



Recruiting News Network
Recruiting
News
OperationsThe Recruiting Worx PodcastMoney + InvestmentsCareer AdviceWorld
Tech
DEI
People
People on the Move
The Leaders
The Makers
People
People on the Move
The Leaders
The Makers
Brand +
Marketing
Events
Labor +
Economics
SUBSCRIBE





Career Advice

The hidden dangers of business expansion

February 20, 2025

Career Advice

The hidden dangers of business expansion

February 20, 2025

Photo by Charles Forerunner on Unsplash

During uncertain times, it’s tempting to chase new market opportunities for your staffing firm — especially if margins appear to be higher and the work seems easier. Maybe the grass appears greener in IT, finance or even light industrial.

Before you do so, however, consider this true-life cautionary tale.

A successful staffing executive in the light industrial space wanted to diversify into other staffing segments that would, in theory, lead to more profitable growth. With that in mind, he opened three separate practices: finance, IT and executive search. After all, he came from one of the Big Five consultancies, so transitioning to more professional staffing seemed to make sense.

On paper, all these businesses are highly desirable. They typically have better margins than light industrial, are less operationally challenging and can lead to better multiples on exit. It made sense that someone with his background would expand into these sectors.

This expansion was one of his biggest strategic mistakes: The company diverted from what it was great at instead of sticking to its core in commercial staffing. At only $40 million in revenue, it found itself with four separate divisions.

Fortunately, the firm had a strong board, which insisted the company refocus.

So during a tough market, when other staffing firms were trying to find business wherever they could, this executive instead started divesting divisions. Unshackled by distraction, the firm quickly became a $100 million business.

The lesson here? Focus drives greatness.

To fully appreciate the magnitude of this story, consider how difficult it is to unravel three separate business units. How many people were impacted? How much was written off in sunk costs? How many clients needed to be contacted? These changes can cause a massive amount of disruption for the business and the remaining team members.

But a firm with a focused strategy — if properly executed — will outperform one with no clear vision.  Jettison your belief that growth only comes with new businesses: For the vast majority of staffing firms, available market share will grow if you execute properly.

Here’s another way of thinking about it: Beware of shiny objects that distract you from what you are good at, even if they promise easier revenue. Every market in this business is rife with competition. Clarity and focus win.

The Right Way to Expand

Does this mean you should never expand your strategy? No. However, you should stay close to the space you’re in currently. When you do expand, make sure you have capable leadership you can trust.

‍

Read full article here

During uncertain times, it’s tempting to chase new market opportunities for your staffing firm — especially if margins appear to be higher.

What we're reading

‘We’re all fighting the giant’: Gig workers around the world are finally organizing

by
Peter Guest
-
rest of world

Gig workers are connecting across borders to challenge platforms’ power and policies

Got Zoom fatigue? Out-of-sync brainwaves could be another reason videoconferencing is such a drag

by
Dr. Julie Boland
-
The Conversation

I was curious about why conversation felt more laborious and awkward over Zoom and other video-conferencing software.

How to Purchase an Applicant Tracking System

by
Dave Zielinski
-
SHRM

Experts say the first step in seeking a new ATS should be to evaluate your existing recruiting processes.

View All Articles

Events

Hire Virtue's Hiring Blitz & Job Fair

Houston, TX
-
to
August 6, 2025
View All Events
Related Articles

What strategies CHROs are focused on for the remainder of 2025

Mikaela Cohen

June 18, 2025

Attract, engage, retain: Recruitment as a strategic advantage in public safety

Lexipol Content Development Team

June 12, 2025

© 2024 recruiting news network.
all rights reserved.



Categories
Technology
Money
People
TA Ops
Events
Editorial
World
Career Advice
Resources
Diversity & Inclusion
TA Tech Marketplace
Information
AboutContactMedia KitPrivacy Policy
Subscribe to newsletter
