Kathy Bornheimer
Owner
K.B. & Associates
www.streetsmartjobsearch.com
Industry: Business consulting with a concentration on employment issues
Family: One dog, two cats and a nephew
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“Continue to build alliances with people via LinkedIn, including international.”
What’s new at your company?
“Employment cycle is such that recruitment/retention of a workforce is resurfacing. Since I already have extensive experience in that area, I’m increasing of my efforts there.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“No, I’m a ‘solo practitioner.’ I enjoy doing my business and my administrative duties are minimal. I also have increased my pool of associates who are in businesses related to mine, but separate. I can truly state, ‘We will find a way to help you.'”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Finding those enlightened employers who realize they need to approach recruitment and retention differently. Old habits are hard to break, plus paradigm shifts can be difficult.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Overutilization of technology in recruitment is still common practice. Many consultants continue to promote the latest and greatest via technology. However, it is not appropriate for the needs of those jobs in greatest demand.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“You have to do what you have to do to get business done. But you’re going to do it legally and ethically.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“People who achieve success in spite of great disadvantages are to be admired and encouraged. They have persistence and make changes to reach their goals.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“A business consultant, Ylonda Glover of Tri-success Management Institute once challenged me to consider two options when I was at a crossroads in my business. I could choose to sell my programs for others to facilitate (run the business) or continue to conduct my programs myself (do the business). With some soul searching I decided to do my business. It’s more fun and I maintain the control.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“When I was in sales many years ago I experienced a fashion debacle meeting with a potential customer in his office. While speaking with him I subconsciously played with my beaded necklace. The string broke and most of the beads ran down my body and rolled all over the floor. Maintaining my composure, I calmly stated to my potential customer, “Jim, let this be a lesson for you. Never play with your necklace in a meeting!”
He saw the humor in it and I got the sale.
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I walk for exercise and stress relief. As I ‘cruise’ my routes I enjoy sightseeing: nature at its best, meeting new friends in the neighborhood, ideas for home improvement/landscaping, etc.”
