Our capacity to amplify, communicate instantly and process efficiently is increasing exponentially, and we work in an industry with a heightened focus on time, cost, and quality. Advancements in technology are growing at speed not seen before, with a considerable emphasis on evolution in technology referred to as 'Web 3.0'; artificial intelligence, automation, digitisation, blockchain and IoE ('the internet of everything').

However, whilst these developments are exciting, one of the key factors to productivity and success in our industry is the ability to have advanced 'Human 3.0'. This is where people come together and rally their greatest strength – the human spirit – to achieve the best from and for each other.

This month, I'll share my professional history with the lessons I have learned along the way and the keys to success that I have employed and witnessed, that form the 'secret sauce' of matchmaking that include leveraging the power of the human spirit.

Looking for the Opportunity

I have been fortunate enough to have had a diverse range of work, training and exposure to different industries. Starting at the bottom, through hard work, gaining experience and achieving some amazing results has taught me that when I am willing to 'be up for it', that opportunity presents itself in the most unusual places and times. But that I need to be paying attention when it is knocking.

I started at KFC part-time during school, took my first proper job in LJ Hooker as an assistant, and watched and learned what it took to be successful. Eventually, I obtained my real estate licence, operated as a sales agent, and started working with some of the best sales agents in the industry. I observed the ones who had great support from people around them, who 'knew' people, their motivations and desires and how to successfully match the best buyers and sellers for win-win outcomes had the greatest success and fulfilment.

What I learned: I saw that you couldn't just wait for things to happen and that successful people were actively talking with others, as many opportunities come through conversations. Those who put themselves forward were the ones that grew into their success and were OK with being a little bit uncomfortable for a while. Those who could maintain their success over the long term were both authentic and spirited. Confidence comes with time, effort and skill, but to succeed at a high level, you need a lot of authenticity and a little touch of bravery.

Believing In Yourself

I next moved into the print and display industry as a salesperson, working with major clients like Audi, Banks and Surgical Companies. I had to be highly professional and adaptable to change how I approached each person as there was a wide and varied personalities in each industry. It was a period of learning and understanding the preferences that differ per person.

At first, it was challenging, and I had some 'naysayers' around me telling me that I wasn't able to make the transition into another industry. If I am honest, I would never have succeeded if I had turned my attention and listened to them. But I learned that there will always be someone telling you that you can't do it (or maybe even you're telling yourself that), but you simply can't give in. You have to overcome negativity and find that thing that boosts your belief in yourself and commit to yourself.

What I learned: I learned to be loyal to myself and my dreams. To be flexible in life and to hear the needs of others, and if I could match the right solution to the right problem – we all benefit. Further, that listening – really listening – was the key, whether to myself or others. Primarily, you need to be yourself, believe in yourself, and commit to being your best self. Also, who you surround yourself with is crucial: if you can surround yourself with people who genuinely cheer you on to be successful, that makes a significant difference in your confidence and outlook on life.

Response-ability and Responsibility

Once again, opportunity knocked, and I moved to Queensland, funny enough, to take a break from sales and work in contracts administration, which turned out to be a massive blessing. I started working alongside the Director of a Retail Fit Out Company to help him. Within weeks, I was given the opportunity to move into programming, scheduling and the entire fit-out work field. I had decided to respond with a 'yes' when asked to take on new responsibilities. Eventually, I flourished, knowing how I could pull together and manage a great team to achieve some remarkable results.

What I learned: I loved the industry – construction felt like second nature to me, and I flourished matching projects and people and creating a great team. Showing gratitude opened up doors for other personal and professional development opportunities for myself. It is truly amazing how good manners and a thank you matter. I also learned that authentically recognising the efforts of teams fostered understanding, growth, co-operation and morale. And I observed that one of the keys is having people that show up as being responsible, and when you have people that can be counted on, you can turn a hell project into a dream project.

Insatiable Curiosity

I then interviewed with a boutique recruitment agency for another contracts administration role which turned into another opportunity to be responsive. They offered me the recruiter's job instead!

Bravery 2.0 and Web 2.0 were needed, and my insatiable curiosity was satisfied. Getting up to speed knowing what each trade was about became many hours on YouTube, a million site visits, and a zillion conversations to gain understanding, not only of their trade, but also their troubles and what attributes and personality traits they were looking for.

As it was a small agency, it was expected that you did everything yourself, which was such a brilliant grounding in learning, implementing and managing the systems, procedures, policies, employment law, interviews, negotiations and more needed to succeed in the role. This role expanded my ability to create great teams between clients and candidates.

What I learned: Besides a high level of technical skills and industry knowledge, I learned to let go of my preferences and expectations and make the right match for certain companies. I developed a high level of curiosity, questioning and reading someone – personality traits, body language, tone of voice, expectations and desires, and how they do things or do them differently. I also learned a high level of situational matching - you know, this person might not be like me, but they will be very good in this situation, this job, and with these clients who do things in this way, and they can really contribute to the team.

Matchmaking Heaven & The Human Spirit

Eventually, I was poached by an old boss, but unfortunately, that business fell apart as 'super' was not being paid. I got to the point where I saw a more personalised and ethical way of doing business in recruitment. There were definitely things that I wanted to do differently and be able to provide for my clients and how to look after and manage teams at a level that I would never be able to do if I worked for someone.

With my experience and success, I went out on my own and started SiteForce Recruitment on 26^th October, 2020, and we are celebrating two years of success. The fantastic news is that even though my business is a 'Covid Baby Business', it has been tremendously successful, and our team, clients and candidates are growing.

What I learned: Of course, we employ everything 'Web 2.0' offers and look forward to the promises 'Web 3.0' will bring so that we are precise, reliable and agile. However, the fulfilment I get every day in seeing how people come together and rally their greatest strength – the human spirit – to achieve the best from and for each other is the next level.

Choosing to work with the best clients, the best candidates, and deliver the best quality teams and service and teams is amazing. And yes, I pay my super – my pool of top-quality candidates are everything to me. We are a business that can deliver quick hiring solutions because our top talent and top clients are not strangers.

We are continually expanding, growing and refining our' secret sauce' and looking to make matchmaker heaven for our clients and candidates and are currently expanding our own internal team. Watch this space!

Let's chat if you would like to play in the pool with us and be part of an incredible experience for candidates and clients.

Chantal Penny

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How to Explain Gaps In Your Employment – Turning a Negative into a Positive



SiteForce Recruitment specialise in labour-hire and permanent recruitment in the construction industry. We are committed to valuing people, safety and well-being, collaboration, trust and of course – results!

CONNECT with us via our contact page or bookings links on our website if you are looking to recruit for, get your dream job, or join our amazing labour force team.

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