What didn’t I learn in 2009…

Postmortem 2009 – Like most of us, we can act as if 2009 did not happen and that last year was just a bad dream. We would like to believe that we were hibernating in 2009 like Han Solo in the movie Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and we had just been recently thawed out from our nightmares. Sounds like a sci-fi movie, hardly.

A few days ago, I was sitting in my living room watching one of my usual TV stations (ESPN, Travel Channel, Discovery, Food Network, & CNN) when an Allstate Commercial came on. A quote caught my attention as I was intently researching on the web. I remembered the quote vividly from the actor’s distinct voice. Dennis Haysbert had a touching line when he said, “…Was it a great recession or was it a recession that made us great.” Now, I know it’s a little cheesy but the nostalgic and rather sentimental writer had a good point!

We (The US) have always been a culture infatuated with fixing and problem-solving issues that painstakingly inhibit our success. BOLD COMMENT ALERT – However, there are company cultures out there during a time of adversity that point fingers, avoid accountability, and complain without taking initiatives. They generally try to fix the negatives and are often blind to the unseen benefits of a disastrous situation. They also rarely enhance their success and/or seek opportunities to build on their character because they are so busy absorbing in their self-pity.  Smart and mature companies that can see past their adversities will grow and become stronger from their learned lessons.

Company’s internal recruiting budgets were slashed and job growth was not a primary focus in their forecast in 20o9. Companies became more domesticated. They were cleaning their own house and eating in instead of going out and spending more money. Whether you were an Agency Recruiter or a Corporate Recruiter, requisitions were sparse. However, let us exclude an outlier that was growing during a down economy (i.e. online retail giant Amazon, who grew 17% FTE & PT at the end of 2009. Pretty amazing, I know.).  As for the rest of country, it has been flat or declining. I think I heard someone coin the phrase “flat is the new growth.” It’s sad to hear that we were subjected to accept those mediocre results but it’s better than being in the red.

When 2010 arrived, we were still feeling the effects of a hangover. But it can only get better from here on out. Below are experiences that I learned over the year.  It has changed me in some ways and it has defined me in other ways. I plan to keep these lessons in perspective during my current state.

• I knew who my true friends were during a time of crisis.
• I knew who my true partnerships were during a time of crisis.
• Taking care of #1 (yourself) – mentally and physically
• Companies expect loyalty but where is the loyalty in lay-offs?
• Being there for my customers during the good, bad and ugly will prove long lasting partnerships.
• Negotiate better terms with agencies during a recession. It is in your favor!
• “Desperation is a stinky cologne!”
• Stay busy and accept the small wins! It will keep your morale up!
• Do not lower your rates – Your value and services have not changed and your rates should not either. Change your terms and duration as those tend to be more flexible.
• Be more visible and available for your customers even when they do not have needs.
• Make yourself more resourceful even when you are not hitting your numbers. Take initiatives to solidify yourself as a producer and valuable employee.
• Create a sense of urgency with your Hiring Managers. Delays will only make them think twice about their needs.
• Expand your contacts within your customers! You’ll never know who will be receiving a “pink slip.”

If you can relate to this list, please feel free to add to this list on your comments.

Cheers!

Urban Recruiter

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