Ok last blog of the year and more of a roundup than anything.  It has been a tough year in the recruitment business.  It has been a tough year in many businesses but those of us that have survived this far should take stock at what has worked and what will help us succeed in the next year. In terms of blogging, bad news for everyone i’m afraid, I want to do more, get better at it, write more.  They say there is a book in all of us and actually i think there just might be.  Whether I have the dedication to sit down to write every day has to be seen and I will need to improve content, style and appropriate use of punctuation :)

I’ll write a ‘what does the year’ bring the recruitment industry in 2010 blog next week.  Until then and in the best of looking back here are the best bits from 2009 (more are available at www.mckinleyblog.com :-

26/FEB/2009 So how has it been for you so far? - My observation on the job market at that point and about how to get the best from a recruitment agency as a job seeker in what were and remain challenging times.

27/APR/2009 The Saviour of the UK recruitment industry - I am the saviour of the recruitment industry.  But I can’t do it alone!

26/MAY/2009 Alternatives to recruitment - This blog had the largest readership of any of my blogs in 2009.  Surely recruitment is a better career choice than lap dancing?

20/JUL/2009 A bit of self promotion but with good reason - I can help newly unemployed with their job search as part of DWP programme.

08/SEP/2009 Standards, standards, standards - Standards in the recruitment Industry - come on we can do it!

13/OCT/2009 Is it time to licence? - Licenced recruitment consultants... why not?  It’s time to put our house in order.

04/NOV/2009 Will work for coffee - Talk to me, buy me a coffee, let me help you with your people plans with real and tangible action.  Theory supported by doing!

24/NOV/2009 Keep looking over your shoulder my friend - Inspired by my threatening letter from ‘Gary’.  I spent a lot of 2009 looking back at what was, only now do I feel it is all about what is coming.  Thanks Gary. Actually no, Gary you didn’t need to write.

12/DEC/2009 Can friends be clients? - I want my friend Paul to be a client - but it is a tough call for both of us.

24/DEC/2009 Do as I say not as I do - For our businesses to survive, take the time to plan properly. If it helps, email me your plan and i’ll nag you to keep on track with it.

Thank you for reading throughout 2009.  More views, observation etc. here in 2010.  As ever, if you like what you see get in touch.

About Martin Dangerfield 2010 is going to be another tough year, I believe we are out of the worst of it but it is by no means a done deal yet.  If you want my help with your resolutions or helping you create a 3 year vision then contact me,  Martin Dangerfield on 0161 955 3647 or email martin.dangerfield@mckinleyresource.com.  Business coaching starts at £60 per hour in the North West £70 per hour in the rest of the UK no charge for emails though so get writing!

As well as being a Regional Director for the IRP, Martin is Director of the innovative search business mckinley|resource, a freelance people consultant specialising in talent attraction, assessment and recruitment and a provider of business coaching for high growth entrepreneurial organisations.  Search for ‘People Consultant’ or go straight to www.martindangerfield.com