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Consistency

Well, this is a perfect blog subject, since the last thing I’ve been with this blog recently is consistent. For my loyal followers, thanks for your patience. Work, travel and surfing have had me pretty occupied through the last few months. I also like to blog as the subject moves me – I don’t write well under imposed writing pressure.

I am always chasing consistency; whether it’s my exercise schedule, daily routines like dog feeding and dinner every night or getting enough sleep (or even this blog!). In the recruiting world, its every recruiter’s goal to consistently have  assignments in the pipeline. It’s especially challenging during recessions, when you’re new to the business and if you practice solo.

There are many books, articles and gurus who speak to the practices that drive constancy in any recruiters practice. On a deeper level, there are different types of consistencies that help make a recruiter successful. For a local recruiter like myself, a consistent message is critical to success. In the niche markets I serve, it’s important to be responsive to clients and candidates, to treat everyone with professionalism and courtesy, to respond to calls and emails  in a timely manner and to have a consistent network presence in the community. Face time assures you stay connected, get introductions, hear about industry gossip and get leads which often turn into opportunities. In addition, if you are consistent in how you conduct yourself, as an individual, your message and your response to situations, whether good or bad, will have earned you a great degree of respect across the board.

Out of sight can be out of mind too easily in today’s world of instant on and off connectivity. Networking events cover a lot of ground in short periods. One on one meetings add the personal touch.  Being comfortable promoting yourself in these varying situations is a necessary skill in a people business. Promoting oneself is definitely not only about your business. These are also social occasions to inquire about the personal aspects of colleagues and acquaintances lives. After all, in small circles, everyone knows what you do.  Constantly reminding them of your services is the quickest way to turn them off  and have them avoid your call in the future. Besides, self promotion is boring. As recruiters, our inner selves are always fine tuned to our colleagues and client’s lives.  Promotions, babies, company acquisitions; these can all lead to change down the road. Along with consistency, change is our best friend.

What does this all have to do with consistency? Well, if you work your social and business relations and outreach consistently, you will reap incredible personal and professional benefits. For me, recruiting is not just a job (and sometimes, it’s pure adventure), but an endless source of personal satisfaction. I am consistently grateful for all of the great clients and candidates I represent as well as humbled by their loyalty and trust.

Also, when you are consistent within yourself, your practice and your methodology, it often sustains you through difficult assignments or economic periods. Like life, it’s not always only the action that matters, but the reaction. Being consistent in how you handle life’s challenges, both personally and professionally, can be incredibly rewarding.

Now, if I could just get more consistent with this blog. Best wishes for the upcoming holiday and please stay tuned!