The transition from billing manager to recruitment leader is one of the most important – and most difficult – career shifts in the recruitment industry.

I met the co-founders of a business I used to advise recently. When we worked together, I had prepared and trained them to build a contractor division.

A recruitment business advisor is an experienced Management Consultant who helps recruitment agency owners and leaders improve performance, navigate challenges and achieve strategic goals.

Whether you’re a first-time billing manager, a business owner or in business support, the chances are that you’ve become confused – even conflicted – about your role.

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? 

Five years ago, I watched a programme – something like Tomorrow’s World. It showcased incredible innovations that could transform the way we live in the future.

Now, we can access far more information on our phones. But every week I see examples of where recruiters have lost sight of the great principles of time management.

I was off sick recently (vanishingly rare for the self-employed) and found myself watching repeated episodes of “The Hotel Inspector”, presented by the excellent Alex Polizzi.

It’s an interesting fact that, in recruitment at least, some owner/managers regard a NED or board advisor as their last luxury, a sign that their business has “arrived”.

In common with many, I have spent hours at conferences listening to elite athletes talk about the secrets of their success. And I’ve listened to a fair few audiobooks and podcasts as well.