Mastering your recruitment mindset
Starting your own recruitment company is an exciting venture but comes with a host of challenges. To get your new business off the ground, adopting the right mindset is essential. Taking inspiration from a bestselling book, this blog shows how to go about it.
Starting a new recruitment business can feel overwhelming at first, but more of the challenge lies in your mindset than anything else. As long as you have all the practical aspects of business ownership in place, you have nothing to fear. Drawing on advice from Paul McGee's bestselling book, ‘Shut up, move on’, let's explore how your mentality can propel you towards success.
Shedding the ‘victim T-shirt'
When starting your own company, it's easy to fall into the trap of blaming external factors for challenges. To succeed, you must recognise and overcome the so-called victim T-shirt mindset. Take responsibility for your actions and decisions, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by competition from established firms, focus on your unique strengths and on specialising in a niche industry. By embracing this mindset, you'll adapt and turn challenges into stepping stones toward success.
Example: You encounter difficulties in gaining clients due to the presence of large recruitment agencies in your area. Instead of feeling defeated, you shed the victim T-shirt and realise that your personalised approach can be an asset to niche industries like renewable energy. You leverage your passion for sustainability and align your company's values with clients in this sector, creating a unique selling point that attracts like-minded businesses.
Embracing diversity of thinking
It’s important to realise that other people can view the same situation differently to you. In ‘Shut up, move on’, the author uses the analogy of a beachball with each section of it representing a different perspective. When opposite sides of the ball are viewed, the perspectives will be different, yet none will be wrong. As you build your startup, valuing diverse perspectives can lead to more informed decisions and stronger connections with both clients and candidates.
Example: When you are negotiating with clients, you may be able to clearly see the value that your company can provide to them, saving them the time of completing a long and drawn-out recruitment process in which they are not an expert in the field. However, from the client’s point of view, they may be struggling to see the value for a number of other factors, such as cost and previous relationships with recruiters. It’s important not to get frustrated that they can’t see things from your point of view (yet) and discuss with them how they are viewing the situation so you can better adapt your sales process.
Getting off autopilot
It's very easy to rely on routine processes and form bad habits as a result. To stand out, embrace the book’s chapter on developing ‘fruity thinking’, which means changing your mindset from negative to positive thinking. If you’ve been running on autopilot with disappointing results, explore innovative recruitment techniques to attract clients and candidates alike. By being open to unconventional methods, you'll discover new opportunities and offer a fresh perspective to your clients.
Example: Traditional job postings may yield limited results, so you decide to try fruity thinking. You host virtual networking events that connect your clients with potential candidates in a relaxed setting. This approach allows you to build genuine relationships and understand the specific needs of both parties. Your creative networking events become popular, generating positive word-of-mouth referrals and setting your startup apart as an inventive and effective recruitment partner.
Seizing the day
You have the power to shape the future of your company. Avoid the ‘what will be, will be’ mindset, and instead, seize the day with a proactive attitude. Pursue potential clients and candidates actively, rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you. By being determined and proactive, you can create a steady stream of business.
Example: In the early stages of your recruitment company, you face challenges in attracting clients due to limited brand awareness. Instead of waiting for clients to approach you, you adopt the ’seizing the day’ mindset. You reach out to local businesses with personalised proposals, showcasing the value your company brings in finding the perfect candidate fit. Your determination and proactive approach lead to securing your first few clients, building momentum for your startup.
In conclusion, mastering your recruitment mindset is crucial for success when starting your own recruitment company. By shedding the victim mentality, embracing diversity, being creative, and adopting a proactive attitude, you can navigate a competitive industry with confidence.
