Informal Survey

Over the holidays, I had a chance to talk with 6 senior executives, most in social settings, about their relocation and recruiting challenges.  While they each had concerns particular to their industry, all agreed on at least three issues about how relocation service providers can improve. 

First, there is simply not enough data and analysis supporting home sale management.  All of these execs depend greatly on industry and market data in their businesses.  Further, the analysis of this information is the key element to applying it to useful - tactical and strategic purposes.  They feel that, in spite of the wealth of data, and the gravity of the real estate situation, relo companies simply do not provide clear insights that are shared - communicated in a clear and convincing manner - with client companies.  Transferees constantly worry out loud about both departure and destination market value and time on market issues. 

Second, while the relo industry has done a good job of adopting ISO certifications and Six Sigma practices, they all say this is merely a minimum expectation on the part of client senior executives.  They see little evidence of creative, value-added processes that expand beyond these qualifiers.  After all, as one said, "these have been around a long time and apply to all industries.  I would like to see something innovative that is specific to relocation".

Third, as everyone knows, international relocations are ever more common and expected to increase.  These senior execs do not see strong language ability, or a real understanding by US personnel of the important details of international culture and destinations, or any attempt to provide support on political risk.  After all, doing business in China means doing business in a communist country with no freedom of the press or individual freedoms.  Also, the upheaval in the Middle East should elicit action by relocation providers on risk and programs to manage it.

Please comment on any of these items, and share what you are doing, or support you need, to meet these stated needs.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday.