I do the work myself. No work is passed on to less qualified juniors in the back room. This results in higher speed, improved quality, and most of all personal service. An important factor in a successful executive search assignment is the quality of the individual recruiter, as well as his perseverance and sensitivity.

I have an ownership interest. I am the firm - it’s me. This means much higher incentive to succeed.

I have only a limited number of clients, thus, each client is more precious and more closely cared for. My strategic focus is on fewer clients and making sure that I service them better than a large firm would. Nimbleness is the advantage of the small firm.

Additionally, the largest firms are primarily publicly owned. Their first priority is to their shareholders, not their clients. The advantage of using a boutique search firm is your importance to them and thus, their motivation to service you better.

I have no blockage. I can search nearly every company in the world. This is key as most of the very largest search firms are blocked from recruiting from clients i.e. some of the best candidates from the Fortune 500.

I am at no disadvantage in finding people because of the Internet. The playing field between small and large firms is now level. The large firms giant databases are no longer the advantage they once were. My emphasis is targeted, current research of all appropriate companies taking into account startups, spin offs, mergers, etc.

I have available to me specialty firms such as researchers and reference specialists to call upon if required. This should reduce any hesitation of using a one-man firm.

Synergistics, founded by Al Borenstine in 1971 is a 100% retainer boutique executive search firm that is specifically specialized in all aspects of Information Technology.
Typical assignments tend to be for Chief Information Officers or difficult to find technical personnel.

Along with the largest firms in the industry, I am a member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC). In competition with the giant firms, I am often chosen for these assignments because of my veteran knowledge of all aspects of Information Technology. I was the top computer executive for well-known firms in the 1960’s. My advantage over the large firms is this knowledge and the fact that I personally handle all aspects of the search assignments. I have no blockage problems and will not take on more work than I can handle nor will I accept assignments that are inappropriate.

If you need a CIO, a Director of Applications Development or Software Development, a V.P. of Web Technology, etc. – Synergistics Associates is a firm often considered.

Do not hesitate to contact me for either advice or an assignment.

1. Situation Analysis
Client and consultant review industry, company, and position, to determine requirements and compensation of candidates.

2. Position Specification
Consultant (or client) prepares description of the position's relationships, responsibilities, and requirements for agreement before search begins.

3. Research
Consultant defines the universe of target companies and individuals.

4. Field Search
Consultant contacts sources and prospects to qualify prospects for personal interviews.

5. Consultant Interview
Consultant interviews prospects and evaluates their personal and managerial characteristics and experience. With qualified executives, consultant motivates interest in position.

6. Presentation of Candidates
Consultant presents written reports and comparative analysis on the most qualified candidates to clients.

7. Client Interview
Client and candidate mutually explore attractiveness and suitability.

8. Negotiation
Consultant assists client in discussions leading to acceptance by the preferred candidate of client's employment offer.

9. Reference Report
Consultant investigates candidate's history through inquiry of former and present associates and verifies academic credentials.

10. Assimilation into Organization
Consultant follows up with both client and its new executive to assure successful adjustment.

Executive search is more than finding talented and experienced candidates. Professional search means finding the candidates best qualified to succeed as part of your company's management team.

This style of executive search requires not only an evaluation of candidate's managerial and technical qualifications, but also thorough understanding of the culture, or corporate environment, within which a new executive must perform effectively.

This is the approach to executive search practiced by Synergistics Associates, Ltd. We take the time beforehand to learn everything we can about our clients. We work in partnership with them, serving as their recruitment representative for senior management searches. This investment in understanding the environment and identifying with specific objectives assures responsiveness to the unique needs of our clients.

OUR SERVICE

The Partnership Approach implies a continuing relationship between the executive search consultant and client with the consultant staying abreast of company progress and developments.

Needs Analysis

We evaluate your definition of needs from our independent perspective, offering our insights. Because we understand your corporate environment, we can assist in developing the specific qualifications for the position.

Advisory

Our counsel focuses on whether the combination of talents you seek exists, where possible candidates are located and how you can best attract them.

Research

After agreement on specifications is reached, we initiate comprehensive and exacting research to identify qualified executive talent, reaching well beyond executives with whom we have had prior contact.

Evaluation

We consider the qualifications of each candidate carefully and verify technical competence and specific achievements. We assess motivation and interest level. We explore compatibility between candidate and client with sensitivity to the needs of both.

Negotiation and Follow-Through

Our firm helps structure offers and assists with negotiations to the extent the client desires. After the executive is hired, we maintain regular contact to monitor progress from both client's and candidate's point of view.

OUR STANDARDS

Confidentiality for the protection of both client and candidates.

Personal attention from the firm's principal before, during and after each search assignment.

Responsiveness to clients who demand, as we do, superior performance and who measure it by timely results.

Objectivity through independent judgment complemented by partner- like knowledge of your company.

Professionalism by adherence to the highest standards of integrity.

Click the link on the left side of this web page for an article about being CIO. From A speech by Al Borenstine for a national conventioin.

AESC professional standards.  Synergistics as a member of the AESC strictly follows their standards. Links to Working with an Executive Search Firm, Client Bill of Rights & Professional Standards & Ethics. See left hand side of this web page for these links.