Devoted to recruiting, finding top recruits, and hiring tips and advice

I hear it everywhere.  Sometimes I even here it  from people in my own shop (I won't ever admit that publicly though) that the really great people are just nowhere to be found.

Oh, please.

Well, here's my mythbuster rundown on this false fact:

1. If you're not finding top-talent, it's not because they are gone.  It's just that you haven't located them yet.  Don't beat yourself up over it--but don't stop looking, either!
   
2. It's a mindset.  I am incredibly amazed at the people I meet each day.  For one, it's because I expect it.  I know, I know, it sounds smarmy and touchy-feely, but hey, I'm not the one complaining about a talent shortage!
   
3. Incredible companies, American and Foreign, are making incredible profits right now in the US.  Someone has great talent. 
   
4. That leads me to #4--the people you're looking for are not looking for you.  Don't take that personally, but they're very well-employed right now, with thickening bonuses and opportunities to work and be rewarded.  It's going to take a lot more than a Monster search to get them to consider leaving.
   
5. What stones are you avoiding looking under?   Have you considered asking your customer what they want or who they would recommend?  What about recruiters?  Where do these people go and what do they do when they're not at work?  Go there.  Do that.
   
6. Do you know what you know?  Many times, the resources to solve a tough problem are right under our noses, but we can't get to them.  I know that my computer has a lot more information than I do about people.  I don't "organize" my data anymore, but I leverage tools that help me slice through my data and turn it into information.
   ... but don't go buy software to solve your problem.  PEOPLE are your number-one asset.  Engage your people to come up with solutions!
   
7. Help the talent-shortage out: Fire your underperformers.
   Let's see anybody make a comment on that one!
   
8. Get up earlier.  Don't work harder, work different.  Change your perspective and you change the world.