Last week I argued that service providers need to fire clients who are uncooperative or unprofitable. Plenty of ‘The Savage Truth’ readers agreed, but many asked, “How do I actually do it?”. And the truth is that it is not easy. But there are two guiding principals I have found are fundamental for this to work out well.
Tag Archives | Trusted Advisor

Need to fire a deadbeat client? Here’s how…

A client in pain is a very good thing!
Every great recruiter knows how to triage their job orders, and understands the importance of prioritising. By and large, we only get paid for the people we place, so we have to work exclusively on committed clients and committed candidates. One thing I am fond of telling the recruiters at Firebrand, is that a client [...]

Some hiring managers just don’t get it!
Dear Hiring Manager, So, just to make sure I clearly understand you. You consistently call our entire industry ‘cowboys’, who add no value and who cannot, or will not, build relationships. You often warm to your theme by telling us we don’t understand your business or your briefs, fail to match appropriately, never provide insights, [...]

Tell your clients the way it really is!
Over the past 6 months I have spoken with many CEOs about their business growth strategies. And I have been overwhelmed by the range and scale of the online, digital and social media marketing plans they are developing. And that’s exciting, but at the risk of being a party-pooper, all this strategy prompts me to [...]

“Does my butt look big in this?”
What do you say to a friend who wants your ‘real’ opinion on a matter of some sensitivity? You know, “Do you think I should marry him?” or showing off a new pair of jeans, “Does my butt look big in this?” It’s a tricky dilemma. You don’t want to rock the boat. You certainly [...]

Good clients don’t only want resumes, they want insights!
Great recruiters need to understand their industry, their company, the competition, and the business environment for the types of people they place. You need to be a mile deep and an inch wide! I find that recruiters are easily seduced. In fact, truthfully we can be a bit tarty. A client wants help with a [...]
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.
-
How did it get to be ‘OK’ for people to be late for everything?
June 7, 2010
-
“God, I hate recruiters!”
March 2, 2011
-
Sorry guys… women are better recruiters than men
December 6, 2011
-
Being a recruiter rocks!
April 20, 2011
-
Are you a LinkedIn liar?
March 27, 2012
-
The future of recruitment — explained in 30 minutes!
June 11, 2013
-
This person cleans up your mess for $8.50
May 28, 2013
-
Suck it up princess. This is as good as it gets
May 14, 2013
-
Into Africa. A recruiting safari.
May 6, 2013
-
Recruiters! Stand Proud!
April 30, 2013
- Greg Savage: Thanks Anthony, you are right. However I don't ha...
- Anthony: Greg, maybe you should manage the meetings more ef...
- cameron lang: Great piece Greg. People who are late are the one...
- Tim: This article is so accurate and timely too! My Fa...
- Grant: Excellent read Greg! Time is precious, and yet peo...
The Savage Truth – Categories
Follow @greg_savage on Twitter
Greg Savage – Feedback
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; and Director NPA Worldwide
I really enjoyed your workshop yesterday and most of all, I got a few great tips that I can implement into our business. I do wish however I had all my managers from QLD there as well. Next time! Greg, on behalf of the 6 of us that attended from WorkPac in Brisbane – Thanks again.Brian Goldfinch - Queensland Regional Manager, The WorkPac Group
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
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, As always you go over and above. Thank you for your time, professionalism and complete openness during your recent presentation at the RCSA PEARL Consultant Forum. I know that our members always value what you have to share with them, be it leadership, recruitment skills or business focused. I have had a number of people attending the event comment that your session was loaded with practical examples, was full of pragmatic advice, and showed your passion for and experience in the industry. It was wonderful to be able to work with you again.Christina Pargeter - RCSA Learning Centre Regional Coordinator, Sydney, Australia.
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
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.
It amazes me that time and time again whenever we have Greg present, our delegates cannot ever get enough of him! They always want a repeat. No matter at what business level within our industry Greg presents to and no matter the theme, he consistently delivers a very powerful message that addresses the fundamentals of what we as individuals are about in business and how to succeed. To be able to capture that ‘spirit’ in people and channel it towards a common goal in the work place is done with genuine passion and a true belief that all things are possible. Greg’s own story and success is testament to that, with the added bonus of never being shy of sharing his own business highs and lows. His knowledge knows no bounds. From a conference organiser’s point of view, Greg listens to the brief, is keen to know his target audience and is very thorough with his research, submits his synopsis in a timely manner and is extremely professional and accommodating on the day in regard to AV, sound checks and scheduling. (as one would expect!)Claudia Gray - RCSA Learning Centre & Major Events Manager
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.
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

