When recruiting Top Talent for a numismatic firm, what factors are given to differentiate one firm f

Longacre

Let’s face it. The numismatic world is excessively small. The amount of collectors is small, and the number of people who work in the numismatic market is even smaller. Smaller still are the various subsets of numismatic professionals, such as catalogers, researchers, consignment directors, etc.

Because of the small community, it is probably not a very well kept secret what the salary levels are among various categories of workers at the various firms. For example, a cataloger with X years of experience is probably paid within a very close salary range when compared to another cataloger with X years of experience at another firm.

It is also well known that there has been a lot of movement among numismatic professionals between the various firms lately. Other than a certain, somewhat standard percentage increase in salary, what does each firm do to differentiate itself from the next firm when looking to hire Top Talent away from a coin firm? Are the “intangibles” taken into account, such as the depth of the firm’s library, or its access to stellar research sources? Is it the great consignments that they have received in the past? Or does the candidate get a sneak peek at the consignments coming up in the future that they can work on? Is it a matter of saying, “we’re the biggest and best, so come to the A-Team”, or is smallness of size and boutique-iness used as a selling point?

Does anyone know? Obviously firms must be anxious to keep their Top Talent, especially since they know that other firms are always looking to poach the best people. What do you think?

ddink

Great question!

Michigan

<< <i>Great question! >>




Indeed. There are probably all sorts of factors influencing the decision and monetary ones might not be the biggest.

Some people might like a more laid back community like Wolfboro, NH and others want to be in a big city like Dallas.
Personality conflicts or other issues with a current employer could spark a desire to move on.

If married or having a significant other wanting to move or not can influence the decision as well.

A desire to work alongside a specialist in a certain field could be a great learning experience for someone looking
to move on.

tradedollarnut

Laura has always threatened to team up with Bobby Hughes. Their motto? We buy everything!

bidask

The main factor that differentiates one firm from another, IMO is a firm that works to build relationshps with the collecting public, other dealers and new relationships.

Todd Imhoff comes to mind.

coinkat

Perhaps firms rely on connections and the ability to obtain quality consignments... the competition must be unbelievable at times. I think it would be fun to work at Heritage or Goldbergs...

coltgus

I would think the reality is a proven track record marketing coins.

Michigan

<< <i>Perhaps firms rely on connections and the ability to obtain quality consignments... the competition must be unbelievable at times. I think it would be fun to work at Heritage or Goldbergs... >>




Oh to be a fly on the wall when two or more firms are competing for the same consignment, they would have to make their case to the
potential client that what they have to offer for getting the best price is better than the competition. Such a sales presentation could
make for some interesting listening.

sinin1

not sure how the numismatic iindustry works

but in many industry's, it is frowned upon to actively try to steal your competitors employees

mrearlygold