Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adele Last, Founder of Career Lasso, located in Rowville, VIC, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We create recruiters. At Career Lasso, we set out to help solve the shortage of recruiters across the agency and talent acquisition sectors. Our unique Australian program is the first pathway into the industry. Many recruiters "fall" into the sector without the right training and foundations to succeed. Career Lasso works with recruitment agencies and corporate companies across Australia to bring in well-trained recruiters to help them achieve their talent goals, which helps them grow their business.
Tell us about yourself
Like many in the sector, I "fell" into recruitment, not really understanding how amazing the industry was till years later when I had developed the skills and experience needed to succeed. After building a network and speaking to other recruitment professionals, I discovered their journeys were similar. I am driven every day to ensure the new generation of recruiters know more about the role, are well trained before they start, and are supported through their careers. This is a great industry, and I want more people to "choose" to work as a recruiter and not just "fall" into it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Actually, just getting started was an accomplishment. There was (and still is) no one doing this in the industry, and I did lots of research to ensure my idea was viable. I launched in October 2019, and within a few months, COVID hit, so the timing was terrible. I feel proud of having started and nurtured a new business through what has been one of the world's toughest economic environments. Nothing scares me now - I face challenges head-on!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Initially, it is being on your own and having to think through every decision yourself. I have a wonderful group of mentors for different elements of the business, such as operations, finance, and marketing; however, the buck still stops with you. Juggling running the business and delivering the service is also a challenge. I have a full-time staff member now, and we are defining our roles and functions as we grow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Sometimes you have to jump. I think to start and grow a business, you have to be prepared to take risks (hopefully well-calculated ones), but in the end, you still have to jump off the cliff. I would also suggest you build a good network of people you can chat with and bounce ideas with. I consult to start up recruitment businesses now, and the one question I ask them is, "what makes your idea a business?" What I am saying is that a good idea is not a business until someone wants to buy it - do you have a customer? Ensure you have a model that has a customer who wants or needs your product and will pay for it. What customer problem are you solving? I see a lot of people get caught up in the setup of a business or making a fancy website or lots of product development. Start with the customer first - without a customer who will pay; it isn't a business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am open to any business owners that would like to connect if they think I can add some value. I have collaborated with some really interesting consultants and businesses and love this aspect of being a small business. Of course, I can also help anyone wanting to grow their recruitment team, or if you know someone who might make a great recruiter, I would love to chat!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://careerlasso.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareerLasso
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careerlasso/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/careerlasso/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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