Jump to the Next Curve – Part 5: Getting Started

This is part 5 of our Jump to the Next Curve Series. Be sure to read the first, second, third and fourth installments as well. 

We've already discussed what online staffing is, the trends and challenges, and how to create customized talent pools for your clients. So, what does it all mean for your business? If you want to take the leap and jump to the next curve to provide contingent workers for your valued clients, how do you get started?

There are just a few things you'll need to establish your online staffing platform which will allow you to engage more of the talent you've screened and provide additional services to your customers.

•  Match the options to your current business model. Do you want to provide a way to connect candidates to clients in a seamless fashion? Do you want to create customized talent pools for your client's specific needs? The first decision you need to make is what kind of online staffing resource you want to be.
• Learn about the available technology. Creating your own system can be expensive and time consuming. An attempt to build a solution from scratch or use your current software in a manner inconsistent with its design can lead to distractions and disappointment. You may want to consider working with a workforce management technology provider. They can partner with you to create a customized platform, get started quickly, and allow you to focus on what you do best.
• Be the champion for the new solution. The staffing industry is changing rapidly. If you're not moving forward you may easily be left behind. In spite of push back from management that prefers a "traditional" approach, online staffing will be a trend that can't be ignored for very long. It only takes one person in the company to get the ball rolling in the right direction. If you feel strongly about the importance of online staffing, become the champion in your company.
•  Develop a plan and put it in motion.  Once you determine that online staffing is an important next step for your business, you need to determine a plan of action that can be executed in a timely fashion. Establish your budget, partner with the right technology provider, train your staff, and begin to transition your systems to this new world of online staffing.

Are you ready to embrace online staffing and workforce management for your business?