Unfortunately, the statistics regarding start-ups do not make pretty ready. In fact, it is believed that every one in five new companies in the UK fails within just one year. The recruitment industry is certainly not immune to the threat of closure. However, there are opportunities within the industry, so don’t leg the statistics put you off or scare you.
photo credit: Edmond Dantès / Pexels
If you understand the main causes of failure, you can prevent them from derailing your business. With that being said, let’s explore some of the main reasons why start-up recruitment agencies fail so you can get a better understanding of what to do to ensure that yours doesn’t.
Poor cash flow
There is only one place to begin when it comes to business failure, and this is with poor cash flow. So many businesses end up closing simply because they run out of money. This is easily done, as it can be very hard to pace yourself to begin with.
You may feel like you need to buy everything at once. However, this can mean that you are waiting for the next client payment to come in before you can capitalise on any further opportunities, leaving you in a difficult position. This is why we recommend working with experts like New Millennia who will be able to help you control your back office and keep your cash flow in order.
A secure financial footing is vital when it comes to the start-up business, no matter what industry you’re in.
Putting all of your eggs into one basket
This is one of the worst things you can do. While it can be very tempting to pour everything into one client, especially if the terms are lucrative, you are leaving yourself exposed to risk.
If anything happens with this client, you could find yourself with no money coming in from anywhere, which is a position no one wants to be in. Instead, make sure that you diversify your client base so that you can spread risk accordingly.
Your branding is weak
The recruitment sector is crowded, so you need to do everything in your power to stand out from the crowd. If your brand is weak, no one is going to remember it. This is why you need to make sure you have a strong brand with a clear marketing message.
Make sure that your branding is consistent across everything, from your office decor and business cards to your website and social media presence. If you use different colours or styles, it is only going to dilute your presence and leave your customers feeling confused about what you can offer.
Not planning adequately
A lot of new business owners think they can run a new company without a plan. However, if you do this, you are going to be unprepared, and that’s when things start to spiral out of control. Instead, you need a clear plan that covers your goals, steps, and any risks that you may face along the way.
Ignoring your client’s needs
Last but not least, it is important to remember that your recruitment firm is very much based on what the client needs. You need to make sure that you build relationships and make a real effort to get to know your clients and what they are looking for so you can best serve them.
As you can see, there are a number of different reasons why start-up recruitment agencies fail. We hope that this has helped you to understand some of the main risks you face so you can put provisions in place to make sure that these issues do not end up impacting your company.
