Why Prioritizing Health and Well-Being is Essential for Recruitment Success, with Scott Eastin

Navigating the competitive landscape of IT staffing as a solo entrepreneur might seem like a David vs Goliath scenario. But in this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, our special guest, Scott Eastin, demonstrates that Goliath can be defeated. Scott is the Director of Eastin IT Security. Over the last 13 years established himself as a leading Microsoft Security consultant. He’s worked with major organizations such as Coca-Cola, American Express as well as state and local governments. In this episode, Scott unpacks his remarkable transition from being a software developer to becoming a successful recruiter. He divulges his four cornerstone strategies for his business development.  Most importantly, emphasizes why prioritizing physical health is a non-negotiable component in maintaining his overall productivity. Buckle up for an enlightening journey into Scott's world, where tech savviness meets entrepreneurial grit, and well-being underpins success You will hear about Scott’s epic transition from being a software developer to becoming a recruiter, the four key areas in which he succeeds in his business development, and why he considers physical health very important in maintaining his overall productivity.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:25] Scott’s journey from being a software developer to a successful recruiter. [10:14] Insights on challenges when transitioning to a career in recruiting. [14:47] Sharing a story of how embracing an idea that was not done became a game-changer. [24:00] Systems and processes for BD - hear Scott’s FOUR KEY POINTERS. [30:35] Hosting networking events - an effective way to engage with your community. [36:15] Comparison of consulting practice versus permanent direct hire models in the tech space. [44:36] Managing cash flow challenges in a consulting and contractor business model. [54:40] Mindfulness on health and well-being.   The Advantages of a Consulting Business in the IT Space   Is it easier to manage an IT consulting business model versus a permanent direct hire practice? For Scott, having a consulting business model works well for him for the following reasons:   Trusted Independent Contractors - He has already established a network of reliable independent contractors, which makes it easy to take in projects from his clients.    Long-term Contracts - Because of quality service delivery, he can secure long-term contracts that assure him six-digit revenues at the beginning of the year.   If you are running an executive search firm or permanent hire practice, you might want to consider exploring the option of a consulting or contractual approach as an added revenue stream. Scott believes that this is a great time for such a business model:   “Quite frankly, if you look at the statistics that are coming out now, more and more people are interested in contracting and independent consulting work. I know I was reading an article from the staffing industry where I think they said literally 38% of the U.S. workforce has done some type of quote-unquote gig work.”   Of course, there are also challenges in this type of business model, such as cash flow management - sometimes you would have to pay your contractors before the client even pays you. Scott shared how he solves this.  He also elaborated on his approach to business development.   Systems and Processes for Business Development   Scott describes himself as a “reluctant salesman.” Before becoming a recruitment business owner, he had this preconceived notion about salespeople: “Selling is somewhat, maybe a dirty word for some people in the technical industry.”    Part of his journey is getting over that mindset. Scott’s primary principle regarding selling and business development is “Great service, great people, and great value.” He shared four key pointers about this topic and elaborated on how this helps him to get continued repeat businesses:   Referrals - Scott’s mantra of great service, great people, and great value is the foundation of providing excellent services consistently. This leads to referrals and repeat businesses across his market and industry. LinkedIn Visibility - Scott consistently posts content and videos on LinkedIn.  Utilizing an outsourced Business Development staff - Scott has people from Poland and Bulgaria to help him out with BD. If you are a solo recruitment entrepreneur, you should be able to relate to this move as you can only do so much yourself.  Setting up and hosting meet-up events - this is something that Scott picked up from one of our guests in a previous episode, and he is thankful that he applied this approach.   Mindfulness, Health, and Well-Being   Being a one-man shop is not easy and can be stressful. Scott shared how he can handle stress by being mindful of his health and consistently implementing healthy habits.    “So I learned my lesson over the years where when I did not take my fitness or health very seriously, I was not at my best.”    Scott does P90X training, distance running, and regular functional gym sessions.  As a recruiter or business owner, prioritizing health is not only essential for your well-being, but it also contributes to a more productive, positive, and sustainable work environment. Scott shared, “I'm just so much stronger, so much fitter. And so it's one of those where it's very cliche to say health is your first wealth, but you know, no matter how much success you've got, if you don't have your health, it's not worth anything.”   Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you’ll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   Scott Eastin Bio and Contact Info   Scott Eastin was a leading Microsoft security consultant for the last thirteen years.  Scott has worked with major organizations including Coca-Cola, American Express, and numerous other global firms as well as state and local governments.   Over the last five years, Scott has moved away from development and now spends most of his day helping the Microsoft business partner community find top-tier independent Azure consultants.  Scott’s network of Azure security consultants spans North America along with world-class talent from Central Europe.   Scott resides in Decatur, GA with his wife, two dogs, and two teenagers who he hopes will move out once they graduate.   Scott on LinkedIn Eastin IT Security website link   People and Resources Mentioned   Steven Li on LinkedIn Plamen Ivanoff on LinkedIn   Related Podcast You Might Enjoy   TRR#175 How to Build Trust and Relationships at Scale by Hosting Meet-up Events, with Steven Li TRR#43 How to Transition From Contingency CV Supplier to Consultative Retained Recruiter, with Plamen Ivanoff   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter