Most staffing markets around the world have stabilised. Some have definitely started growing, while others are clearly showing signs of increased optimism. For recruiting firms, it seems the dark days of 2009, where demand virtually collapsed, are behind us. Many business owners and managers are thinking about growth, reinvestment and hiring staff. However, these strategic [...]
Archive | March, 2010

Kill off the Bikers. Fire unprofitable clients now!
I have nothing against bikers. I had a motorbike myself, until I drove it into a hedge at 60 mph on the way back from the rugby club. Bikers are only an analogy in my tale today so Rev Heads… take no offense please. But to the business at hand. Consider this and then run [...]

Aquent ‘Exclusive Selection’ strategy starts to pay off
Regular readers of ‘The Savage Truth’ will remember that in January 2010, Aquent launched a new strategy for engaging with clients on permanent hiring assignments. Realising that multi-listed, contingent arrangements with clients are to the detriment of all parties concerned, Aquent now only accepts permanent assignments in Design, Digital, and Marketing on a retained or [...]

Managing a Prima Donna in your recruiting team
If you have ever managed a team of recruiters for any length of time, this topic will resonate with you, I am sure. Inevitably, within a group of recruiters, one, maybe two, will rise to the top. These “Big Billers” either inherit a great desk or, less often, they build it themselves, and soon they [...]

Leadership is action! It’s what you do that counts, not what you say
Managers have subordinates, leaders have followers. That short statement took me many years to learn. When I was young, and thrust into a management role way before I was ready, I thought leadership meant “getting people to do things”. And maybe, in the end, that is what it is. But it’s not by telling, or [...]

Kiwi Recruiters. Linked In or left out?
During my recent RCSA speaking tour around Australasia I spoke to over 500 Australian and 150 New Zealander recruiters, on the upbeat topic of ‘Riding the Recovery’. I have to admit it was refreshing to talk about positive ideas and strategies to ensure we take advantage of the opportunities presented by an economic revival. One [...]
Greg Savage & The Savage Truth
Greg is the founder of leading recruitment companies Firebrand Talent Search, People2People and Recruitment Solutions. He is an established global leader of the recruitment industry and a regular keynote speaker worldwide. Greg provides specialised advice for Recruitment, Professional Services & Social Media companies.
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No, you are not ‘running late’, you are rude and selfish
June 7, 2010
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“God, I hate recruiters!”
March 2, 2011
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Sorry guys… women are better recruiters than men
December 6, 2011
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Being a recruiter rocks!
April 20, 2011
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Are you a LinkedIn liar?
March 27, 2012
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Suck it up princess. This is as good as it gets
May 14, 2013
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Into Africa. A recruiting safari.
May 6, 2013
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Recruiters! Stand Proud!
April 30, 2013
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Recruiters are liars and scumbags. Google says so.
April 16, 2013
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The Savage Truth gets even more Savage!
April 5, 2013
- Diana: Very true article indeed! I'm in the same situati...
- Mark S: I believe "leadership" is a misnomer in this cas...
- Ryan Harding: Greg- Thank you for sharing this! I have never be...
- Angela Roberts: Greg, great points – thank you for having the co...
- Phillip Kay: Hi John, I find it strange that for someone wh...
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Greg Savage – Feedback
Following your seminar, I am writing to you to let you know that the month of implementing your Backwards Plan and points system (May) we broke a company record in billings. I just wanted to let you know that in June we broke that record again! We had a monster of a month! I am absolutely delighted with the difference this simple system has already made to my business and just wanted to thank you once again. I’m focusing on managing the growth we are experiencing now – it’s great to have even happier staff who are all reaping the benefits of the points system!Joanna Wilson - Director, The Ultimate Recruitment Company
Greg is a passionate, forthright, risk-taking commentator who is single handedly educating the recruitment industry to perform & be accountable. He would get the starring role as the “pistol whipper” should any cowboys mosey into his town. Greg Savage should be knighted for his work in this industry; he is demanding delivery of excellence, holding us accountable; elevating our standards and scaring off the pretenders. He’s teaching us to work diligently and intelligently to earn the respect of our clients; not just expect a fee for services.RCSA Conference Delegate 2010
I have great respect for your outstanding knowledge of the recruitment industry not only within Australia but globally. Your direct presentation style is insightful, entertaining and relevant; always adding value through addressing the fundamentals of what is essentially a simple business model which is often over complicated through a misunderstanding of how to adjust in times change.Peter Gleeson - Executive General Manager, Executive Recruitment, Chandler Macleod Group
You have the ability to encourage people to explore new ways of doing business and how to engage effectively with people and staff at all levels. Your ideas and training sessions have been received extremely positively with our staff over the years. Through your training we have achieved the desired outcomes and built stronger relationships with our clients. Your executive coaching style is both engaging and empowering. When I have left your seminars I know I will have a better understanding of the challenges business face and how to understand and implement ways to improve and overcome future challenges.Paula Watts - Director, Law Staff (NZ) Limited
The speaker I was most looking forward to was Rachel Botsman, and she certainly didn’t disappoint, but I have to admit it was Greg’s presentation I’ve been speaking about most to others this week. Perhaps the best use of social media I’ve seen anywhere – and I say that as a business coach who specialises in social media!Barry Thomas - Business Technology Coach, Altus
Greg presented to my senior leadership team of business bankers at our half-yearly conference on the topic of “Driving Business Growth Through Exceptional Leadership”. He delivered an outstanding presentation that was rated by the attendees as the best of the conference. He was able to bring to life some simple yet effective insights on people leadership and exceptional customer practices from his 30 years in business and triggered much discussion for the remainder of the conference. A very valuable experience for all who attended.David Tonuri - State General Manager, National Australia Bank
Greg's style, message and insights into a recruitment industry under pressure, are both confronting and inspiring. With passion, Greg pulls apart what we shrug off as 'candidate care', 'margin', 'business development' or 'tough times'. And he refuels the fire that industry leaders are using to drive growth, value and profitability into this new era of recruitment. NPA Worldwide is a cooperative of 400 specialist owner-managed recruitment businesses around the world. Greg Savage spoke at our Sydney NPA conference, attended by 100 agency owners and consultants from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Asia and the US.Geoff Crews - Director, Forsythes Recruitment Direcåtor; and Director NPA Worldwide
Greg was the consummate professional who delivered exceptional content, customised to our local conditions, despite being on the road the length & breadth of SA for two sessions per day, three days out of four. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him in the lead up to the event and greatly appreciated his assistance in generating interest and support for the seminars via his extensive social media network. The feedback from our delegates was amazing and I’m confident that they will take Greg’s savage truths onboard in realising the need to step up their games and become talent magnets within the new reality of global talent management. Judging by the positive reaction, and the success of these events, I think APSO and Greg will be working together in the future!Natalie Singer - APSO Chief Operating Officer, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The training conducted by Greg Savage was energising, informative and highly relevant to our team. Greg's substantial knowledge and industry experience was evident in all of the content discussed. Greg is a hugely personable and accessible facilitator who easily engaged and inspired our team. In addition to his wisdom and insightful market intelligence we took away many meaningful tools and techniques that are easily applied in our organisation.Philippa Flynn HR Manager - Stellar Recruitment, Brisbane, Australia.
Greg has been one of the best speakers for the Recruitment Industry that I’ve seen. He is passionate, innovative, and highly knowledgeable about where the future of our Recruitment Industry is heading – I aligned strongly to his thinking and ideas about clients, candidates and our own beautiful Recruitment Industry that he obviously loves so much! He is an icon in our space, and I always walk away from his presentations with some great ideas and inspiration to transform.RCSA Conference Delegate 2012

