Finally, it looks like the economy is turning around and the recession may be ending, or at least this is the end of the begining....
I saw that Modis was aquired by Adecco recently for a multiple of over 9x's earnings, which indicates at least to me that Adecco sees the staffing business as starting to grow once again and should be an excellent year for them in 2010.
As I previously posted, the first signs of the end of the recession should be an increase in 'temporary hiring'....in our business, we are seeing new business start to come from a variety of customers, not just one or two. I.T. staffing has ramped up, Healthcare staffing never ramped down.....manufacturing is slow still from what I hear, and Accounting Finance staffing has remained steady throughout the recession. I don't know how many budgets have been unfrozen within the Fortune 1000, but there does seem to be a thaw so far during the 4th quarter of 2009. Only time will tell, but for those people who are still unemployed, 2010 may be the year that we all put this behind us and are able to move forward.
I hope so.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Becoming a Green Staffing Firm....
"Green Company" is probably going to be one of the most overutilized words in business over the coming months and years....Being Green, Going Green, Becoming Green is something that is not only 'cool', but terms that are going to be PC (Politically Correct)
Seriously, who doesn't want to be known as a "Green" company or individual...it's all about perception.
Our firm, Prevail Resources, is a Green Company. http://www.prevailresources.net/
We were a 'Green Company' from day one...we have no brick and mortar, we have no electricity usage (company-wise), our employees don't commute so there is no carbon footprint, we only utilize wireless phone lines, no plugged in phone systems, our computers (by company policy) are shut off at night, our laptops are set on 'Power Saver' mode, we use little or no paper products, and we only purchase recycled paper when we do have to actually print documents. Virtulization!
So, being a Gree Company can actually be...Green Reality.
How does this matter and Why does it matter to customers?
Well, it probably doesn't...until, large corporations set up one of their famous imperatives to not only become a Good Corporate Citizen and run a Green Shop, but then when they actually search out vendors who do the same! Will it matter in the long run? Who knows.....no idea...no predictions here....but, if it does, companies should be proactive and be ready.
For example, one firm I know in the staffing world has a 22% burden....of that, 6 -9% is operating overhead....leases, water, gas, electric, mileage expense, etc...that's a big amount when you are operating a two-billion dollar company!
Green Companies don't have nearly that type of operating burden....
So, bottom line is, do Green Companies offer their customers lower rates than the large lumbering competitors? Maybe....hard to tell....probably....I think so, but others will argue that point. But common sense says if you don't have the Expense, then your prices are Lower ...right?
Low Carbon Footprint, Green Policies, Virtualization, actually can be a selling point and a value proposition....Don't ya think?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Watching the Recession End....or is it?
2009 has been a tough year in the staffing industry. I have seen companies completely fold, others have become aquired by competitors at vastly reduced values.
Unemployment is at near 10%, from what I understand if unemployment rises above 10%, that indicates we are in a depression.
So, what is going to happen to the staffing and temp industry?
Sooner or Later ---It's going to explode!
Most of the smart people tell us that the first signs of the end of the recession will be an increase in contract or temp hiring. Companies are reporting higher earnings, but are still reluctant to increase hiring practices....yet, business goes on, customers still need services and products, and consumers are still spending money.
As the 3rd quarter of 2009 begins, our industry is seeing some green shoots and potential turnaround signs. This seems to be the indicator that everyone has been looking for...a rise in the contract and temp hiring process and statistics.
Our firm is landing new customers again, and we are adding headcount. We are seeing renewed interest in our business model, Faster Better Cheaper - a Green Approach to Staffing! Our Press Releases are being read again, our customers are answering their phone.
In my opinion, its the begining of the end...I hope so!
Unemployment is at near 10%, from what I understand if unemployment rises above 10%, that indicates we are in a depression.
So, what is going to happen to the staffing and temp industry?
Sooner or Later ---It's going to explode!
Most of the smart people tell us that the first signs of the end of the recession will be an increase in contract or temp hiring. Companies are reporting higher earnings, but are still reluctant to increase hiring practices....yet, business goes on, customers still need services and products, and consumers are still spending money.
As the 3rd quarter of 2009 begins, our industry is seeing some green shoots and potential turnaround signs. This seems to be the indicator that everyone has been looking for...a rise in the contract and temp hiring process and statistics.
Our firm is landing new customers again, and we are adding headcount. We are seeing renewed interest in our business model, Faster Better Cheaper - a Green Approach to Staffing! Our Press Releases are being read again, our customers are answering their phone.
In my opinion, its the begining of the end...I hope so!
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