In a recent article in the New York Times, George Andes voices the distinct and unique ways that boutique search firms are approaching the industry in the current economy as well as the innovative techniques they are using to excel in retained search. Mr. Andes article “The Secrets of Talent Scouts” (www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/business/15talent.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&emc=eta1); highlights his thesis that the strongest way to proceed in this economy is to line that boardroom with strong entrepreneurial talent that will create innovative thinking, solutions and products. The source for this talent lies in out of the box thinking that has been honed for years by the boutique search industry in their innovative techniques of sourcing top talent.

Mr. Andes interview with Robin Reed was extremely revealing of how boutique search varies considerably from larger organization. Ms. Reed a founder of Reed Shay & Company’s, a boutique search firm in the San Francisco and San Diego area, has established her expertise in the areas of technology including early stage venture backed disruptive technology, engineering and a CTO practice that has migrated through four continents. Ms. Reed has a passion for her practice and in so has created extremely innovative ways to source original talent. Her practice of following top achievers at the graduate level and watching the trajectory of their success encompasses the inventive ways top boutique talent sourcing will continue to provide the best and most promising candidates to innovative leaders. Her additional practice of attending unique conferences and searching extensive periodicals again provide her clients with the untapped talent that is needed to lead the next phase of corporate growth.

Ms. Reed’s astute observations regarding the talent search process can be summed up by her initial question at the beginning of her process “Imagine it’s a year from now. How will you know this has been an excellent hire?” The question serves as a springboard for her search process, but it can also provide a question of how boutique search excels as a stronger asset in a company’s growth. Boutique firms want to know the answer to this question because they’re investment in their client will mean that they will still be working with them in a year, in five years, and in ten years going forward.

Mr. Andes revealing article chronicles the talent search process from various industries and in doing so clearly reveals that the most successful talent will be found by the most innovative professionals. By providing the wealth of knowledge of an industry that a boutique search executive possesses can allow their clients the comfort of knowing that their interests are being addresses specific to them. The leaders that have a clear understanding of their industry and are willing to make significant strides to enhance the growth of change – this is the calling card of boutique search firms’ primary asset to their clients.