Bringing in new business is the lifeblood for every professional services business. It is such a significant part of running a staffing business, yet agencies are continually missing the mark when it comes to building relationships with new partners.  I understand why many agencies get a bad rap. They aren’t listening to what their clients need.  

When we ask potential clients to describe how the right agency fits into their hiring process, the answer is always the same.  Human resources, recruiting departments, and talent acquisition teams want an agency to understand their business, culture, and leader. They want an agency that respects their hiring process. They want flawless communication and transparency from day one.    

If you are running a relationship-based business, this isn’t a lot to ask for. Businesses are paying their staffing partners to fill jobs, but they are also looking for a partner that is committed to learning about the company in order to provide the right guidance and expertise for the current and future job market.  

If agencies can’t take the time to care of their paying customers, how do they treat their candidates and consultants?

Talener’s entire foundation has been built upon the idea that a staffing agency can be a partner, one that draws upon the importance of deep understanding and relationships.  We stand by these pillars nearly two decades later: 

• Provide outstanding customer service
• Deliver results
• Be open and transparent
• Local to our clients
• Technology & product specialization

Without this backbone, we are just another agency looking to fill a job rather than invest in our clients’ success. These pillars will continue to guide us through another 18 years.   

Whether you have never worked with an agency before or have a laundry list of existing partners, take a moment to ask whether they truly understand your business and your process.  

• Are they meeting and exceeding your expectations?  
• Are they anticipating your needs?
• Do they understand our business?
• Are they modeling transparency by providing information before you ask?
• Do they provide expertise and insight beyond filling the job?

If they aren’t to do these for you, you don’t have a staffing partner; you simply have a transactional agency.