A Difficult Time Lies Ahead...

Never before have I experienced this sort of economy as a Recruiter. We've had ups and downs in the marketplace accompanied by cold and hot job markets. But this is different. The winter is going to be a long, cold one.

My peers tell me that I might consider diluting my honesty a bit. I disagree. I get calls every day from candidates looking for jobs and contracts. I tell them, sorry, I don't have anything for you now if I don't and the conversation ends quickly and they move on to their next call. Some sales training is in dire need for these candidates. Keeping in contact with people is critical in good times and bad but the world moves so quickly now that there is an almost mercenary mentality to seeking out and finding jobs.

I remember Danny Cahill explaining to a group of us once that one of his strongest proteges used to make 100 cold calls a day. He'd call up a hiring manager or key contact ask them directly if they had anything for him and then abruptly get off the phone to the next prospect if the news wasn't positive. It worked for him but only in the context of making sales and calls. If he ever had to fall back on a relationship he was dead in the water.

I've had candidates I recruited for an opening they turned down recently call me up and say their job/contract was just eliminated and asking if I had anything for them. I used to feel vindicated by these scenarios but now I feel sorry for them. There just isn't a lot out there right now and the news isn't looking great for 2009. Most companies are slashing budgets, cutting positions, and if the company is a publicly traded company you can bet they're doing everything in their strategic planning to keep the bottom line in the black.

We're working hard at Johnson & Associates now. We're working on finding our next niche with clients and prospects. We're hunting but we're also taking care of our clients the way we always should. And right now that means every day counts toward tomorrow. Many calls we make are to hiring managers asking us about new careers, new jobs, new openings for themselves. Price dropping isn't going to help. I don't believe in the Federal Government bailing out our economy either. Social programs are great and some measures may help keep the credit markets viable which can aid in keeping the economy moving at its slow pace. But the fact is we as Americans overspent, over borrowed, and didn't plan on the gravy train running out of steam. For shame, nothing lasts forever. Fortunately, this Recession won't either.

Call me anytime to discuss or if you have any great ideas to expand our business. We're always opening our doors to new, great ideas.

Joel Johnson - President