I’ve worked as a recruiter for J. Jill, SAP, and then started the boutique recruiting firm Boston Tech Talent, and offer you up these suggestions if … Read more
The Best Investment Advice I Can Give
At a recent client luncheon, a seemingly simple question was posed to me, “What’s the best business investment you’ve made to positively impact your … Read more
Agreements and Multiple Sendouts Help to Prevent Discounting
Editor’s note: Barb Bruno’s Ask Barb column appears immediately below this personal note from her concerning the closing of The Fordyce Letter. … Read more
How Do I Get More Production From My Team?
Dear Barbara: How do I get my employees to set and achieve higher goals? They are earning more than they’ve ever earned, get comfortable and seem to lose … Read more
Fill More Orders With More Candidates
Dear Barbara: My recruiters are only filling 12% of the job orders we are writing. The orders not being filled are good orders that are obviously being … Read more
You Could Be In Trouble If Your Retirement Depends On Selling Your Agency
More than 60% of U.S. business owners are over 50 years old, and many of them are looking toward retirement and the process of attracting and vetting … Read more
Your Plan For Success In 2016 Needs These Ingredients
As the great Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” Despite his many talents, I don’t believe this Founding Father … Read more
Monitor Your New Hires to Help Them Be Successful
Ed Note: This Ask Barb column first appeared in 2014. We’re reposting it because of its timely advice for managers and owners. Dear Barb: How long do … Read more
Why “Be Nice” Is Bad Advice
We all have it drummed into us from an early age, the importance of being “nice.” “Play nice with your brother” (as he and I fought over the LEGO.) “Sit … Read more
“Old School” Recruiters Do Need to Learn New Tricks
Dear Barbara: I’m an old school recruiting guy who doesn’t use job boards or social networks to find my candidates. I have relationships that I’ve built up … Read more
Manager or Babysitter?
Dear Barbara: I was promoted to manager and now feel like I made a big mistake. My production has dramatically decreased, I feel like a babysitter and I’m … Read more
Reduce Stress, Enjoy Life, Earn More With Temp Staffing
There’s nothing quite like getting a large direct hire placement fee check. But have you ever stressed out about the chance of a falloff? Have you lost … Read more
Your Agency Needs a Policy Manual Like This One
Okay, everyone . . . Because you need this yesterday, here’s a sample policy manual. Whether it’s payment of commissions, conduct on the job, … Read more
Here’s What You Need To Do to Grow Big In 2016
For most recruiters, 2015 has been a good year. The number of interviews is up, decisions are being made and competition among employers is creating a … Read more
Don’t Let Staffing Become A Necessary Evil
According to an October 2015 report by Staffing Industry Analysts, buyers gave their primary staffing suppliers a Net Promoter Score of -4%. A measure of … Read more
Use the Affordable Care Act to Attract Clients
Have a question about marketing your agency, increasing your clients, managing candidates, or improving your placements? Barb welcomes your toughest … Read more
The Performance Driven Agency: Making It Work in Practice
Note: In this four part series, Kim Shepherd details how her agency, Decision Toolbox, uses a performance driven workforce model to achieve success. In … Read more
Drive Performance by Focusing on Process, Not Outcomes
Note: In this four part series, Kim Shepherd details how her agency, Decision Toolbox, uses a performance driven workforce model to achieve success. In … Read more
5 Benefits of Consistent Contract Staffing Income
There’s nothing quite like getting a large direct hire placement fee check. But have you ever stressed out about the chance of a falloff? Have you lost … Read more
Process, People, Performance, Profit and Purpose: They Drive Success
Note: In this four part series, Kim Shepherd details how her agency, Decision Toolbox, uses a performance driven workforce model to achieve success. Last … Read more