I recently had a friend in the business ask me how it is that every time we talk recruiting; I introduce a new product or solution that's just hit, or is just about to hit, the market. His point was this:

"Rather than testing out every new product to hit the market, why not wait 6 months to see if it takes off and then use the product once it's tested and proven?"

My friend (let’s call him Mike) makes a good point, but I'll counter with the following thought:

As an early adopter of new recruiting products, I often get the chance to talk with the creator/inovator directly about the vision they have for thier product and explore what problem they hope it will solve. From that conversation two things happen that I like.

1. I get to think about the problem in a way I may not have considered before.
2. I have an opportunity to influence the features and functionality of the product while it's still in the development stages.

Most of the product I try out don't find a permanent place in my recruiting tool kit. However, for the ones that do make my job easier in the long run it's great to have a relationship with the creator that reaches back to the launch of the product.

Plus, I'm a gadget guy and I love to play with the latest toys...