Hi,
We are a startup recruitment firm based in New Delhi and are really struggling to move in the right direction. Currently, we have a very small staff of about 7 employees in total, consisting of 6 recruiters and 1 business development manager.
The main issue we are facing is that there is a lot of blame shifting happening within the team. Recruiters are pointing fingers at the Business Development Manager for bringing in average clients, while the BDM is blaming the recruiters for not closing deals.
As we approach the end of our second month in operation, we have only managed to close 3-5 deals in total, which I believe is a poor performance and creates a negative atmosphere.
I am seeking advice from experts on how to address this situation effectively.
Chetana Sharma
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)
Amend(0)
1We are a startup recruitment firm based in New Delhi and are really struggling to move in the right direction. Currently, we have a very small staff of about 7 employees in total, consisting of 6 recruiters and 1 business development manager.
The main issue we are facing is that there is a lot of blame shifting happening within the team. Recruiters are pointing fingers at the Business Development Manager for bringing in average clients, while the BDM is blaming the recruiters for not closing deals.
As we approach the end of our second month in operation, we have only managed to close 3-5 deals in total, which I believe is a poor performance and creates a negative atmosphere.
I am seeking advice from experts on how to address this situation effectively.
Chetana Sharma
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi Chetana,
Always believe that SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL. This is what I suggest to people when they want to start their business.
Please take note of the following:
1. You can start with two recruiters and a business development executive. Always keep your costs under control as it's a new business. This is where many companies wind up before they could actually begin.
2. Review the process of what your organization is doing to get clients.
3. You can ask a few employees (4) to leave and inform them that they would be given a chance once the company does well financially.
4. There is nothing like average clients. A start-up company cannot expect a big company to come to it in the beginning itself. Add as many small clients as possible, from varied fields (sectors). This will help in creating a decent profile for your organization. Go for non-IT as well if possible so that you can get some inflows.
5. Take employees on a trainee basis/probation basis. Try to add freelance business development executives (can search on job portals, etc.) who can give you clients on a revenue-sharing basis.
6. What's over is over. No point in playing the blame game. Try to make a fresh start.
7. ALL THE BEST. I am sure you could be a motivator for other start-ups. If you need any help, you can always reach out. I hope my comments make some sense to you. Listen to many people, but remember that you are the best judge.
Regards, Alex
From India, Secunderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Always believe that SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL. This is what I suggest to people when they want to start their business.
Please take note of the following:
1. You can start with two recruiters and a business development executive. Always keep your costs under control as it's a new business. This is where many companies wind up before they could actually begin.
2. Review the process of what your organization is doing to get clients.
3. You can ask a few employees (4) to leave and inform them that they would be given a chance once the company does well financially.
4. There is nothing like average clients. A start-up company cannot expect a big company to come to it in the beginning itself. Add as many small clients as possible, from varied fields (sectors). This will help in creating a decent profile for your organization. Go for non-IT as well if possible so that you can get some inflows.
5. Take employees on a trainee basis/probation basis. Try to add freelance business development executives (can search on job portals, etc.) who can give you clients on a revenue-sharing basis.
6. What's over is over. No point in playing the blame game. Try to make a fresh start.
7. ALL THE BEST. I am sure you could be a motivator for other start-ups. If you need any help, you can always reach out. I hope my comments make some sense to you. Listen to many people, but remember that you are the best judge.
Regards, Alex
From India, Secunderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hello Alex,
Thank you for your reply. This is actually very motivating, and I feel like the right thing to do would be to get rid of a couple of employees and have things on a smaller scale where I have them under control.
Thanks for your advice. I will post back my progress.
Thank you!
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Thank you for your reply. This is actually very motivating, and I feel like the right thing to do would be to get rid of a couple of employees and have things on a smaller scale where I have them under control.
Thanks for your advice. I will post back my progress.
Thank you!
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi Chetana,
I believe talking about your issue in public is not good. If possible, please drop me an email at priya.arora@hrfacility.com. I have been in the same business since 2007, and we are currently looking for business associates. Perhaps, we can help each other out as I have a requirement, and if you can close that deal, we can share the profits.
I am based in East Delhi.
Regards,
Priya Puri
From India, Ghaziabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I believe talking about your issue in public is not good. If possible, please drop me an email at priya.arora@hrfacility.com. I have been in the same business since 2007, and we are currently looking for business associates. Perhaps, we can help each other out as I have a requirement, and if you can close that deal, we can share the profits.
I am based in East Delhi.
Regards,
Priya Puri
From India, Ghaziabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi Chetana, Priya, and Sandeep,
I am having similar problems like you, Chetana. My brother and I started a placement organization in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It picked up very well in the initial 2-3 years. Then I shifted to Delhi for expansion but have never been able to do real business. Resources at my end are available, and I am looking for tie-ups.
I agree with what Mr. Alex had said. He has indeed given good advice.
Regards,
Shiv
From India, New Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I am having similar problems like you, Chetana. My brother and I started a placement organization in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It picked up very well in the initial 2-3 years. Then I shifted to Delhi for expansion but have never been able to do real business. Resources at my end are available, and I am looking for tie-ups.
I agree with what Mr. Alex had said. He has indeed given good advice.
Regards,
Shiv
From India, New Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi Chetana,
Kudos to you for being candid and being open to suggestions. (Alex, Priya, Sandeep & Shiv... very nice of you to share your learnings and pointers!)
Believe me, a 7-member team is by no means a small team. You have an enormous bandwidth. Please do review the strengths of each of the 6 recruiters and see if you can pick a couple of verticals (industries, as Alex suggested) and a couple of horizontals (accounts, sales, engineering, etc.). It would help you focus and add value to the clients you wish to cater to.
A big client is not a big name but one that gives us opportunities for big billing. So pick a bunch of clients; it helps to showcase to a better quality of candidates you can present. Aspirationally, candidates want to join better brands than they are presently employed with, and vice versa. It is necessary to give both sides the options to choose!
The last 3 years have been the toughest in the Indian scenario, and many recruitment firms have closed shop, and many others downsized. Hats off to you for managing the fortunes of 7-8 families. It is always darkest before dawn. I am sure with the bullish business sentiments - thanks to the new government - there would be increased industrial activity now, which means more hiring than what most companies can internally handle with their present bandwidth. You might just get the escape velocity you need!
AK
menon@optionsindia.com
PS - please ping me with a mail regarding the strengths of your recruiters.
a) If you have a good bench strength in hiring finance professionals for the manufacturing sector, please connect. I am working exclusively for an MNC Auto giant in Chennai that needs to fill 22 positions in June. CA with 3-12 years of experience. I shall need extra hands and quality support.
b) Should your team have access to social gaming experts, please let me know. A 100 strong team in Kochi funded by a San Francisco-based VC is looking to hire programmers, game producers, slot mathematicians, designers, across levels.
You can make a difference...
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Kudos to you for being candid and being open to suggestions. (Alex, Priya, Sandeep & Shiv... very nice of you to share your learnings and pointers!)
Believe me, a 7-member team is by no means a small team. You have an enormous bandwidth. Please do review the strengths of each of the 6 recruiters and see if you can pick a couple of verticals (industries, as Alex suggested) and a couple of horizontals (accounts, sales, engineering, etc.). It would help you focus and add value to the clients you wish to cater to.
A big client is not a big name but one that gives us opportunities for big billing. So pick a bunch of clients; it helps to showcase to a better quality of candidates you can present. Aspirationally, candidates want to join better brands than they are presently employed with, and vice versa. It is necessary to give both sides the options to choose!
The last 3 years have been the toughest in the Indian scenario, and many recruitment firms have closed shop, and many others downsized. Hats off to you for managing the fortunes of 7-8 families. It is always darkest before dawn. I am sure with the bullish business sentiments - thanks to the new government - there would be increased industrial activity now, which means more hiring than what most companies can internally handle with their present bandwidth. You might just get the escape velocity you need!
AK
menon@optionsindia.com
PS - please ping me with a mail regarding the strengths of your recruiters.
a) If you have a good bench strength in hiring finance professionals for the manufacturing sector, please connect. I am working exclusively for an MNC Auto giant in Chennai that needs to fill 22 positions in June. CA with 3-12 years of experience. I shall need extra hands and quality support.
b) Should your team have access to social gaming experts, please let me know. A 100 strong team in Kochi funded by a San Francisco-based VC is looking to hire programmers, game producers, slot mathematicians, designers, across levels.
You can make a difference...
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Friends,
Pardon me for offering unsolicited advice. I would advise against Chetana letting go of the 4 colleagues!
I have been running a recruitment firm since 1992 - much before the internet or job portals became popular. Every 3 years, new sunrise industries emerge, and organizations need external assistance to supplement their hiring needs. Clients come and go. Some stay, some return when unable to fill positions after exhausting all sources.
Let me share a secret - it isn't about clients. It is about the RECRUITERS we attract to our team that make the difference. It is about the relationships they build with us, and through us, with our clients and candidates.
And believe me, it is they who make our (promoters') dreams come true. Most join as freshers and help us start-ups on our way. Therefore, I feel choosing them is more critical than choosing a client who pays us only on success (not based on our efforts!).
Yes, the recruiters are our ambassadors.
It is essential we invest in our recruiters and make them specialists or subject matter experts based on their interest and passion. The industry is changing; clients no longer need low-hanging fruit. Clients need third-party firms to provide candidates they cannot attract on their own (given their bandwidth and urgency).
I have had over 200 recruiters who have been part of our journey. While most stayed with the firm for a couple of years (a few for 7 years, with a couple of them for 14-15 years too!) before finding their calling and joining corporates as recruiters/generalist HR, or competition, or even starting their own firms. Some still help us as freelancers!
But the basic trust remains. Some 'alumni' collaborate and add value to our respective connections. We split the referral income as a result of the association.
I would advocate investing in our team, training them to be specialists. Recruitment isn't as easy as it seems. A lot of it is about being able to handle pressure, uncertainty, and things beyond our control.
AK
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Pardon me for offering unsolicited advice. I would advise against Chetana letting go of the 4 colleagues!
I have been running a recruitment firm since 1992 - much before the internet or job portals became popular. Every 3 years, new sunrise industries emerge, and organizations need external assistance to supplement their hiring needs. Clients come and go. Some stay, some return when unable to fill positions after exhausting all sources.
Let me share a secret - it isn't about clients. It is about the RECRUITERS we attract to our team that make the difference. It is about the relationships they build with us, and through us, with our clients and candidates.
And believe me, it is they who make our (promoters') dreams come true. Most join as freshers and help us start-ups on our way. Therefore, I feel choosing them is more critical than choosing a client who pays us only on success (not based on our efforts!).
Yes, the recruiters are our ambassadors.
It is essential we invest in our recruiters and make them specialists or subject matter experts based on their interest and passion. The industry is changing; clients no longer need low-hanging fruit. Clients need third-party firms to provide candidates they cannot attract on their own (given their bandwidth and urgency).
I have had over 200 recruiters who have been part of our journey. While most stayed with the firm for a couple of years (a few for 7 years, with a couple of them for 14-15 years too!) before finding their calling and joining corporates as recruiters/generalist HR, or competition, or even starting their own firms. Some still help us as freelancers!
But the basic trust remains. Some 'alumni' collaborate and add value to our respective connections. We split the referral income as a result of the association.
I would advocate investing in our team, training them to be specialists. Recruitment isn't as easy as it seems. A lot of it is about being able to handle pressure, uncertainty, and things beyond our control.
AK
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
@Shiv,
Just a piece of advice... If you think your recruiters have the right talent and can work tight deadlines, you can consider working with Kelly Services. They sign up with any company and offer a 50% profit sharing model.
The downside is that they assign the same position to 4-5 different companies, so the chances of your candidate being selected are reduced.
Good luck!
Chetana
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Just a piece of advice... If you think your recruiters have the right talent and can work tight deadlines, you can consider working with Kelly Services. They sign up with any company and offer a 50% profit sharing model.
The downside is that they assign the same position to 4-5 different companies, so the chances of your candidate being selected are reduced.
Good luck!
Chetana
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Friends,
We are in the stage of starting a recruitment firm in Chandigarh. As an initial step, we have to buy the database from various portals. We would like to request if someone could guide us on the tentative price and the best portals that could help us cover major domains.
We appreciate your inputs and support.
Regards,
Kulwinder
From India, Chandigarh
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
We are in the stage of starting a recruitment firm in Chandigarh. As an initial step, we have to buy the database from various portals. We would like to request if someone could guide us on the tentative price and the best portals that could help us cover major domains.
We appreciate your inputs and support.
Regards,
Kulwinder
From India, Chandigarh
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi Kulwinder,
The naukri portal (with all India access) might cost you around 1.8 Lakhs per annum. You can negotiate down to 1.3 Lakhs per annum, inclusive of taxes. There may be some variation in pricing from one state to another.
Monster might cost around 80K-1.2 Lakhs per annum. You can also consider paying in installments, but the price will slightly increase.
Another option is to find individuals willing to share their portal login on a monthly basis. However, be cautious of potential fraudsters.
ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
Regards,
Alex Praveen
From India, Secunderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
The naukri portal (with all India access) might cost you around 1.8 Lakhs per annum. You can negotiate down to 1.3 Lakhs per annum, inclusive of taxes. There may be some variation in pricing from one state to another.
Monster might cost around 80K-1.2 Lakhs per annum. You can also consider paying in installments, but the price will slightly increase.
Another option is to find individuals willing to share their portal login on a monthly basis. However, be cautious of potential fraudsters.
ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
Regards,
Alex Praveen
From India, Secunderabad
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)Engage with peers to discuss and resolve work and business challenges collaboratively. Our AI-powered platform, features real-time fact-checking, peer reviews, and an extensive historical knowledge base. - Register and Log In.
Startups Look for Right Fit, Rewrite CV of Recruitment.pdf
Flow Chart for Recruitment till retirement.xls