Musings of the Creative Noggins

Okay, so maybe I’m a little partial to Cameron-Brooks because they are my client.  A former colleague used to tease me because I always “drank my clients’ Kool-Aid” and I was always more than happy to stand up on my soap box and sing their praises.  But I find that one of the largest benefits to owning my own company is being able to be selective about who I work with.  I won’t sell something I don’t believe in.  And I won’t work with somebody I don’t like.  Life is just way too short for that.

And who would you rather have working on your behalf to promote your company?  Someone who is doing so because they really like you and believe in what you’re selling?  Or someone who is just doing it because it’s their job?

I think you know the answer!

Anyway, back to Cameron-Brooks.  They’re not a large company.  They’re family owned and operated and they are located in the Texas Hill Country, because they love it there and since they can do their work from anywhere, why not do it somewhere that you love?!

But the thing that gets me all a-twitter about Cameron-Brooks is that I don’t think I have ever met a company where the people who work there are so passionate about the work that they are doing.  I have actually interviewed about half of the people in the company, from the top all the way down, and every single person I spoke with there is so incredibly invested in the job that they do everyday. 

What the company does, just so you know, is they work with officers who are considering transitioning from the military to the business world.   They help them to figure out whether or not it’s a good move for them, the things they need to consider, let them know what options they have.  And then, if together they determine that a career in Corporate America would be a good fit, they work with them to prepare for the transition, and then they match them up with the companies who will best help them to obtain their personal and professional goals, including many of America’s top companies. 

The crazy thing is that there are other recruiting firms out there who work solely on commission.  They talk a good talk, but truthfully, their sole pupose is to get that officer to leave the military and then to find some job that they can place them in.  They are looking out for their OWN interest rather than that of the officer.  Because they just want to make the placement and earn the commission. 

Cameron-Brooks, on the otherhand, honestly cares about helping officers to make the best decision for themselves and their family.  First off, many of the Cameron-Brooks‘ employees are former officers themselves, so they have a strong respect and understanding of the military.  So they would NEVER even consider influencing someone to leave the military when staying in may be a better option for them.  I think that’s so stellar. 

Second, they take the time to really, personally, get to know the officers.  They find out what is important to them.  What makes them tick.  What will make them happy in the long run as well as what would be in the best interest of their families.  They care.  Seriously.  I know that every company you’ve ever met says that same thing.  But these people actually do!  It’s really amazing.

Then, they will do whatever it takes to get that officer totally prepared to kick butt at their interviews and to find that officer the best possible companies with whom to interview.  I’ve seen them in action, calling companies and telling them about awesome candidates that they have and getting them all revved up to meet them. 

And they even help the candidates AFTER they have placed them.  At any time, their alumni can call them up and ask for career advice, how to negotiate for a raise, how to interview for a promotion, etc.  They truly value the relationships that they have with everyone they touch.  Whether they choose to go with Cameron-Brooks or not.

There are also several other recruiting firms out there who have basically copied the Cameron-Brooks model.  You can look at their websites and they have basically copied and pasted the verbiage almost verbatim.  I guess that’s a big compliment to Cameron-Brooks, but still its annoying to me when I see that these companies have only 1-3 years of experience compared to Cameron-Brooks‘ 40+ years.  So I hardly believe that they have firm ground upon which to make their claims.

I think the most telling thing of all about Cameron-Brooks is their staff.  They have the most professional, friendly, intelligent and incredible staff that I’ve ever met.  And these people never leave!  They have NO turnover at their company.  That tells me that they know what they’re doing–finding people careers that truly fit them and that they’ll enjoy for the life of their career!  To me, nothing is more telling than that. 

Okay, I’ll get off of my soap box now.  I just really love this client (as if you can’t tell) and really love working with them.  They give me the warm fuzzies everytime I have an interaction with them, which is great! 

Oh, and if you’re a JMO reading this, call this company!  I promise, you’ll be glad you did.

And to anyone else out there who owns or runs a company, you could seriously learn from Cameron-Brooks. 

First, believe in what you’re doing.  You won’t be successful if you don’t.  Hire people who share that passion.  Again, it’s key to your success.  And make certain that the people you serve, whether selling them a procuct or servicing them, know that you have this passion.  Even your vendors!  Anyone your company touches.  Because down the line, they’ll be your strongest advocate.

Okay, my rant is over!  Any thoughts?

by Tracy Marlowe