Archive September 2008

Chin Up!

Well, this tree frog knows what's on everybody's mind these days: the economy.

Luckily the latest issue of SI Review just published an article with some advice on how Staffing Firms can keep strong in a down economy. The article looks to eight staffing firms, from small to large, for indications of industry trends, and examples of how different firms are coping with an uncertain economy. Since I'm an incurable optimist, I'm going to focus on the ways that staffing firms making the best of a hard time. To read the full article by Bridget Mintz Testa, visit the SI Review website.

Specialize – The key trend that is helping staffing companies stay afloat is specialization. Staffing companies with a niche are over-all faring better than their more generalized. The most sought after employees are Engineers, but professional fields including sales, accounting and finance, IT, biotechnology and life sciences are also hot. Many so-called blue-collar jobs are also strong areas for specialists: machinists and machine operators, skilled trades, technicians, mechanics, laborers and production operators.

Increase Efficiencies – One way all companies can cope with an economic downturn is to make their processes more efficient. Now is a good time to review your various internal departments and for ways to cut back on overhead and reign in expenses. Streamline your processes with emerging technology and utilize external specialists for things like IT, accounting and training.

Make the Most of what You've Got – Nearly every company interviewed saw downturns as opportunities to invest in training for internal personnel. Said one top exec for Winter, Wyman, "We make the existing staff more productive. We spend more time in training and developing people, focusing on productivity and management practices."

Don't Stop Marketing– It can be a temptation to reduce costs by cutting your marketing budget, but undercuts your growth potential in a serious way. Terra Hull, Executive VP for the BOSS Group says, "When things get tough, we do get lean and mean, but we try not to cut marketing initiatives. That's how we continue to gain ground." Marketing consistently through lean times keeps you visible, and ensures your existing customers that you are still strong. Look to non-traditional marketing platforms, such as PR and viral marketing, that can be lower cost than traditional advertising.

The upturn will happen, everyone is confident in that. And when it does, companies will look to our industry for the talent to turn things around.

posted by TonyPogo at 10/1/2008 | 0 comments

Chin Up!

Well, this tree frog knows what's on everybody's mind these days: the economy.

Luckily the latest issue of SI Review just published an article with some advice on how Staffing Firms can keep strong in a down economy. The article looks to eight staffing firms, from small to large, for indications of industry trends, and examples of how different firms are coping with an uncertain economy. Since I'm an incurable optimist, I'm going to focus on the ways that staffing firms making the best of a hard time. To read the full article by Bridget Mintz Testa, visit the SI Reviewwebsite.

Specialize – The key trend that is helping staffing companies stay afloat is specialization. Staffing companies with a niche are over-all faring better than their more generalized. The most sought after employees are Engineers, but professional fields including sales, accounting and finance, IT, biotechnology and life sciences are also hot. Many so-called blue-collar jobs are also strong areas for specialists: machinists and machine operators, skilled trades, technicians, mechanics, laborers and production operators.

Increase Efficiencies – One way all companies can cope with an economic downturn is to make their processes more efficient. Now is a good time to review your various internal departments and for ways to cut back on overhead and reign in expenses. Streamline your processes with emerging technology and utilize external specialists for things like IT, accounting and training.

Make the Most of what You've Got – Nearly every company interviewed saw downturns as opportunities to invest in training for internal personnel. Said one top exec for Winter, Wyman, "We make the existing staff more productive. We spend more time in training and developing people, focusing on productivity and management practices."

Don't Stop Marketing– It can be a temptation to reduce costs by cutting your marketing budget, but undercuts your growth potential in a serious way. Terra Hull, Executive VP for the BOSS Group says, "When things get tough, we do get lean and mean, but we try not to cut marketing initiatives. That's how we continue to gain ground." Marketing consistently through lean times keeps you visible, and ensures your existing customers that you are still strong. Look to non-traditional marketing platforms, such as PR and viral marketing, that can be lower cost than traditional advertising.

The upturn will happen, everyone is confident in that. And when it does, companies will look to our industry for the talent to turn things around.

posted by TonyPogo at 10/1/2008 | 0 comments

Read the Tipster

Hey check out this great article I recently wrote for all my friends at The Plus Group. It's filled with great tips for interviewing and landing that position you're dying to land. Hop on over and download the PDF by clicking on this link. Tipster PDF

posted by TonyPogo at 9/17/2008 | 0 comments