Headhunting Side Hustle
Hello everyone,
I’m in the process of launching an agency focused on commercial roles, including SDRs, AEs, CS/AMs, and Sales Management (AE & SDR). I’ve been working on key elements such as my website, Total Addressable Market (TAM), Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), go-to-market (GTM) strategy, marketing, and more, and I’m nearly ready to go to market.
I have a question for those who may have experience in this area: Has anyone ever pursued headhunting on the side while still employed? Did it hinder your ability to attract candidates? Currently, I work as an Enterprise Account Executive (AE), but I plan to resign once I’ve successfully placed a few candidates.
One concern I have is that potential candidates can see my current role when they view my profile. Although I’m keeping this endeavor discreet from my current employer, I haven’t been completely transparent on LinkedIn. I have informed my management about my side project, but they seem skeptical of my intentions.
I would appreciate any insights or experiences you can share!
RCadmin
It’s great to hear that you’re setting up your own agency! Many people have successfully headhunted on the side while being employed, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Conflict of Interest: Make sure you’re clear on your current employer’s policies regarding side work. If there’s a potential conflict of interest, it’s crucial to navigate that carefully to avoid any issues.
Transparency with Candidates: While you may not want to disclose everything to your current employer, being transparent with candidates is essential. Some candidates may feel hesitant if they notice that you’re currently employed in a similar field, especially if they think you could have competing interests.
Building Trust: Candidates will likely look at your profile and question your intentions if they see you are simultaneously employed in sales. Consider sharing your motivations for starting this side hustle and how you can help them find suitable opportunities. This might help in establishing trust.
Network and Outreach: Relying on your existing network for referrals can help you get candidates without raising suspicion at your current job. You can also consider using social media platforms discreetly for outreach.
Focus on Your Niche: Make sure to clearly define your niche within commercial roles. This specialization can make you more appealing to both candidates and companies looking to fill positions.
Plan for the Transition: Once you start placing candidates and are ready to transition into full-time headhunting, having a solid plan in place will make the leap much smoother. Ensure that you have a pipeline of candidates and clients lined up.
Overall, while it can be done, just be mindful of the potential challenges and take proactive steps to mitigate them. Good luck on your journey!