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Aswani Ayyala, Technical Recruiter with Vision Technology Services It’s normal for people to be nervous during an interview, but being overly nervous might show a lack of confidence in your skills. I always tell my candidates to keep in mind that this is a two-way street. The candidate is also interviewing the managers / company to see if this would be a long-term fit for THEM, not just the other way around. Asking questions about the team, the organization, the type of work they do, and their end goal is just as important as you answering each of the interview questions. This not only shows your interest in the organization, but it will provide clarity for you about the position and the company. Asking these questions will help you figure out if this is where you see yourself for years to come. The company needs to sell YOU on the job too! Our entire Professional Division is here to assist you in your career journey! Please contact us anytime for additional support.

In this guide, we highlight best practices around recruitment, interviewing, and retention to help guide you through these uncertain times. Often, it is much more than just compensation that aids in recruiting talent and retaining the best people. BGSF Professional Division 2021 Salary Guide #ProfessionalDivision #ProfessionalSalary #SalaryGuide

The debate continues every year from about mid-November to early January does real estate actually have a “slow” season? Sure, people might calm down on physically moving in and out of homes or offices, and some businesses/leasing offices might be closed for Christmas and New Year’s Day. But if you look closely, the slowdown of foot traffic might be the perfect opportunity to plan out successes and goals for the coming year. Keep reading for a few tips to make the most out of your downtime! Send handwritten cards. Whether it be to wish your clients or residents ‘happy holidays’, a $5 gift card for coffee on you, or a simple note to say hello; it’s a great time to remind your customers why they chose to do business with you in the first place. Among the holiday cards and packages, it’s nice to see a ‘thank you’ from a business or account manager. Complete all that nasty paperwork and filing. Yep – go ahead and bite the bullet. Now is the perfect time to do a deep clean of your office space, whether that’s a home office, remote office, or the kitchen table. File away papers from the previous year, making sure they’re labeled clearly, and store them in easy-to-see boxes (these from the Container Store are a team favorite!). Clean and wipe down surfaces and screens. Put everything back in its place. Now is also a great time to edit down your space and clear some room for new calendars, motivational quotes, or just enjoy a clear area to work and think. Check out these fun printables for your office area and get ready to get stuff done in the new year! Plan out your calendar. Sure, you don’t know what March 18th will bring EXACTLY. But now is a great time to pencil in some fun plans – not only for something to look forward to but how many times have we looked up and it’s July already? Plan things like tentative vacations, staycations, and self-care days. Pencil in employee appreciation weeks, team get-togethers (either in-person or virtually!), and make notes to book things like massages, spa days, book club dates, or wine with friends. Looking ahead and preparing yourself for the coming year will hopefully cut down on surprises or last-minute plans. These stickers are sure to help your calendar stay bright and cheery while reminding you of important dates and times. Make resolutions. Maybe resolutions aren’t your thing. Let’s call them “plans and goals” instead. Along with planning out your calendar, making goals for yourself is a great way to accomplish things you normally might put off. It could be a health goal, family goal, work goal, or anything in between –  speaking a goal out loud and/or writing it down makes you 50% MORE likely to accomplish it. We like those odds! Relax. Our guess is that you feel like this past year flew by in a flash. We feel you. Take this time among the holidays to breathe, spend time with family, and collect yourself. Drop the to-do lists, the cleaning frenzies, or the anxious organizing. You are perfectly okay to just sit, enjoy time with friends and family, and leave the chores for tomorrow. Give yourself grace in knowing that time spent with people who care for you is never wasted and the dust bunnies can wait. To kick off the new year on the right foot, give BG Real Estate a call for any additional help you need. Whether it’s maintenance, leasing, property management, or just someone to help welcome guests and guide them to the elevator at your community (yeah, we do that!) we are here for you. Reach us at BGSF.com. We can’t wait to be part of your success story in the new year!

The first question you may ask is “why is cybersecurity relevant to the manufacturing industry?” In the digital age that is the 21st century, almost everything is automated or at least computerized. Data is saved in online servers, tests are run in simulations, and more. And all the while, cybercriminals are becoming smarter, which means the manufacturing industry—one of the oldest industries in the country—must transform to protect itself. Still, aren’t sure? Here are five more reasons why you should invest in cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry. Cybercrime is Rising As the world becomes more technologically savvy, one guarantee is that cybercriminals are as well. Generations today were born into a tech world and they are comfortable with its constantly changing nature. So, with cybercriminals becoming more common and more data being saved online, it is no shock that crimes like these pose a serious threat to every industry. Manufacturers are Valuable Targets Manufacturing businesses specifically are significant targets for many reasons. Among the top reasons are the sheer size and necessity of the industry around the world. Proprietary data, prototypes, test results, automated processes, production, and more are all vulnerable when they are recorded and saved online. Even if the data stolen is not valuable or relevant on its own, it can be useful for ransom. Without proper security measures, these exclusive plans and processes are at risk for corporate espionage and corruption. Cyberattacks Could Become More Severe Due to the nature of the manufacturing industry, cyberattacks pose a huge risk to more than just one company. More often than not, these companies are part of a larger supply chain, so an attack on one will affect the entire line. The manufacturing process is more involved than ever as factory machinery, automation, and more are made to integrate seamlessly with each other, meaning the disruption of a single piece will cost every company and client connected to that supply chain a lot of money. Modernized Factories Have More Entry Points Factories that have bought into modern technologies are setting themselves up for a highly productive and profitable future. But, they must also be aware of the vulnerabilities that come along with it. Every tool, whether physical or digital, that is added to the automated, integrated toolbox is a potential point of entry unless properly protected. A cybersecurity team’s job is to guard these backdoors and sound the alarm if and when they are breached. Therefore, as a general rule, the more integrated a system is, the more robust the cybersecurity management system must be as well. The Industry Lacks Cybersecurity Experience Call it a competitive advantage or self–preservation, but cybersecurity is a necessity with which just a few companies in the manufacturing industry have experience. And while the number of new adopters is rising quickly, it is vital to never overestimate your own measures of protection or underestimate the lengths cybercriminals are willing to take to get your data. Educating yourself and your employees on the most common forms of cyberattacks—such as phishing—and how to recognize potential threats is just as important as investing in a top-of-the-line cybersecurity team. A security-minded culture is one of the best defenses against cybercriminals. Emphasize caution and good judgment among your teams and use robust cybersecurity software in the equipment they use every day, and your company will be in the best position it can be to withstand the risks that a highly productive, automated, and integrated future brings to your door. Looking to fortify your defenses? BGSF has what you need, from factory employees to cybersecurity professionals, and more. Reach out to a representative today and see how we can help you solve all your workforce problems! Nichols, Ray Megan. Euroscientist.com.

Four years ago, self-guided touring was the newest technology to hit multifamily housing. A number of start-up companies were in on this, speaking on how leasing could continue 24-7, allowing the prospect to guide themself through the amenities and model apartment, using a one-time code that allowed for doors to be unlocked for a certain period of time. This whole concept raised some questions. What about the rapport that leasing associates were expected to build during the leasing process? What about safety and loss prevention? More importantly- would this mean the end of traditional leasing offices? Enter 2020. In a pandemic and post-pandemic world, there are several large management firms that have opted to pull the trigger on self-guided tours. In a time of distancing and no contact, self-guided tours mean that prospects can continue to apartment hunt without the worry of encountering others. A self-guided tour, no matter the company that offers it, is usually pretty standard. A prospect can schedule the appointment from a website or a link provided by the leasing team. Upon giving an ID number and (sometimes) a credit card number for incidentals, the tour is set and all the prospect has to do is show up. Once a prospect has arrived, the coordinating tour app on their phone guides them through each step of the tour- with picture and video guides. Doors unlock magically with their one-time code, interior cameras are set up to monitor time spent in each space, and most apps usually have a feature to show off additional benefits in each room (i.e. “Check out the granite countertops and soft-close cabinets!”). As a bonus, the app will also ask the prospect if they are ready to lease the apartment home- and give them the direct link to apply right then and there. Easy, right? The list of additional pros for self-guided touring is amazing. Allowing only one prospect or prospect group per slot, there’s no chance of double booking. Additionally, while there is a time limit, it’s not a short one. You can take your time strolling through amenity areas, the model home, and community spaces at your leisure. For the prospect, there’s no “pressure” of making a leasing decision right then and there. It’s easy to inspect every square inch of the model apartment or vacant apartment without a leasing associate’s attentive presence. Plus, self-guided tours are usually scheduled for extended hours- starting as early at 6 am at some communities and ending at 8 pm. If you are one of the majority of Americans who work until 5 pm or 6 pm, you don’t have to scramble to get to a leasing office before closing time- simply schedule your self-guided tour at a time that’s the most convenient for you. As new technologies usually do, there are some cons, or at the very least, some questions that a renter or management company needs to consider before spending upwards of $10,000 to outfit a model home for a self-guided tour. What if things go missing? Loss prevention is one of the biggest setbacks and concerns for companies wanting to take the next step in self-guided tours. Sure, the prospect must submit a driver’s license when they tour as well as a credit card- but what if it’s fake? What if your custom furniture or décor gets nabbed out of a model home or an amenity area gets trashed? Some would say the risk outweighs the reward. Other concerns have to do with the personal touch that a leasing experience can provide. If prospects choose to go the self-guided route, who is there to overcome their objections? How will they form an emotional connection to the office team? What if they have questions, get lost on the tour route, or meet a resident who just HAS to tell them about their negative experience and there’s no leasing associate there to usher them kindly away? These are the things keeping some VPs up at night. There’s no argument that the leasing process is shifting- not only due to COVID-19, but also due to emerging technologies, a faster pace of life, and more people wanting to dole out their time wisely; whether that means more time at home with their family, or working-from-home and homeschooling coinciding with their typical nine to five jobs. As we continue to evolve as an industry, we need to be able to be flexible with the changing needs of our residents and prospective residents to stay relevant. Regardless of whether your company is beginning self-guided tours or keeping it old school, BG Real Estate is here for you. Maybe it’s in-person leasing associates or an additional concierge to assist with keeping that self-guided tour path clean. No matter your stance or where you are today, BGRE is making sure that your future is our purpose. Find out more at BGSF.com.

Overview More and more businesses are beginning to leverage predictive analytics to increase revenue, reduce cost and improve service to customers. However, many others are not sure how to get started or believe they need to hire a new department of data scientists. With these unknowns determining the true ROI of implementing predictive analytics can prevent many companies from even trying. All companies can benefit from predictive analytics to improve operations. To get started, determine a proof of concept use case that can be completed in 12 weeks. This POC enables the business team to understand the analytics process, outcomes and how to implement the model within operations. Machine Learning There are two types of machine learning algorithms used to create predictions, Supervised Learning, and Unsupervised Learning. Supervised learning makes predictions using past information and known outcomes. For example, predicting part failures by tracking historical part failures. Unsupervised learning makes predictions from only the data it has, no historical or known outcomes are known. An example of this is market basket analysis where all purchases made for the past year at a supermarket are analyzed to determine what products are frequently purchased together. How does Predictive Analytics Work? Predictive analytics leverages patterns and relationships in data by using historical data applied to current information. The core of predictive analytics is the data mining model. Data mining models are built using various machine learning algorithms that attempt to discover patterns, trends, and behaviors in the data. Using the best performing model for the individual use case, new insights can be gained by applying the model to new data. The following use cases explain how predictive analytics can improve business operations. Use Case – Predicting Credit Risk Default You can predict credit risk default by using a supervised learning algorithm that leverages historical data from all customers. A model can be built that scores each customer and provides the probability that they will default on their credit. The results of the model can be shared with the operations team to do further investigation and determine what actions to take to minimize defaults. Use Case – Predicting Customers Most Likely to Churn You can predict the customers most likely to churn by using a supervised learning algorithm that leverages historical data from all customers. A model can be built that scores each customer and provides the probability that they will churn or stop their service. The results of the model can be shared with the operations team to do further investigation and determine what actions to take to minimize churn and offer customers different products that lead to higher income. Use Case – Predicting Machine Failures You can predict which machines are most likely to fail by using a supervised learning algorithm that leverages historical data from all similar machines. For example, using the sensor data from a well pump. A model can be built that scores each pump and provides the probability of failure for each pump. The results of the model can be shared with the maintenance team to do further investigation and determine what actions to take to minimize downtime. Use Case – Predicting Products that Sell Together (Market Basket) You can predict which products are most likely to be used by customers using an unsupervised learning algorithm that leverages data from all customers. For example, using the product information from a financial institution such as saving account, checking account, ATM usage. A model can be built that determines which products customers commonly used by all customers. The results of the model can be shared with the product team to create new offerings and marketing efforts that get more customers leveraging. © Derek WilsonCEO – CDO Advisorswww.cdoadvisors.com

Think that the time for learning is done the day you graduate from college? Think again! On the contrary, the individuals who are most successful in life pursue continuing education throughout their careers. Here are just a few reasons that BGSF recommends job candidates keep learning new skills: Keep Current in Your Industry If you’re not keeping up on industry news, you may be missing out on valuable work opportunities. As technology and trends develop, employees who don’t keep up may find themselves at a disadvantage. In the long run, neglecting to learn new skills may even stop you from landing that dream job. There are a number of easy ways to stay current with the latest topics and developments. Reading blogs, following influencers on LinkedIn, finding interesting Twitter users and utilizing RSS feeds are four methods of getting news delivered to your fingertips multiple times a day. Increase Income Potential Who doesn’t want to make more money? If you want to increase your value in the workplace, consider going back to school to develop your skills and abilities. Not only do graduate degrees increase lifetime earning potential, but attending these programs in your off hours also shows your boss that you truly care about helping the company succeed. In the long run, going back to school may just help you score that much-desired promotion. Avoid Boredom It doesn’t matter how much you enjoy your job – if you routinely perform the same tasks and activities, you are bound to feel a little bored on occasion. Fortunately, education is a great way to stave off boredom. If you’re feeling unmotivated, consider signing up for a night course at your local college or taking a class online. Fully committing to a degree program isn’t a requirement, so finding a course that interests you is a great alternative. You could also attend a business seminar or trade show. Not only are these events a great way to stimulate your interest in the career you once loved, but they may also serve as valuable networking opportunities. You may even meet your next employer on the convention floor!

Networking can be tough. Sure, there’s the familiar events out there, the ones with open bars, plenty of extroverted people, get-to-know-you prompter questions, and at the very least, passed appetizers. But if you’re brand new or trying to get a foot in the door of the real estate industry, there can be more dead ends out there than wide-open opportunities. Sometimes you have to create your own. Keep reading for some fun, creative, and engaging networking ideas to get the ball rolling on your new (or existing!) real estate career. 1. Check out your local apartment or builder’s association. A GREAT first step is to check out what associations are in your area. Realtor associations, apartment associations, and builder associations are found in most major metro areas and most also offer virtual links to attend if you live a little further away. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people -even if you haven’t started your career yet- is a great way to make some connections. To make a large association even smaller, look into joining a committee or task force within the organization. Most associations host committees to focus on everything from legislative advocacy to marketing and advertising, so you’re guaranteed to find something to spark your interest! 2. Find a mentor. Having a sounding board within your chosen career is a fantastic way to invite an unbiased influence into your circle. Ideally, your mentor should be in the same industry as you but maybe not the same company. Big decisions like job changes, promotion negotiations, career shifts, and other opportunities are always easier to sort through if you have someone in your corner with your best interests at heart. 3. Get educated. From Certified Apartment Managers to licensed Realtors, there’s always another certification, class, or credential to help you learn more about your chosen profession. Bonus: most companies offer scholarships or will pay for half of the cost of the course if you sign something promising to pay it back if you leave the company within a certain timeframe. Being able to commit to a class and pass a test shows your current and any future employer that you are dedicated to your industry and want to thrive in your role. If you’re not sure about educational offerings, find a board member or committee member within the association and ask! 4. Be a mentor. Once you’ve ingrained yourself in your industry, consider taking a newbie under your wing. Someone who is getting their own start in the industry could really use a strong and positive influence as they navigate through their career. Being able to pour into someone else will always pay you back tenfold in the satisfaction you get in seeing your mentee thrive. 5. Teach. You’ve heard the phrase “if you can’t explain it, you don’t know it well enough”? Take it to the bank! Ask your association if there’s an opportunity to teach or instruct classes throughout the year. Have an idea for a class that isn’t offered? Suggest it! From Diversity & Inclusion classes, Social Media Marketing classes, and even industry panels of experts, there’s always an opportunity to bring new and exciting information to the people who are in your industry. Plus, in preparing to teach, you’ll probably learn something new as well! For any networking event, even those within your own company, it’s nice to have a supplier partner who has your back. Your local BG Real Estate branch is available for sponsorships, facilitating continuing education, or helping put together a networking event for your company. To partner with us, reach out on social media or on our website at BGSF.com.

The National Apartment Association & BGMF = the Industry’s Hottest Power Couple The National Apartment Association was formed to be a leading voice for rental housing. With 153 affiliates and 82,000 members operating over 10 million apartment units worldwide, the NAA exists to support the growing multifamily industry. As BG Multifamily supplies top talent to multifamily management companies, either on a temporary or direct hire basis, we work closely with the NAA to support their initiatives and what the multifamily owner-operators are doing. For supplier partners, NAA established the National Suppliers Council (NSC) to continue developing a strong relationship between the rental housing industry and its national service partners. As a longstanding National Supplier Council member, BGMF is proud to be active within the NAA and its many initiatives throughout the calendar year. Employees of BGMF are encouraged to participate in NAA, state, and local associations and engage fully in the top three initiatives of any association: education, advocacy, and networking. We sat down with Betsy Kirkpatrick, Strategic Accounts Executive of BGMF, to hear more about her involvement with NAA and how it benefits her job role. Tell me more about the value you find in NAA. BK: When we support the industry, when we grow the industry through education, advocacy, and networking, our clients reap the benefits. When they grow, they need more candidates, which is better for us and perpetuates a cycle of industry partnership. What benefits have you found being part of the NAA in your role as Strategic Accounts Executive? BK: I’ve gotten to know people all across the US and receive national training through conferences. I participate in Advocate (The NAA’s political action committee and an essential arm of the NAA’s advocacy on behalf of the apartment housing industry). and being part of the NAA gives you the exposure that you wouldn’t normally get. It gives you those connections. People I’ve met through NAA, I would never have met otherwise. A great example is Alexandra Jackiw (current Chief Operating Officer of Hayes Gibson Property Services, industry trainer and speaker, multifamily veteran, and general powerhouse). I attended a training of hers and then I connected with her on social media. Through additional events and networking, she’s now a friend of mine and someone I can just pick up the phone and call if I need a sounding board within the industry. What’s your biggest piece of advice to multifamily suppliers? BK: Don’t downplay education and advocacy! So many suppliers only focus on networking, but that’s only a third of what the association is. Education and advocacy control the health of the industry, which controls your company’s bottom line, ultimately. Play the long game, and ALWAYS ask yourself, “What can I do to better support the industry as a whole?” Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn here. Learn more about the National Apartment Association here.

Burnout for introverts is different from other types of burnout. The core differences are the causes of the stress and overexertion that result in feeling burnt out. For introverts, it can be exhausting to have long periods of socialization without any breaks. Even the surrounding environment can be overwhelming if it is too stimulating or chaotic. Introverts, unlike extroverts, feel most comfortable when they have ample time to be alone or are engaging in quality, personal interactions. So, if you feel drained after meetings or conferences with many people where you feel like you have to project a more polished, excited version of yourself, you may be an introvert! There are many signs of burnout. Some include a lack of motivation and confidence, exhaustion, emotionally distancing yourself from others, high-stress levels, and poor decision-making. As you can probably tell, this is not a state anyone wants to find themselves in. And, unfortunately, it can creep up on you if you aren’t paying attention to what your mind and body need. The good news is burnout is not permanent! With the proper self-care, you will be able to go about your life, as good as new. Here are some tips and tricks to get back to feeling like your best self: Try to pinpoint when and why you started feeling burnt out. By discovering the root of the cause, you can do more than just cover up the problem and keep it from coming back. And, you can also keep your eye out for other situations that may have the same effect on you and better manage your response in the future. Take some time to step back and have some quality time alone. Resting will be hugely beneficial to your physical and mental health. Increased stress and emotional withdrawal can have long-term negative effects on your life, and it is important to take care of yourself, inside and out. Create a plan for the future. When you are aware of what triggers your burnout, you can set proper boundaries and establish the support system you may need to control your response. Everyone’s self-care looks different. Some people may find that sharing their experiences with a trusted friend or family member (or even a mental health professional) makes all the difference in how they feel. Others may rely on healthy boundaries like scheduling specific times to work and rest or limiting their time on social media to ease their anxieties and stressors. No matter what it looks like for you, allowing yourself to step away from the things that overwhelm and exhaust you to take the time to do things you enjoy is a great way to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy in the long run. Is your career burning you out? BGSF can help you take the next step towards your dream career! Contact a BG recruiter at bgsf.com today!

This year’s political climate has prompted individuals as well as organizations to take action. It’s important as Property Management professionals to stay one step ahead and be readily available for the residents and tenants we serve. While the election climate has maintained a serious undertone, we can always implement fun ideas to keep engagement with our tenants lighthearted and genuine. These best practices will outline useful principles to help you stay engaged with your apartment or office community 1. Let tenants know they have a voice Let your community know that you support them and their right to exercise their political voice. This message can be spread through a mass email to the residents outlining the Property Management company values and how they align with their freedom and right to vote. It’s also important for guests of the building to see that your building supports each sharing their voice. This message should be clear and displayed in common areas such as lobbies, elevators, and on-site property management offices. This message can be displayed on digital screens, vinyl banners, and any COVID-19 equipped amenities. 2. Maintain a Congruent Message on Social It’s important as Property Management to inform tenants, guests, and residents about their rights and options to express their voice while on the premises. Management must carry that same message of support onto your social media pages. Residents and guests are savvy enough to tell when a company or organization is sharing one message to the world but practice a different set of values in person. Be sure to have consistent, and uniform team communication so all members on the same page week to week, and day-to-day. Create fun and engaging hashtags for your community to use when interacting with your posts. 3. Address Political signs on your community Rather than outlining what tenants cannot do when it comes to posting signs, start by educating tenants on what they can do. So long as it’s following safety code and language per the lease. Let tenants know they’re allowed to post signs in their window or on their door. Follow the information with any restrictions per the lease such as no use of profanity or explicit content. Notify tenants of other restrictions such as how big the size of a sign can be. Research local ordinances on how long a sign can remain posted. If the local law does not clearly state the rules about signs, the community can discuss creating reasonable rules that outline proper signage behavior (example- 90 days before election and/or 15 days after the election). 4. Be an election resource to residents Partner with local polling stations and early registration organizations to be a resource to those who are interested in participating. Send community-wide emails notifying residents of nearby voting registration stations. Mail-In ballots becoming more prevalent, it would be a great idea to create a How-To guide for the community that is easy to follow with clear instructions. To take it a step further, setting up some formal training for your in-house staff to learn proper voting procedures and methods to answer any questions your residents may have will be worth investing in as this year isn’t the only time they can vote. Providing resources can also be fun! Have your team come up with a raffle for any residents who participate in early voting and share the activity to inspire the rest of the community. 5. Ask for feedback This practice is done most often by leaders of their industry. Leaders are usually the first to act in the marketplace because they have a firm understanding of their core values but are just as quick to ask for feedback once the action has taken place. The question to receive important feedback is ongoing and consistent. How can we do better? Asking this question will give you all the information you need to know about your residents. Depending on the feedback, you’ll know if you need to put more of an emphasis on social media messaging or if you need to create specific resources for your resident’ unique needs. No matter how you decide to manage your property this election cycle, be sure to remember that everything we do is to serve the people in our buildings and to be viewed by the community as a valuable resource that cares deeply about their tenant experience.

Elaine Priesman’s experience with BGSF and the recruiting industry has given her plenty of insight into the business and the changing industry. Her commitment to great service and building personal connections makes her a valuable resource to BG, especially in today’s environment. Brittany Berrodin, the Marketing Specialist for the Professional Division, was able to speak with Elaine and discuss working remotely through the pandemic and its affect on BGSF as well as the staffing industry. Take a look: Brittany Berrodin: So, a big part of today’s world is centered around COVID, and how big of an impact that has on everything. How do you think it’s affected the sales and recruiting process for you guys? Elaine Priesman: Well, when we went into 2020, we were expecting this to be a banner year until things came to a screeching halt, and it’s still so hard to even imagine that something like this has pretty much shut down our country. It was very drastic and very fast-moving; we were forced to end some previously planned business. So, COVID hit us in our division and in our city, really hard. Houston is still very oil and gas-focused and the bottom fell out, so it’s really… I think we were all more resilient than we expected us to be, and we picked up the pieces because we knew what we had to do to keep things going. I think the disappointment was in hearing so many of the stories from our clients that really are still going through a lot of pain from this. BB: Do you see it affecting the staffing industry, specifically your clients? EP: I think that the cost-cutting measures were just really very drastic and had to happen very quickly. So, it has absolutely affected us and them. Now we also know that this is not a forever thing, and it’s going to come back, and so we’ve had some great conversations with clients, and we’ve told them “we’re ready when you’re ready, we have some interim resources available for you, and we can put people to work very quickly.” It’s given us some time to reconnect with a lot of new candidates who obviously might have been laid off or will be ready to go back to work quickly. And I will tell you, it’s been a joy to be able to connect with some people that might not have had the time available for me to have some long conversations. So, everyone is eager to have a conversation, they’re just not as quick with the changes in their budgets to quite move forward yet. But they know the good work that we’ve done, so of course, we’ll get back on track with them when the time is right. BB: And what positives have you seen from the changes that COVID brought? EP: So, I will tell you one of the things that our clients that still have some open positions—obviously the business has to continue to keep going—are pretty astounded by the number of resumes that are coming in off of their own postings and off of social media. I think they’re finding the value of using somebody like us that really knows how to vet candidates and can only send the best of the very best rather than them having to go through hundreds of resumes to find one or two. So, I think that they’ve learned a lot having to do some of this sourcing and find some solutions on their own, which have not been positive. So, I think it’s given them an opportunity to see the value of our group. BB: That’s a great way to look at that.  Do you think that BG stands out in that way? And what makes us different within the staffing industry? EP: Well, I could speak to my own Houston group—and we are a very tenured group of people—some people will tell you in our industry is unusual to be with a company as long as most of us have been with Donovan & Watkins and BGSF. It speaks a lot to not just the good work that we do, but to the company and the company that we keep. So, culturally, we are absolutely a company that people want to come to work for. I think people do recognize the fact that there’s something that drives us and keeps us working for the same company. There’s a lot of talk about people in our industry that do move around, but we’re not that kind of company. And a lot of those conversations lead to that by saying, “We’re a really tenured group. We’ve been around a long time and we love our company, and we want to know what makes their companies a great place for them to work,” and we share the same ideas. That’s one of the things I know that stands out for our brand, in particular; our just recognition, our brand recognition, and we keep that at the forefront. BB: Do you enjoy working from home? Do you find your work style to be impacted by it? EP: You know, I really, I miss my team, so I do call them a lot. We make each other put cameras on so we could see each other. I really, really got into working from home. And I’m structured, I’m organized; I get up the same time every day. Putting out my shorts and T-shirt the night before, I’m still doing a lot of the things I did before because that’s how I work best. I didn’t want to take away my structure and organization that I had—getting up, getting dressed, going to the office—I do the same thing at home. I probably am working more hours now than I was before, but that’s okay. I think we all found that it was just easy to continue working longer. But we needed it because we needed the extra time to continue to try to make things happen that weren’t happening before. So yeah, I’m enjoying working from home. I really am. And I’m really enjoying having my husband working from home too. Although we worked together when we were in the advertising business; we worked together for ten years and we said, “We’ll never do that again.” But it’s worked out really well. And I kind of like the quiet time also. There’s not a lot of distractions when you’re on a call, so it’s nice. BB: What about being virtual has changed the way you approach business? EP: Marketing. Marketing is more important than ever right now because it’s our lifeline to our clients. You want to be able to have something that you can continue to put out in front of them because we know they’re on their computers. They may not pick up the phone, but we know that they’re doing the same thing that we are—and they’re checking their mail more often because they think they might be getting something from their bosses—and so I think marketing right now is really, really important. BB: Finally, do you have any advice for recruiters or maybe candidates, whichever you would prefer, during COVID? EP: Yeah, I think that this is not a complicated business, but it can be challenging. Nobody wants to be patient when they’re in sales. Nobody wants to be patient when they’re in recruiting. And I think that’s the hardest thing for anyone new coming in, to almost any job, but especially I think in what we do, is to just be patient. The more you give, the more you’re going to get. But I think we all want just immediate satisfaction in everything. We want an immediate vaccination so that we can all go back to being normal. We just want things to happen so quickly, but we just need to be patient and know that we’ll get there. The one thing I would add would be that in this stage of my life and having been in recruiting and staffing for a long time, I can’t imagine having this job with any other company. I think that’s honestly the reason why I’ve stayed as long as I have and don’t have any intentions of leaving. But I can’t imagine doing this job with any other company. And it’s kind of one of those things that nobody would believe you if you told them really who we are and what we stand for. I keep up with our competition and I know what they’re doing out there, the cultures of their companies, and a lot of people in our industry, and unless you really work for BG, I don’t think you really get how good we are. Elaine Priesman is a Sr. Business Development Manager & Senior Recruiter with Donovan and Watkins, having joined the firm in 2006 and resides in Houston, Texas.  With over 15+ years in recruiting and business development, Elaine specializes in the areas of Accounting, Finance, HR & Legal.  Elaine has successfully built a network of notable clients and candidates and continues to meet personal and company goals achieving Diamond Club Award status each year. She has worked with individuals and industry leaders within the financial services, manufacturing, insurance, oil & gas, non-profit, and many service-related industries. Prior to her success in the employment industry, Elaine previously held the position of Regional Director/Vice-President of Money Mailer Marketing where she established and directed the marketing/sales of a direct mail and internet marketing service company. She was responsible for all start-up operations for the SE Texas region, including direct sales, marketing, and administration of all sales activities. Elaine was consistently ranked in the top 10% in sales as part of a national team of over 400 franchisees. Elaine is an active member of many charitable and professional organizations and is an Alumni of the University of Oklahoma…Boomer Sooner!