Q&A with Christian
Tell us a bit about Clockwork…
Clockwork Recruiting is a Software-as-a-Service platform for the retained search industry. Search firms use Clockwork with their clients to provide a transparent, collaborative experience throughout the entire search project.
You came to Skypad to work on a new idea. Can you tell us about it?
Companies don’t know what they’re going to get when they hire a search firm. My customers - search firms - all do great work, but sometimes struggle with finding new companies to work with. I wanted to develop a way to match companies with the best search firms for their specific hiring needs, while helping search firms leverage their success to get new clients.
How could this new idea transform your company?
Clockwork is currently providing a software solution for our search firm customers. This idea will change how search firms find work, as well as how companies and firms work with each. It will change not only our business, but potentially the search industry.
What did you accomplish at Skypad?
I was able to develop a plan for implementation of this idea, something that I’ve wanted to do for a while now but hadn’t had the time or headspace to do.
Entrepreneurs tend to work through holidays and don’t get proper rest. How do you feel after Skypad?
I feel great. The entire experience - from the activities, the clean diet, the work sessions, mediation, and the restful sleep - allowed me to recharge. It was an amazing combination of a true vacation while being incredibly productive on the work front. Most times, going on vacation misses the goal of true relaxation; as an entrepreneur, it’s hard to truly get away and unwind. At Skypad, I was able to do the activities I love on vacation, but also able to work in an amazingly productive environment with other entrepreneurs. Best of both worlds.
Did you have any breakthroughs?
I was able to flesh out the profiles of our customer much better than I had ever before. Before going to Skypad, I had an idea of the service I wanted to offer. I was very sure that the service would be well-received if I just built it right. I skipped the very important step of asking: what does the customer want? I was able to do this by going through the curriculum that Julien has laid out. It was immensely helpful, and since returning from my trip I’m much more focused on the identifying the needs of the customer first and then solving for that.
What was your favorite part of the week?
The combination of activities in the morning followed by work in the afternoon was incredibly effective. The activities (parasailing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, hiking) were the perfect way to clear the head and make space for really productive work sessions. It’s really hard to get stressed out about work when you’re navigating a beautiful jungle trail. I was able to relax and restore in the morning and then be amazingly productive later in the day.
“Skypad allowed me to get quiet, to recharge, and focus. Now I have a plan and a path forward. I’m already putting things into place that I would have never gotten to this year without Skypad.”
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’ve been thinking about this idea for years. It wasn’t new, but it wasn’t developed. I was there as a “big idea” that needed to be fleshed out. It has been something I’ve been very eager to develop, but while getting my business going, this idea has just been sitting there. Skypad allowed me to get quiet, to recharge, and focus. Now I have a plan and a path forward. I’m already putting things into place that I would have never gotten to this year without Skypad.
