Let’s face it, 2009 was a rocky road for many companies and individuals. We saw layoffs, budget cuts, projects shelved or killed, even people leave the creative industry. But through the ashes we also witnessed great triumph.
I have been an Atlanta recruiter since 1995. I went through the Dot Bomb, September 11 and other periods of unrest in the job market. What is most interesting is the ingenuity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit these times bring out in the survivors among us. A layoff can be the birth of a freelancer or a small creative firm. Many displaced freelancers have bonded together and formed their own nimble agencies – able to expand and contract to meet client needs. Some have rediscovered themselves through the shedding of their corporate job and focusing their attention on family, balance and pursuing the type of work that really inspires.
Hire Profile helped many displaced employees find freelance work and new jobs in 2009. We filled hundreds of projects from our pool of freelance art directors, production artists, designers, marketers, copywriters and illustrators. We helped clients get the job done when full-time staff was no longer an option.
We spent some of our time reflecting on how we could serve our clients and talent better. As a result, we have upgraded our candidate tracking software, brought on a financial business consultant, engaged a new bookkeeper and overhauled our back office operations and payroll systems. We created a new brochure and introduced our new tag line, “Visionary Creative Staffing”. Our “Temp Is The New Perm” program created many new job opportunities. And, we continued our commitment to social media as a recruiting and placement tool through our Facebook fan page and Twitter accounts. These investments will build a strong foundation for a prosperous future. The good news for everyone–we are already seeing an up-tick in permanent employment searches and have every indication that freelance will remain strong throughout the year!
We are excited about 2010 and looking forward to bringing you even more opportunities and resources to help grow your business and your creative life.