When I made the decision to start my own recruitment business, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. The recruitment industry is competitive, fast-paced, and full of challenges. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how much growth I would experience in such a short space of time.
Now, six months in, I’ve already surpassed my annual turnover target—a goal I set with cautious optimism, not expecting to reach it so soon. I’ve tripled the number of clients I thought I’d have signed by this stage, and I currently have over 50 vacancies to fill, with the potential for another 90 on the horizon.
It hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been moments when I’ve doubted myself—when that little “Imposter Syndrome” voice would whisper, “What if this doesn’t work?” But every time, I’ve chosen to block out the negativity, keep my head down, and press on.
So, how have I survived the first six months?
1. Utilising Connections
One of the biggest assets I’ve relied on is my network. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, I’ve built relationships across industries, and these connections have been invaluable. Whether it’s finding the right candidates or reaching new clients, utilising my network has been a key part of my success.
Building new connections and nurturing existing ones has opened doors I didn’t even know were there. In recruitment, relationships matter more than anything, and I’ve worked hard to keep those relationships strong.
2. Embracing Technology
In today’s world, you simply can’t ignore technology, especially in recruitment. I’ve recently adopted some of the latest tools to streamline processes, automate tasks where possible, and ensure I stay ahead of the game. From applicant tracking systems to AI-powered sourcing tools, technology has helped me work smarter, not harder.
It will not replace the human element of recruitment, but it’s certainly helped me scale faster than I ever expected.
3. Hard Work and Determination
If there’s one thing that’s seen me through the tough moments, it’s sheer hard graft. Recruitment is not for the faint-hearted. It requires long hours, constant communication, and endless follow-ups. There have been many late nights where I am still on my phone during "down time", going through LinkedIn and connecting with potential candidates, early mornings before the gym sessions where I am checking my emails or LinkedIn messages and I’ve asked myself if it’s all worth it. But every success—whether it’s placing the perfect candidate or signing a new client—reminds me why I’m doing this.
You simply can’t beat hard work, and that’s been something I have lived by for a long time, some ex-colleagues will remember the days of me sending motivational emails each morning with a picture of Dwayne Johnson and his quote of "Hardest Worker In The Room". Success is rarely a straight line, but if you keep putting in the effort, the results will follow.
Looking Ahead
The future looks promising. With over 50 live vacancies and many more likely to come in, the next few months will be crucial. I’m excited about what lies ahead, but I also know that recruitment is an ever-evolving landscape. New challenges will arise, doubts will creep in, and plenty of graft will still be required. But if the first six months have taught me anything, it’s that perseverance, along with the right mindset, tools, and network, is the key to thriving in this industry.
For anyone considering starting their own recruitment business, my advice is simple: trust yourself, invest in your relationships, embrace technology, and work as if your success depends on it—because it does. It won’t be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. If anyone is thinking of doing the same and wants a call about ways to go about setting up, then drop me a message!
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