It’s hard to believe I am nearly five years into running my own search firm.
If you would have told me that a nanny job during graduate school would lead me here, there’s no way I would have believed you. But this is my journey, and I am still energized every time I launch a new search. I truly love what I do! When I take time to reflect, I think about these four lessons I’ve learned.
1. Trust Your Gut
It can be scary to go out on your own. How do I manage the ebbs and flows of running my own search firm? I trust my gut. In a business like executive search, especially when you are a one-woman-show, there will inevitably be busier times than others.
You may want to say yes to every business opportunity that comes your way, but you can’t do your best work if you get sidetracked with projects, clients, or new ideas that don’t match up with your skills and expertise. That inner voice that was shaking its head ‘no’ as you said ‘yes’ to something you weren’t very excited about was telling you something - trust your gut!
2. Pay It Forward
What comes around really does go around, and it’s imperative in my business (and life in general) to pay it forward - it will always come back around. As a recruiter, I get to be an invaluable resource and create relationships for a living.
I learned very early in my career the value of strong relationships, not just business relationships, but people relationships. When you pay it forward, lend your support, and cultivate relationships, you also create additional avenues of support, which always comes back around. That means being responsive to everyone, not just clients, and regardless of their title or need. A prompt reply to a message shows you truly care.
Having my own search firm allows me to be flexible with my time. Whenever I can, I say yes to a quick conversation or request for advice. I’m available off hours, at night and on weekends. If a client wants to talk on a Sunday, as one did yesterday, I do it.
At times, I may not be able to lead a search for you because I know my firm is not the best resource for you right now, but I can refer you to someone who can, and suggest resources.
An added perk to being open to a conversation? You never know who you will meet, what they are looking for, or what referral is just around the corner. Just the other day my dentist appointment turned into a career advice session when I learned my dental hygienist is looking to transition into a new career. We talked about what it is like to be a Private Service Professional and she attended a networking event with me.
3. Follow Your Passion
When I was young, I thought I was going to be a doctor, but I worked for a year in the placement world before starting my PhD which completely changed my trajectory. It is the same for a lot of the Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Private Service Professionals I work with. Many of them found these careers because they followed their passions, not by choosing a major in college.
Your career is a marathon! Find work that you are passionate about and give it your all. I can pretty much promise you there will be ebbs and flows in your career. If you care about what you are doing, you’ll be able to persevere.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
I made the decision to start my business with the help of a coach. Working with a coach, and engaging in leadership courses and professional communities was instrumental in helping me take the leap to start my own search firm.
Now it’s your turn!
We all have individual career journeys that come with unique learning lessons, what’s your favorite piece of wisdom to share?