When building any type of business, you need a strong foundation.  A strong foundation is especially necessary in the recruiting business which can be volatile during times of economic contraction and change. Below are four cornerstones you need when building the foundation of your recruiting business:

1. Have an overall but very specific goal.  Every recruiter is different in what they want to achieve in their career.  But knowing exactly what you want to achieve in your recruiting business is the first cornerstone you must put into place. How much money do you want to earn? What niche do you want to dominate? How large do you want to grow? These are all important questions which must be answered before you can begin building your foundation.
2. Know your customers. Both employers and job candidates are the customers/clients of recruiters. It is important that each recruiter know who they are targeting and that they understand the basic motivations and desires of their target customers/clients.
3. Have a solid but flexible plan.  Knowing what strategy you will use to achieve your goals and attract clients is critical. Many ships have become lost at sea because they did not chart the proper course.  Don’t become a ship lost at sea, take the time to formulate a strategy and be prepared to make necessary alterations as circumstances change.
4. Make sure you have the right tools.  Recruiters need to make sure they have the tools they need to achieve their goals. Tools can include capital, technology, employees, partners or any other number of things.  No two recruiting businesses are alike, so you need to examine your goals, clients and strategy to determine which tools your recruiting venture will need.

The above mentioned cornerstones can apply to both independent recruiters and those working for a firm.