Weathering an economic challenge as a consultancy

As we all experience one of the more challenging economic times in our history, it becomes even more critical to revisit how companies can stay resilient.  At Pariveda, we have asserted that even in the most challenging of times the information technology knowledge worker pool is supply-constrained.  Does this mean that over the past six months, layoffs in our industry haven't occurred?  Absolutely not.  They have.  But what we have experienced first hand, is that our clients are having a harder time finding competent candidates.

We think the reason is straightforward.  After the first and second rounds of layoffs within the IT industry, the bottom percentages of workers are typically the ones laid off first.  This has resulted in a larger overall pool of candidates with the same amount of good candidates as before-- the same number of "needles" (good candidates) in a much larger haystack. 

We are investing in recruiting, training and growing our people now more than ever before.  We just hired a new recruiter, we continue our push for top-tier college graduates and experienced hires and our sales pipeline is strong.  Our clients continue to confirm our difference in the industry- our people. 

Now more than ever companies cannot afford to go with "average" firms.  People's jobs are on the line and project success is critical.  Does it matter what the rate of a firm is if they fail to deliver the solution? 

All of us at Pariveda could work at other places if we wanted; what keeps us at Pariveda is the ability to work with some of the most intellectually curious and talented folks in the industry.  Even in a down economy, we have fun and do interesting work.  The best way to beat the economic blues is to surround yourself with people who enjoy what they do, are interested in continuous learning and are focused on providing the most value possible for their clients.