So, what do you do?

...Is the question that my parents have been consistently asking me for the last 17 years post-college, about what I do for a living. I really can't blame them for asking considering that they are both Teachers, NYC Board of Ed for 30+ years. My brother is one of them as well, a Guidance Counselor, so the marketing/advertising world is completely foreign to all of them, fair enough. They ask me questions like "what does an account executive do?, are you selling something?". Or when I pivoted into recruiting, "Where do you get your candidates or clients from?" All good questions and the proverbial "what do you do?", has continued to resonate, now even stronger. 

As a recruiter, I ask candidates all the time, "Tell me who you are and what do you do best?" It is an open ended question that enables them the creative space to demonstrate how articulate, sharp, strategic and succinct they are. And when people ask me the same question, I respond, "I am a connector, it's what I do best. I see relationship opportunities that others may not see and then I connect the dots. That is what "I do best" and I love it." While yes, I am in this business to make lots of money, there is no greater pleasure in this industry then guiding someone through the hiring process to ultimatly landing a job that not only they love, but with a company that will truly value and appreciate them. Win/win, true talent acquisition. 

It seems that this is a great time to do my annual check in as I hit three years as a professional recruiter. Its important for me to put the past three years in perspective versus the first three years of my career, starting in ad-land out of school. I believe that everything in life happens for a reason and I wouldn't be in the successful position that I am in now without those 15 years of experience. I would not have the network, industry knowledge or business experience to be in a place now to own my own growing company. At 39, I am finally hitting my professional stride and it's all good with me. I have fantastic clients that value my hard work, ideas and most importantly, treat me as a trusted partner. I have surrounded myself with incredible mentors that guide me professionally and personally though the journey of entrepreneurship and balancing "this life" with being the best colleague, friend, husband and father I can be. 

Here are some things I've learned and put into practice this past year:

- Here is the secret, BALANCE. Easier said than done but it comes down to prioritizing and being as efficient as possible. Never, ever, sacrifice family time for work. We only have one turn on this Earth so make it count with the ones closest to you. Figure out the formula that works for you and do it. 

- Plan your work and work your plan! 

- Learn to scale- it's the only way to grow. Hack it! 

- Surround yourself with people who believe in you, professionally and personally. There is no time available for those who do not.

- Find a mentor(s). They are invaluable for mental stability, guidance and sometimes just a sounding board to vent about the daily BS.

- Do something physical. I hate the gym. I despise it and my dad bod will vouch for that! But I recently found Yoga and I LOVE IT. My form is terrible and my old-man hips lock up from time to time during the pigeon-pose. For that one hour, without my phone or any distractions- I have clarity, focus and a mental break. Plus now I can breathe when I reach down to tie my shoes!

- Never forget who helped you get to where you are and never burn bridges (there are some extreme exceptions). Would you believe that some of my best business relationships are from those who fired me years ago? FACT.

- Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Do something you normally wouldn't, like become an advisor for an ex-con employment placement start up! 

- You are your best asset! Believe in yourself! Watch what happens!

- For those who have done you wrong, don't seek revenge, karma will get them, don't you worry. The best revenge is them seeing how successful you are. 

- Momentum is everything. Double down whenever you can. Ride the highs. 

- Working from home is a blessing but you must be disciplined and focused otherwise the distractions will eat you alive. 

- If you get a chance to catch a solo elevator ride with a business hero, run, make it happen! (Thank you Brandon Steiner for holding the door open). 

- Go to SXSW, set up shop in the Four Seasons lobby and make some magic.

- Continue to manage expectations....expectations of those who promise you things and what you promise to deliver to others. Always, promise reasonably and over deliver. 

- Always lead with empathy and gratitude. Let it guide your intentions and actions.

- When things get tough, always look to your North Star. When things are amazing, always look to your North Star. Let it be your internal compass. Mine are my daughter and wife, my biggest supporters and my reason for everything.

- This never changes year after year...With great success, comes great whiskey! 

As always, thank you for your time and attention. Have a great summer! 

Sincerely,

Adam

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