Influence blog: Recruit talent by changing perceptions
Published: Thursday, July 08, 2010, 11:30 AM
Kevin Stotts
Perception can be an incredibly difficult thing to change. It is particularly true when attracting and retaining talent for West Michigan.
The discussion of attracting and retaining talent most often focuses on the Millennials attending colleges and universities across the region and the thousands who have entered the workforce. The emphasis is on the potential brain drain as these young minds with their energy, creativity and spending power are lured to other parts of the country deemed more attractive places to live and work.
In the end, the perception that West Michigan lacks what other parts of the country offer extends beyond Millennials to established professionals. This mindset must change for the region to be a competitive player in the creative economy, keeping the talent already here and attracting more from across the country.
Influence West Michigan
This story was featured in Influence West Michigan, a free weekly e-pub covering innovation, talent and sustainability. Sign up to get it in your inbox every Thursday.We are all familiar with the individual stories of recent college graduates moving to other parts of the country. Oftentimes it is the lure of the big city. And frequently it is because of the belief West Michigan doesn’t offer the career opportunities as they enter the workforce.
On the other end of the spectrum, recruiters around the region will tell you they hear the same refrain when talking to those outside the state — “How far is that from Detroit?” .... “Isn't everything tied to the automotive industry?” or “How can you be hiring, I thought Michigan’s economy was terrible?”
In reality, West Michigan boasts creative and dynamic industries and companies that are household names. Our economic base is more diverse than we give ourselves credit for, companies are hiring, and the region offers an outstanding quality of life. People who move here are often surprised at all West Michigan has to offer. How many times has someone visited you and been surprised at what they find?
Our challenge is perception — internal and external. There exists a lack of awareness of all West Michigan has to offer to those recruited from outside the state. (And that is after overcoming the negative impressions most have of Michigan.) There is also a lack of confidence, pride or even awareness of the great things happening across West Michigan.
Some who live here see the grass greener in other places, despite articles like the one recently published in Fortune magazine.
Yet, this is a great place to live and have a successful career whether you are a young professional or someone looking for the next major career opportunity.
Well over a year ago, leading employers across West Michigan came together to collaborate on this shared and persistent challenge — convincing top talent around the country to move to West Michigan for a career opportunity.
In January, these employers introduced the new organization Quaeris and www.hellowestmichigan.com to promote the region to talent recruited to live and work here. Potential hires can now access an ever-growing resource on housing, schools, entertainment, diversity, sports and leisure, arts and culture, etc. across the region as they make their decision about accepting a position and moving to West Michigan. Quaeris member employers are able to share resources and best practices, as well as provide a common message that West Michigan is a great place to live and work.
The initiative is now broadening its focus to ensure that West Michigan promotes itself and sees itself as a great place to live and work — for those thinking of relocating here and for all of us who call West Michigan home. In the end, each of us is a walking advertisement for West Michigan. It is up to us to share what a remarkable place it is.
Kevin Stotts is director of Quaeris and vice president of community leadership at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.
Changing perceptions you change the conversation in your head
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