5 things I've learnt in my first year of business

I normally write recruitment articles because lets face it- that's what I live, breathe and talk about day in day out.

Funny story though- early on in my career I actually said to one of my Managers on a very frustrated day (it was a resume war between a Hiring Manager and an agency) "I am so sick of this I can't imagine why anyone would want to work for a recruitment agency!! I will never ever work for a recruitment agency!!".

True story, he's a client now and reminded me of this the other day. I told him that it's different when you create it by design and that once you know your values, how you want to work and the clients you want to partner with (also what you will and won't accept) well then, I actually love it!

Turns out you should never say never and sometimes you have an experience which will one day lead you to create your own business. It also means that every experience, good or bad, is leading you to exactly where you need to be so continuing to be open-minded and with a curiosity is key.

Here's 5 things I've learnt in the first year of business which I wanted to share with you all as we reflect on the first year mark.

1. Know your strengths

This is a simple one but it's a bit more complicated than just knowing them. I've learnt you need to figure out the parts of your role that are income generating and outsource the rest. Where you spend your time needs to be what generates the business revenue.

2. Don't lose sight of why you started

This is a big one for me and for the team. Yes, you can always be billing more and working more but for me the reason I started the business was to create real impact in businesses with great hiring practises. If I have a team of burnt out staff taking on too many roles with lack of commitment that doesn't happen. Family is also a core part of my values and being there for the big stuff was really important to me so I create an environment where we can all make that happen for each other.

I also remember when we sometimes take on a client and they are initially cold or unwilling to help that it is a journey and this is why I wanted to do this.

Getting through those icy beginnings and delivering time and time again whilst helping them understand how their culture impacts their hiring is my favourite part of the job.

If a role has been vacant for 6 months the client needs help and even though these are the really hard ones at the end of the day the turnaround, role design and impact you can make is a truly rewarding thing too.

It's not always just the easiest clients that make the best clients. I have a soft spot for the hard taskmaster too as it just makes me want to prove how we are different and the value we can add in the recruitment space.

3. When something goes wrong- ask yourself "what's the lesson in this?"

This is part of having a growth mindset but things are going to go wrong! Accept this and be conscious that through every failed proposal or client who doesn't work the way you do that you open up the door to the next amazing partnership or you create the opportunity to listen, learn and grow from the experience. When your team see's you modelling this they feel comfortable in trying new things and they don't fear failure or a "blame culture".

4. Your integrity will follow you always

This is true in your own personal career and in business. I have had people I worked with 10 years ago become a client because they saw me work alongside them and know my ethics. I also hire on ethics and make sure that the people on our team value integrity and credibility too. Never sacrifice a relationship or your soul to make a quick buck. Karma wins out in the end.

5. Surround yourself with people who inspire you

Hire these people, surround yourself with them and network with them on a regular basis. We say you can't be what you can't see can so often be the case with young girls choosing careers in STEM and I think it also applies to people wanting to start a business. If you see others around you thriving and you are partnering with clients and companies who you believe in it just propels you to do better, be better and think bigger.

I hope some of these tips get you thinking and are useful if you are in that first year or looking at embarking on your own business.

My biggest piece of advice is that your mission or vision for the business has to be greater than the obstacles and challenges you are going to face (yep- some months you'll be scraping for the dosh!) but if you've got that right you simply can't go wrong.

You've got this.