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Two Minutes With Christine Conwell, Enterprise Controls Consulting L.P.

Dallas Business Journal - May 19, 2006

by Cameron Stewart

Staff Writer  

Christine Conwell co-founded Enterprise Controls Consulting L.P., an executive search and consulting firm, with her husband, Steven, in 2002. Her client base includes public accounting, financial lending, consulting, manufacturing, food and beverage, and travel and entertainment firms. Her previous experience includes talent acquisition and client management for Impact Innovations, a national staffing firm. Conwell was interviewed by Staff Writer Cameron Stewart.

Q. What advice do you have for potential women business owners?

A. Hire the best professionals possible to work with you, not just for you. You have to be confident in working with smart, experienced people. Get the right people on board, see where they fit and then let them run, because top talent always finds a way to contribute well beyond their role. I've also found that getting connected with strong advisers across multiple fronts helps tremendously. We spent a lot of time in the early days selecting top-notch accountants, tax advisers, attorneys and insurance/payroll/benefits outsourcers.

Q. What differences have you noticed between working for a national staffing firm and running your own company?

A. The firm I worked with before had specific regions they focused on, whereas ECC can cover the entire United States. With that in mind, we understood we had to build brand recognition as it's a proving ground when you first start off. You have to keep the endgame in mind when you begin, starting small with your customers and asking for referrals. You have to build trust, which will give your clients confidence in your abilities and validate your solid reputation, strong values and professionalism. Do the right thing every time and work hard, and it will pay off.

Q. What is one common misconception about executive searches?

A. A big misconception is that executives are difficult people to talk to or, for that matter, to get in touch with. We've found that C-level and senior executives are in those positions based not only on their experience but also on networking and a desire to help others. They are great relationship builders and strategists, and they are more than happy to talk with our executive talent team to discuss opportunities and foster new relationships.

cstewart@bizjournals.com | 214-706-7118