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Usually, my posts are focused on the staffing solutions space, perhaps discussing key factors for success (and the pitfalls to avoid) when launching a contingent workforce program, or the impact that AI is having on talent solutions operations, or how to properly position your firm for growth in today’s hyper-competitive supplier market. But let’s face it… Aren’t you sick and tired of reading and talking and hearing about those same subjects over and over? I think it is time

In the talent solutions world, we are used to three-letter phrases that are actually acronyms for our industry and the talent culture. MSP. VMS. FMS. EOR. AOR. CRM. ATS. And that is just the list that would make the board on a contingent workforce edition of “The Family Feud!” But there is a three-letter word - yes, an actual word - that is so much more meaningful and powerful that it can be transformative to an organization. WHY? Organizations ask this question all the time,

In May, I was honored to join the Talent Equation podcast for a conversation with April Szlaga of Abacus Service Corporation that focused on the evolution of talent solutions over the lst two decades, and in particular, the impacts of AI on these models in today's world, as well as the staffing industry as a whole. We also had a little fun along the way! Below is the link to the YouTube link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP62lfSgq7E&t=1s

AI is certainly the hot topic at every contingent workforce conference I have attended the past couple years, and I am confident that it is a hot topic at every conference - PERIOD, regardless of industry. Contingent Workforce Strategies founder Jeff Nugent and I sat down for his May 14 podcast of "Ask The Expert" to dicuss the impact of AI within the talent solutions space. We discuss where we are seeking impact today, the potential risks that could come into play, how orga

Underneath the person you know as Steve Dern – the man so cool, suave and handsome that he is potentially the second most interesting man in the world behind the Dos Equis guy - lies a deep dark secret that is so shocking, so unimaginable that even those closest to him will shutter in disbelief! This article will channel my well-meaning inner demon to talk about today’s technology in the world we live today. Here it goes. I . . . am . . . a “Trekkie”!!! There, I said it

So there I was, lounging at home the other night with my lovely wife, trying to decide what to watch after dinner. We had a cozy fire going, a glass of Oregon pinot noir in hand, and our beagle snuggled up with us, helping us forget the foot of snow still on the ground here in Cincinnati. After scrolling through multiple streaming services, we finally settled on Netflix. A few days later, a friend asked me what I do for a living and what an MSP is. As I explained, I reminisce

So, you are sourcing a talent solution for your company, whose reliance on third party labor continues to evolve, and the company recognizes the need for a better way of managing it all. It could be VMS technology, with the vision being a self-managed program that leverages process automation. Or perhaps it is a full service MSP solution powered by VMS technology. Payrolling and IC Compliance services or Direct Sourcing could be in play as well. It has been an arduous proce

We all do it! In everyday life, in business, as we parent our children. We get done with a conversation feeling good, only to realize later that you wish you had asked another question. Or that you wish you had approached the conversation from a different perspective, perhaps sharing the context behind your inquiry to solicit an answer that is more targeted. For many, references are a necessary evil in the process of interviewing candidates or vetting potential suppliers.

As you prepare to go to bid for a contingent workforce solution, you likely have already addressed building your internal governance team and engaging those key stakeholders, and done homework to effectively pre-manage your potential bidders. Now, it’s time to look at how to craft an effective RFP from a perspective of content. I’ll give you a hint! The phrase “K.I.S.S.” (Keep It Simple, Stupid) will be mentioned more than once. From a client perspective, an RFP is hopef

The preparation that goes into a contingent workforce solution RFP has always reminded me of Thanksgiving. If you are like many families, there can be ridiculous amounts of everything - appetizers, main courses, side items, desserts, wine! Most critically, we need to have a good understanding who the players are going to be at the table. We love them all (or at least most of them), but that doesn't mean you want to deal with them day in and day out for the next 3-5 years!

We all know that it is common for procurement to take the lead on running RFP sourcing events for contingent workforce (“CW”) solutions such as MSP, VMS, EOR/AOR and Direct Sourcing solutions. The Indirect Category Manager is usually working at the behest of HR or Talent Acquisition, who recognizes the growing reliance on third party labor, but may lack the resource bandwidth or expertise to manage the CW program themselves. But there are more stakeholders who need to be inv