Building a brand and marketing yourself versus relying on recruiters.

[washed up contractor]

The moment i read the title, I knew it was by a hopeful hopeless newbie.

Why on earth would anyone pay for your UK based services, when they can get "ten a penny" like you based in India? And if they are looking for quality 2-3 like you based in EE.

What are you looking to promote if you have nothing special to offer to set you apart from the competition?

Harsh. But so very true.

[LondonManc]

It's possible in banks if you're a niche provider and can mobilise good people easier than they can - or they simply have no appetite to do so.

That aside, doing a good job, parting on good terms and adding some staff on to LinkedIn is generally a good way of building a brand - the brand happens to be you rather than YourCo, but for most small companies, the MD is the brand anyway.

[Spoiler]

Depends on your market, banks and big co’s etc Have preferred suppliers list, so you have zero chance of becoming a supplier.

True, although I got a gig at a global bank through a network contact - although I had to go through an agency on the PSL, as the bank were introducing me to the agency they (agency) only got 5% and I got a better rate. Had the agency found me and introduced me to the bank their margin would be more like 20%.

So, worth marketing yourself and building contacts even when sometimes you can't go direct...

[northernladuk]

True, although I got a gig at a global bank through a network contact - although I had to go through an agency on the PSL, as the bank were introducing me to the agency they (agency) only got 5% and I got a better rate. Had the agency found me and introduced me to the bank their margin would be more like 20%.

So, worth marketing yourself and building contacts even when sometimes you can't go direct...

Which is basic networking and not really what the OP is suggesting.

[Spoiler]

Which is basic networking and not really what the OP is suggesting.

"Every little helps"

[billybiro]

Not really. The fact that virtually non of us on here do it is good evidence of how viable it is.

Or, it's evidence of how tulip most people on here are!

Take your pick!

[northernladuk]

Or, it's evidence of how tulip most people on here are!

Take your pick!

Riiiiiiight.....

[password]

Riiiiiiight.....

Haha +1 for you babe!

[TestMangler]

Or, it's evidence of how tulip most people on here are!

Take your pick!

Beaten to it !!

[LondonManc]

True, although I got a gig at a global bank through a network contact - although I had to go through an agency on the PSL, as the bank were introducing me to the agency they (agency) only got 5% and I got a better rate. Had the agency found me and introduced me to the bank their margin would be more like 20%.

So, worth marketing yourself and building contacts even when sometimes you can't go direct...

No it wouldn't. The agencies that place people are at the banks are on fixed rate cards c 10%