Elevator Pitch is a regular feature on Lifehacker where we profile startups and new companies and pick their brains for entrepreneurial advice. This week, we’re talking with Fiona McLean, CEO of The Social Index.
In 128 words or less, explain your business idea.
We help companies and candidates navigate the emerging complexities of social media for recruitment and talent management processes. With the candidate’s permission, we aggregate their public digital footprint into a user-friendly one page infographic report, aligned to the needs and culture of the organisation. Our bespoke analytics platform ensures workplace and role criteria are at the core of the reports so insights on key skills, networks, experiences and reputation alignment are prioritised.
Removing the need for unstructured google searches and based on organisational criteria, HR functions are better equipped to make data driven decisions without distractions or risk of bias. With relevant, consistent and comparable insights on a candidates fit for the role, HR professionals, hiring managers, recruiters and importantly candidates are better prepared for meaningful interviews.
How do you differentiate your business from your competitors?
As an emerging area, competitors are not strong however we give actionable insights to make data driven decisions, from highly unstructured data, that enables better insights on cultural fit and reduces risk of bias.
What strategies are you using to grow and finance your idea?
To date, self funded and via business activities, and we will look to external investment to scale products and international presence.
What’s the biggest challenge facing your business?
Educating the market about the merging of personal and professional lives online and showing candidates the value their digital assets, whilst preserving privacy
How do you differentiate your business from your competitors?
As an emerging area, competitors are not strong however we give actionable insights to make data driven decisions, from highly unstructured data, that enables better insights on cultural fit and reduces risk of bias.
What one phone, tablet or PC application could you not live without?
Phone.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?
Do what you say you will do and do what you love
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