from you!