Blue Signal's recent journey to the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) 2023 Conference was driven by a quest to unearth new and expert insights in recruitment. Recognized as a premier event in the recruiting world, this conference was invaluable. It offered us opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute. Our team was there to do more than just absorb techniques and insights from seasoned leaders. We actively participated. We're proud of two of our own who took the stage. Senior Recruiting Manager, Brent Stokes and CEO, Matt Walsh shared their expertise with the recruiting community. This blog post is not just a recap of the conference; it's a showcase of our team's experience, including the key takeaways and insights gained from our participation and presentations. Join us as we delve into the rich learnings and moments that made the NAPS 2023 Conference a pivotal point for Blue Signal in shaping the future of recruitment.
About The National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) Conference
For over five decades, NAPS has been a cornerstone in the recruiting and staffing industry. It consistently offers expert insights in recruitment through its educational programs. This commitment to excellence is manifested in their wide array of offerings, which includes webinars, newsletters, certification programs, and notably, their highly anticipated annual conference.
The 2023 NAPS Conference, themed 'Be Bold,' was a testament to the association's enduring mission to empower and innovate. Held from November 5th - 7th in the vibrant city of Jacksonville, Florida, at the Downtown Marriott, this event brought together a dynamic mix of professionals eager to embrace bold ideas and new challenges. he conference was supported by notable sponsors like Zoho Recruit, Top Echelon, Bullhorn, Crelate, myBasePay, and Fox Rothschild Attorneys at Law. It was more than a meeting ground; it was a hub of inspiration and forward-thinking. Here, at the intersection of tradition and innovation, the NAPS 2023 Conference offered attendees a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of the recruiting industry.
Brent Stokes: “Your Next Big Biller Is Not A Recruiter... At Least Not Yet
Moving on, as we continue exploring key moments from the NAPS 2023 Conference, let's turn our attention to a standout presentation by our very own recruiter, Brent Stokes. In his engaging session titled "Your Next Big Biller Is Not A Recruiter... At Least Not Yet," Brent revealed expert insights in recruitment, offering a fresh perspective on the art of talent acquisition. He shared his unique journey of combining seasoned and new recruiters on his team. An intriguing outcome was revealed: those new to the industry often outperformed expectations. They achieved remarkable success in their initial year. This insight shed light on a broader challenge in the recruiting industry — the high turnover rate among new professionals. Brent's presentation prompted a crucial discussion about improving hiring practices to boost success rates and enhance employee experiences.
In detailing his approach to identifying potential in candidates without prior recruiting experience, Brent emphasized comprehensive training and ongoing mentorship.. This method, which prioritizes latent talent over previous experience, suggests a shift towards a more sustainable and nurturing model in talent management. Brent proposed that such practices could not only improve business outcomes but also positively impact the industry's reputation and reduce turnover.
Interested in learning more? Connect with Brent Stokes and explore his recruiting specialties at the link below.
Blue Signal’s CEO Matt Walsh on the Pinnacle Panel
Another highlight of the NAPS 2023 Conference was the closing Pinnacle Panel discussion, featuring Blue Signal's CEO, Matt Walsh, alongside esteemed recruiters Andrea Colabella, Wes Ashworth, and Norm Volsky. This elite panel consisted of members from the Pinnacle Society — the top 80 recruiters in the US. They delved into the best practices, tools, and advice for excelling in recruiting. With their combined expertise and impressive billing records, the panelists shared expert insights in recruitment, crucial for finishing the year strong and gearing up for a successful 2024.
During the panel, Matt shared valuable insights based on his extensive experience. He emphasized the importance of working smarter, not harder, by leveraging technology and AI to enhance efficiency. His advice on business development was particularly impactful, highlighting the need to secure the right clients for sustained growth and success. Additionally, Matt shed light on current best practices in the industry, discussing what is working today and what isn’t, providing attendees with actionable strategies to improve their recruiting efforts.
These insights are not just theoretical for Blue Signal; they are principles that we actively embody in our daily operations, reflecting Matt's innovative and successful approach to recruitment. Visit the link below to discover more about Matt Walsh's expertise and how Blue Signal can partner with you to meet your hiring needs.
Team Takeaways from NAPS 2023
The NAPS 2023 Conference was a goldmine of expert insights in recruitment and learning opportunities for the Blue Signal team, with each member bringing back unique and actionable takeaways. Here are some key lessons we learned:
- Specialization is Key — Our team learned the importance of further developing focused niches in recruiting. Harnessing an industry specialization ensures we not only understand the unique needs of our clients but also deliver precisely matched talent, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of their hiring process.
- Evolving with the Industry — With shifts towards AI Security and CCaaS, there's a clear need to stay adaptable and leverage new opportunities in the recruiting field. By utilizing these emerging technologies, we can ensure our clients have access to top talent versed in the most current industry developments.
- Building Stronger Client Bonds — Our commitment extends beyond filling positions. We aim to build strong, lasting relationships with clients. We strive to become trusted advisors through frequent and meaningful interactions.
- Embracing Technology for Efficiency — By embracing modern tools and platforms, we maximize our operational efficiency. This commitment to technological advancement means faster, more efficient recruiting processes for our clients, to help stay ahead in a competitive industry.
- Stepping into Challenges — Comfort zones are to be left behind; as we grow and take on new challenges, we bring fresh perspectives and strategies to meet our clients’ evolving recruitment needs.
An Inspiring Takeaway
Reflecting on the NAPS 2023 Conference, Kaitlyn Shannon, a valued member of our recruiting team, shared her key takeaway, directly inspired by Barbara Bruno's session "Do Things You've Never Done!"
“Barbara Bruno’s presentation really hit home for me when she said, ‘If you don’t have a knot in your stomach, then you are working in your comfort zone. Do something different.’ This resonated with me, as I become more comfortable in recruiting, it’s a reminder to keep challenging myself in the field. It’s motivated me to push myself further in business development and in forging stronger relationships with our clients.” - Kaitlyn Shannon, Executive Recruiter
These diverse insights from the NAPS 2023 Conference are set to inform and transform our practices at Blue Signal, keeping us at the forefront of industry trends and client needs. We have already begun integrating these valuable lessons into our practice, enhancing our services to provide even greater value to our clients.
In Conclusion
As we conclude our recap of the NAPS 2023 Conference, we are filled with gratitude for the expert insights in recruitment shared by the organizers, sponsors, and the remarkable speakers. This event has not only enriched Blue Signal's knowledge base but also invigorated our team to integrate these innovative ideas into our daily practices. We are excited to leverage these learnings to enhance our services for our clients and look forward to contributing to future NAPS conferences.
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Discover the difference expert insights in recruitment can make for your business by partnering with Blue Signal. Our dedicated team is equipped to provide you with customized, effective talent acquisition solutions that meet your unique business needs. Reach out to us today to elevate your recruitment strategy and achieve outstanding results.
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