Most New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-January. Why? 

Because we don’t make a plan.

Because it’s lonely.

Because depriving yourself of something (so many resolutions are about giving up rather than gaining) tends to make you think about it- a lot.

Because the gains are too slow and we lose heart.

Sound familiar? Let me introduce you to one resolution that adds to your success and happiness – without personal sacrifice.

One that will give you – and your team and business – immediate gains.

Because the plan you’ll make will make sure you achieve your goals.

Make 2025 the year you engage a Non-Executive Director.

If you run a small or even micro-recruitment business, maybe you’ve been thinking this isn’t for you. NEDs are for the big boys, right? 

Wrong. For example, one of my clients was 6 heads when we started working together. His team were keen, but work was chaotic and stressful.

When I showed them how to build a successful recruitment business, including finances, sales, marketing, HR and infrastructure, they grew to 60 heads in 3 years, and became one of the most productive agencies in the industry, as well as winning multiple awards. Needless to say, they have much better processes and profitability. And sanity.

Another business I worked with wanted to diversify to reduce their vulnerability to market shifts. But they weren’t sure where or how. I used research to identify 3 profitable markets for them, and gave them a detailed plan as the owners had very limited experience. 

Those new business streams outpaced their original business. We changed their candidate attraction, and job processes and incorporated some smart AI at an organisational level. We completely revamped their internal hiring process and profile as well as their EVP. It worked.

That business now makes more profit, retains its staff and received two offers to buy it this year.

A third business was at a much earlier stage. The owners were great recruiters but had underestimated what it takes to build a great recruitment business. By building a business plan, the right data reports, and developing them as leaders, they have grown from 2 to 10 staff in under 18 months, without external funding. 

Those business owners were worried that they couldn’t afford my help. But they have confirmed that in specific, measurable business gains, working with me has paid for itself – 4 times over.

We have had a prolonged downturn, and many recruiters are struggling. But with the right help, you can beat the market.

Go on, do something for yourself this year. Make hiring a NED your New Year’s Resolution.

Alison Humphries is an award-winning recruitment business advisor, NED, and board member. If you’re looking to discuss how she can help your recruitment business as part holistic advisory service, get in touch with Alison today.