If you’re on this page you’re probably curious about what it’s like to start a recruitment business. RecLaunch can help you, and I was effectively the first that we launched…sort of.
I was previously at a large recruitment business, and it was amazing. Incredible experiences and learnt a hell of a lot. I met and worked with inspirational individuals, and was part of something very impressive. However, things had changed quite a bit, and I wanted something different.
I didn’t know what the change looked like. I wanted to be more hands-on with clients and contractors/candidates, I’d realised that was the part of the job I enjoyed the most. I knew I could build long term relationships with customers and deliver a high level of service. I wanted a break from management, be it managing a team or managing upwards. I couldn’t really see myself working for another recruitment company. It looked like I was leaning towards going it alone…
I didn’t really know where to start. So, I started talking to others that had done it. What do you need from day one? What do you need before day one? What could the first year look like? Having been a non-billing manager and not having made a placement for a while, I was a bit worried about if I could actually write business. One of my previous bosses, now more of a mentor, said “You don’t need to worry about that, it’s sorting out the accountancy, VAT, terms…”.
Anthony (founder of Every Cloud and a good friend) and I had been talking for a while about me potentially joining the business. I bought in and was off and running. Everything was in place. I could get on the phone and start building my market. I knew the how, I just had to put it in place. I was refreshed and excited about the blank canvass. I could do it my way. I brought in a few clients fairly sharpish and was off the mark. All the things I may have been concerned about I was learning along the way, whilst being able to focus on the day to day of making placements.
Day one was in summer 2019. We’re almost six years on. There’s a stat about 45% of new businesses failing in the first five years, and we’re still here and thriving (or surviving – depends on the day – ha!), which is good news. I’ve learnt a hell of a lot in that time. It’s hard work of course. Running a business and being the person for your clients, candidates, contractors, suppliers/partners comes with responsibility, but it’s a responsibility you’ll enjoy. Any pressure is a privilege. You want to deliver and do a good job – for the pride in your work and of course the rewards.
The rewards are at least two-fold, there’s the monetary aspect, it’s almost certain you’ll earn more than billing for a company, and a level of flexibility unmatched. You are your own boss – this has so many positive facets. It’s something you can’t really put a price on.
I’m proud of the life I can provide my family, the time and experiences we have together, and the customer relationships I have. The foundation is me running my own business.
What do you want to do next? If it’s your own recruitment business, you can do it with support. And a soft landing.
