One Entrepreneur On the Start: Bruce A. Hurwitz, Ph.D.

This is part of a series called "The Entrepreneurs On The Start."  This interview is with Bruce A. Hurwitz, Ph.D.

What was your first business venture?

My first business venture was and is my present company, Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, a boutique executive recruiting firm.

What made you want to go into business for yourself?

The recruiting firm where I had previously worked for six years, and which has subsequently been purchased, was facing extremely troubled times due both to the economy and management issues.  I was not certain about the company’s future and decided it might be an opportune time to go out on my own.  The literature all pointed to the fact that the best time to be a recruiter is at the end of a recession.  Timing was critical.  I believed that the turnaround in the economy would come in late 2009/early 2010.

I also wanted to work for a company that was mission-based.  My background is in the non-profit sector so “bottom-line” thinking has never appealed to me.  The mission of my company is to encourage the hiring of veterans of the US Armed Forces and Merchant Marines.  It will not always be possible, but when it is I reduce my fee by one-third as an incentive to the employer to hire the veteran.

Would you go into business, if you had it to do over again?  Why or why not?

I would definitely go into business again.  While it has been very tough, and I have basically survived on savings, business has now started to pick up due to a collaborative effort with another recruiter.  My strength is in finding candidates; his is in finding clients.  It is a perfect synergy.

What I enjoy most about being in business for myself is that I am able to try different things without having to fear being criticized for failure.

What were some of your biggest lessons learned about starting a business?

The biggest lesson is that there are always unforeseen expenses.  The most important lesson was that one person cannot do everything.  I have my strengths; I should have planned to have people on-board, in one capacity or another, to complement my weaknesses.

What advice would you have for others considering going into business for themselves?

First, write a business plan.  It’s the best way to focus on reality.  Have a counselor at the Small Business Administration look it over.  They do not charge for their services and it is more than worth the effort.  Second, do everything you can to get free PR; use www.helpareporter.com and write Letters to the Editor of newspapers and trade magazines.  Every time you are quoted or published, mention it on your website, including the link to the site if available.  Third, make sure you have a good lawyer and accountant.  “Good” means they will not be afraid to tell you that you can’t do something.  “Good” does not mean they will let you do whatever you want.  The last thing in the world you want is trouble with the IRS or to violate a law that you should have known about.

Any final thoughts on starting a business?

Every so often take a day off.  It’s the only perk you will have at the beginning.

Bruce A. Hurwitz, Ph.D., is the founder, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, a boutique executive recruiting firm serving non-profit and corporate clients across the country.  HSS’s mission is to promote the hiring of veterans of the US Armed Forces and Merchant Marines, and to encourage cooperation between the non-profit and for-profit sectors.  You can learn more about HSS by visiting www.hsstaffing.com.