Just thinking back today about how business flows in and the crazy twists and terms of obtaining an executive search from clients. I have been in this crazy and fun business since 1997.
- I remember it was 1998 and I met with a VP HR in the Nebraska area. The meeting went ok and I was hopeful that I planted a seed so that the client would use me in the future. Fast forward to 2007 (9 years later) and the client remembered me and had a need for an executive search firm. By that time, I did not think I was even on the radar with that company but we obtained that executive search in 2007!
- I completed multiple searches with a homebuilding client back in 2004. Last year in 2018, the executive who I placed as VP Marketing in 2004 reached out to me to complete a search as she is now the Chief Marketing Officer for a different company. I had lost touch with her over the years but she remembered to use me 14 years later!
- I met a non profit Austin CEO in 2006. He told me he would use me if he ever does a search in the future. I stayed lightly in touch and 8 years later in 2014, he used me on multiple search projects!
Frankly, if you know anyone who knows me, they will tell you I am not a very patient person. However, I can see how showing up, leaving a good impression, doing good work and being patient, pays off in the business world in the long run. This all sort of happened not by plan but by trying to do the right things along the way. Truly blessed.
