how they both adapt and how Weichert will manage that piece of it. Will they bring TheMIGroup totally within Weichert? Or will they maintain its service delivery profile?” More worrisome, perhaps, is what Ward O’Farrell sees as a continuing devaluation of the professional role of the relocation specialist, in large part because of changes in the fee structure RMCs use. “Years ago, corporations paid a fee for the service that was being provided,” she says. “It was easy to see where the value was, to measure it and compare one RMC with another and get the best value for the client.” PERSPECTIVES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRY TRENDS But gradually, in order to compete for business, RMCs dropped their fees – in some cases to zero. Instead of charging per service, more and more RMCs have made their money charging referral fees to supply chain partners – movers, destination services, lawyers, financial advisors, etc. “Unfortunately, I think this fee struc- ture has created a devaluation of that wonderful role RMCs were playing,” Ward O’Farrell says. “The customer doesn’t necessarily see where the dollars are going. It devalues the whole industry, and it takes away from what the RMCs’ frontline role should be: counselling employees, counselling the company, being the single point of contact to deal with all the issues that can come up in such a complex process.” Ward O’Farrell believes this damaging trend is continuing, and that a rethink is in order. “The RMC’s role really should be that of a creative problem solver, and this fee structure creates a devaluation of that wonderful role RMCs were playing. It would be good to return to the fee-for- service model. When you order a service, you like to know what you’re getting for that fee. Tell me what I’m paying for.” *”Research Management Providers go Digital” Veranova Properties Limited Canada’s trusted partner in real estate asset management. With 30+ years market experience, Veranova offers a comprehensive array of management & maintenance services for both vacant and rental properties. We are a national supplier, offering localized delivery by a team of seasoned professionals. Our regional offices are located in Halifax, Montreal, Calgary, with our head office in Toronto. Veranova Properties Limited 505 Consumers Road, Suite 812, North York, ON 800-667-3626 | asilvestri@veranova.ca | www.veranova.ca Signature Source Signature Source brings unrivaled innovation, and results-driv- en solutions to companies and job seekers in the global mobility industry. We are the premier woman-owned Executive Search and Talent Acquisition firm with experience in inter- national and domestic job placements. Our experienced team of industry professionals ensures an unparalleled advantage in pairing the right talent with the right job at the right company. Signature Source 4973 Bacopa Lane South, St. Petersburg, FL | 1-888-613-4170 contactus@signature-source.com | www.signature-source.com Signature Source Signature Source brings unrivaled innovation, and results-driv- en solutions to companies and job seekers in the global mobility industry. We are the premier woman-owned Executive Search and Talent Acquisition firm with experience in inter- national and domestic job placements. Our experienced team of industry professionals ensures an unparalleled advantage in pairing the right talent with the right job at the right company. Signature Source 4973 Bacopa Lane South, St. Petersburg, FL | 1-888-613-4170 contactus@signature-source.com | www.signature-source.com Signature Source recruits the most desirable global mobility talent to meet the talent acquisition strategies of only the most highly regarded corporations in the relocation industry. As the premier woman-owned Global Executive Search and Talent Acquisition firm with experience in international and domestic job placements, our industry experienced Global Mobility Executive Recruiting Team understands first-hand the needs of our clients to find the most experienced and culturally fit talent to meet the customers’ needs and to find the best career opportunity and culture fit for a career enhancing move for our candidates. Signature Source 4973 Bacopa Lane South, St. Petersburg, FL 1-888-613-4170 | 1-727-906-9963 jean@signature-source.com | www.signature-source.com The Canadian Employee Relocation Council – Professional Education Program centennialcollege.ca/part-tim Discover a Career in Workforce Mobility Classes begin January 16 The Canadian Employee Relocation Council – Professional Education Program centennialcollege.ca/part-time Discover a Career in Workforce Mobility Classes begin January 16 Discover a Career in Workforce Mobility Classes begin January 15 18 PERSPECTIVES Winter 2018