%20(2).png){kind=small}
Recently, I had a thought-provoking conversation with a CISO who shared an experience that highlights a key element in business that we often overlook: loyalty.
A few years ago, he partnered with a well-known recruiting firm to fill 6-7 critical positions for his team. With each hire costing about 20% of the candidate’s annual salary, it was a significant investment for the organization. But when it was his turn to seek a new opportunity, the very same firm he’d given considerable business to didn’t lift a finger to support him—not a single introduction or referral, no assistance, nothing.
It’s not that he expected a direct return for his investment. There was no demand for a “quid pro quo.” Instead, it was about relationships. In business, we talk so much about partnerships and collaboration, but how often do we see these words translated into action? For this CISO, and many others I speak with, it’s clear that loyalty and partnership are more than just words; they’re core values.
The Double-Edged Sword of Recruitment
This conversation got me thinking about how many perceive and engage with recruitment firms. I recently spoke with someone who said she doesn’t use recruiters to build her team, but she also admitted she wouldn’t be able to secure an executive role without their help. It’s a paradox that many leaders face: recruiters are viewed as necessary for finding new opportunities but not necessarily essential partners when it comes to building their own teams.
This disconnect often leads to frustration and, ultimately, disappointment when expectations on both sides aren’t met. But why is that? Shouldn’t a recruiter who knows your values, leadership style, and team culture be someone you turn to in both hiring and career transitions?
Relationships First, Business Second
At Blackmere, we believe that loyalty and partnership aren’t just catchphrases—they’re business principles. When we open a new search, we don’t just look at a stack of resumes or LinkedIn profiles. We reach out to the leaders we’ve already built relationships with because we know how they lead, what kind of teams they build, and how they align with the client’s culture.
These are the people we can vouch for confidently because they aren’t just candidates in our database—they’re partners we’ve built trust with over years of collaboration. That trust is everything in recruitment. It’s why, when a company invests in building a relationship with us, we go the extra mile to understand their needs, their challenges, and their vision for the future. And when those same people are looking for a new role or considering a career pivot, we’re there for them too.
The Lesson: Loyalty and Connection Matter
Maybe the lesson in this is simple and something we all intuitively know: loyalty, connection, and partnership matter. We all want to work with people who value our contributions and who see us as more than just a line item or a transaction. And at the end of the day, those are the relationships that stand the test of time.
So, the next time you’re thinking about engaging with a recruiting firm, consider what kind of partnership you’re building. Will they be there for you not just when you need to fill a role, but when you’re searching for your next career move? If you’re investing in a firm that doesn’t see the value of a true partnership, it might be time to rethink where your loyalty lies.
Let’s get back to basics: loyalty, connection, and partnership. Because to most of us, it really does matter.
Feel free to reach out on Linkedin or via e-mail. We are always eager to explore new partnerships!