Executive Search. I help companies attract world class talent and build great teams. As a former sales executive, I know what it takes to find exceptional people, create a winning culture and provide them with the tools for success.

EDUCATION | B.A. Sociology-UCLA

HOW TO GET STARTED | 1) Make sure you have two years of income as a safety net because it will take 2-3 years to develop a thriving practice. 2) Decide if you want to work for a large firm or a boutique partnership. 3) Realize that your network is NEVER large enough! I thought I had a wide and deep network..and I do but it is finite. 4) Perseverance is everything. 5) Outstanding service is everything.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Perseverance, organizational acumen, willing to cold call, strong researching skills, executive presence.

how I got started | I made the transition into Executive Search 14 months ago. Great idea but bad timing! The market took a header but despite this unforeseen event, I love what I do. The market will recover and we will be in a great position to help companies as they begin to hire again. Prior to Executive Search, I was a sales executive for both privately held and publicly traded companies. While I enjoyed that role for many years I was ready for a change. Executive Search was a field that had long interested me and so I decided to take the plunge!

why this job?| One of my innate gifts is to identify and develop great talent. In Executive Search, you are in a position to be a "trusted advisor" to the management team of a company. This role allows me to utilize all of my skills as a season executive. I am able to sit across the table from a hiring CEO or VP and I understand what they are going through. Having "walked the walk" in running businesses, I am better prepared to understand my client's business and can pick up the subtle but critical nuances of what is important for my client.

why I love this job!| Networking. Identifying and presenting great talent. Mentoring. Motivating. Leading. Developing new client relationships. Finalizing a search. Maintaining strong client relationships. Providing fantastic service.

my typical day| It is a balance between researching for candidates, prospecting for new business, reconnecting with colleagues from the past, developing new contacts, conducting reference checks, cold calling, assisting executives I know with their career strategies. Most importantly, being the best father I can be!

what they are | Companies that decide to bring recruiting in-house and limit their options by not using outside firms.

all about growth | Unlimited -- depending on how hard you work.

my website| http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikevanneman