Interview with a blogger – Nev Wilkinson

Nev is the founder and managing partner of Rockpools, an executive recruitment firm based in London, Leicester and Edinburgh.  He established the business in September 2004 after successful careers in both the public and private sectors. Since then, the company has grown from just two people to over 70.  He blogs at http://nevwilkinson.co.uk/

How long have you been blogging?
For about 6 months now

Why did you start?
I am absolutely fascinated by new media.  I enjoy how interactive the internet has become and how it’s evolved into such a powerful vehicle for communication.  Having followed a number of blogs for a while, and appreciating how other people’s opinions and ideas could be conveyed quickly and visibly to an online community, I wanted to take part myself.  Sharing my own experiences as an entrepreneur and businessman, as well as my thoughts on executive recruitment and all matters relating to it, I thought, would be interesting to those wishing to follow a similar path or to simply find out how someone else operates.

What do you do, work related, when you aren't blogging?
Well, I’m the Managing Partner of a successful executive recruitment firm which is rapidly expanding, so just about everything.  From hiring new people for our team, leading assignments, checking accounts, business development, you name it, I do it. 

Do you think blogging has helped your business?
In some ways, yes.  People who have only ever heard about Rockpools or me through our track record, can visit the blog and get a different perspective on how I operate.  I think people make business decisions based on a lot of factors, one of those being how well they relate to their potential business partner – so having a blog gives people a deeper insight into what makes me tick.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge about writing a blog?
Finding the time and the ideas to fill it!  I’m still trying to find my rhythm to write regularly, but I’m confident it will come soon.

What's another blog that you read and why do you recommend it?
Personnel Today’s Guru blog is consistently hilarious, in terms of HR-related topics.  I also enjoy the Guardian’s Commentisfree blog collection – there’s always something new and interesting to read there.

What do you want your reader’s to know about you?
Well, the purpose of the blog was to get across my experience and ideas on a range of topics.  Also, in some ways, as my blog doesn’t solely focus on recruitment and business-related issues, it shows that being a successful businessman doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t have a life outside the office.

If you knew someone was thinking about starting a recruitment related blog, what advice would you want to give them?
I would advise making sure you have enough things to say and the time to do it – that’s been my stumbling block. 

Is there a question you wished I asked you?
Are you on Facebook?

Comments

[Guru]

Thanks for the kind plug, Nev. Rockpools rocks!

[hoteldude]

I believe blogging is great from a B2B perspective as gives people an insight to your company but also can be valuable to consumers or jobseekers as they can participate and communicate on your blog. One blog I noticed recently was http://www.secretarialblog.co.uk which is aimed at PAs and secretaries. Another blog I'm a fan of is Jobster's blog.