By Catherine Lang-Cline
Let’s face it, all of the great people are already working. Is this new? No. But as businesses flex, hire, and lay off, it is all about timing and the very best people getting picked up first. And once they are hired, the smartest companies try and keep them happy. So how can you get an opportunity to get the best people? Make sure that you have the best offer.
The definition of “the best offer” has changed a lot in the last couple of years. It’s about money, it is not about money. It is about the corner office, it is not about the corner office. It is about flexibility, … well, everyone wants flexibility, but the point is, everyone does not want the same thing and you need to list out what you can offer and sell that to someone that seems to be currently happy where they are.
To get someone to change jobs there needs to be something that attracts them.
The typical four are…
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The role is more interesting, exciting, challenging, an opportunity to grow, do something new, etc.
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The company is better in some way…growing, in an exciting (“sexy”) sector, an interesting industry, etc.
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Better flexibility and/or benefits…of course, remote/work from home is the big one right now
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Pay is better…and if you don’t have any of the three above, pay likely needs to be ABOVE market value to be “an offer they can’t refuse”
Everyone is driven by different things. For example, I loved working for large corporations as well as smaller companies based on where I was in my career. What I learned at one company could be a huge gift to another or the other way around. People’s lives change at that one point, money matters and in a few years, something in life happens where they need more flexibility. Here is the 1-2-3 strategy:
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Listen
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Make an offer based on what you heard
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Negotiate so you both get what you want
Above all, move quickly because candidates are “flying off of the shelves” as I type this. Timing! Be clear in communication, quick with follow-up, and hold them accountable to get back in touch with you. It is possible to get the person that you need and love. I mean, that is why so many Hallmark movies are successful, right? The rich city guy sometimes loses to the guy that owns the small town book store… or at least that is what I have been told. Timing!
If you need that small business to help you find the right marketing talent, don’t hesitate to contact us. We listen, we care, and we can help make this work for you.