Here are 7 ideas for succeeding in garnering the best employees, from the National Center for the Middle Market.
1. Understand the candidates you want to target. A job candidate’s fit with the value and culture of a company is the leading factor considered by mid-market executives when filling key leadership positions, the Center says. Not all qualified candidates will match in that way, so determine the type of individuals you want to attract early in your recruiting process so you can zero in on the best candidates.
2. Consider the competition. Middle-market companies that win top talent know with whom they are competing, including other mid-market firms and larger and smaller organizations. Sometimes direct competitors aren’t “talent” competitors: Talent competitors may not be in your industry, but may close in proximity, therefore, at risk of stealing your staff.
3. Place a premium on attracting top talent. Top-performing mid-market companies are nearly twice as likely as their peers to place a premium on attracting top talent, according to Center research. Senior management typically plays a key role in the process in such companies. This can clearly communicate to prospects the importance you place on securing the best candidates.
4. Always be on the lookout. Whether you’re hiring or not, always be seeking good people who could be attracted to your company or fall into your lap in the future. Talk up your company and its advantages to talented people outside your organization, and keep in touch with them. That could give you an initial pool of prospects when the right job materializes.
5. Use proven resources. LinkedIn and professional recruiters can help immensely. LinkedIn is a safe place for any careerist to discuss job possibilities, and is the focus of searches by active job candidates, according to Novo Group research, which was cited by NCMM. Meanwhile, passive candidates rely more on recruiters and referrals.
6. Establish a referral program. Rewarding existing employees for bringing in qualified job candidates can expand the pool of potential new hires. About half of middle-market firms do this, the Center said.
7. Find cost-effective ways to build awareness. Look for opportunities to keep your name and reputation in front of top talent, such as local “best places to work” contests in your area and industry that you can publicize in regional media. An internship program and relationships with area business schools also can help.
If mid-market CEOs can use such techniques to pique the interest of top talent and get their consideration, they can use the substantial advantages offered by mid-market companies—such as opportunities for advancement, solid market-share positions, and so on—to reel them in.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
