I just returned from NAPS and my husband asked me what the takeaways were from this year’s conference. There are several new ideas that I embraced and, as always, I was reminded of some core fundamentals that I need to tighten up. The biggest benefit of attending this year, though, was far and away the opportunity to connect with kindred spirits, to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
In times of uncertainty, I think it’s too tempting to hunker down and take up an isolationist policy. We think that if we just work harder we’ll be okay. And there’s something to be said for the necessity of increasing effort and output in a tough market. I know it’s taking me more calls today to generate a job order than it was a year ago. So, I’ve increased my phone time and I’m not planning any long pleasure trips in the immediate future. I get that.
At the end of the day, though, there are just so many calls you can make. There is only so much effort and energy you can invest in your business before you make yourself crazy. We all know the saying: “All work and no plan makes Jack a dull boy.” In my case, it should be: “All work and no play, makes Jen a neurotic girl.”
I need my friends. I need to spend time with people who can double my joy and halve my sorrow. And I have recently began to understand that they need me, too. Human beings are social animals and there is no animal more social than a recruiter. We need each other.
At NAPS, I connected with people who were struggling (double digit decreases in their business). I met people who are having strong years–some experiencing significant growth. I met rookies who are struggling and rookies who are still glowing with excitement about the business. I met veterans who were reminiscing about the good old days and veterans who believe their best days are still ahead of them. I reconnected with friends who are experiencing incredible joy in their personal lives and friends who are working through a great deal of personal pain. I laughed until my sides hurt many, many times. I also cried with two friends while we shared stories of disappointment and grief. We’re all real people experiencing real life.
So, what did I walk away from at NAPS this year? Some new friends, some fantastic memories, some new ideas and whole lot of inspiration. I’m proud to be a recruiter and my love affair with the industry and the amazing people who work in it still burns bright.
