Direct Sourcing: Failure to Launch

#DirectSourcing is all the rage, but many companies find it challenging to get traction. This is often because a successful program is much more than just rolling out a tech platform.??

With the growth in popularity of direct sourcing, a proliferation of platforms serving different niche talent pools, different industries, and various project types has followed. The challenge, however, is that giving a login and password to a marketplace for strategic direct sourcing programs won’t cut it.?

First and foremost, a strategy needs to be formulated. Start by asking questions about what we are as an organization, trying to impact with direct sourcing: cost-savings, talent access, hiring speed, improving the candidate experience, or something completely different. From there, create a business case built around solutions to solve those problems.?

Secondly, as mentioned earlier, installing a tech platform in a vacuum doesn’t work. Platforms such as Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Workday don’t get implemented without the right stakeholders involved, and solid governance to ensure platform adoption and best practices are followed. System Administrators and Operational Leads are typically dedicated roles for such platforms. The same is the case with direct sourcing of talent.?

A Program Management Office is vital to keep the trains on track. A direct sourcing program requires multiple roles and functions depending on the program's scope. This PMO may lean more towards talent acquisition if sourcing and recruiting talent is the primary driver. It may lean more toward operational roles if the focus is more geared toward process flows, compliance & payments. Or it may start with a PMO more focused on change management and communications for larger, decentralized organizations looking to get the program off the ground.???

Regardless of the exact design - a successful direct sourcing program requires deep thought on the right processes, people, and platform(s) to implement.?

Have thoughts? We'd love to hear them. Leave a comment or send us a message to share.

Today’s newsletter was guest authored by Director of Enterprise Sales Kristian Rayner .

P.S. Kristian also shares a weekly newsletter, Direct, etc., covering the latest in direct sourcing. Want to read more? Subscribe, and it will go right into your inbox each week. ?