Why Following the Crowd Can Cost You More Than You Think
“We bought the same tool loads of other agencies were raving about. But it just didn’t work for us.”
That’s what one agency owner told us. They’d seen their competitors adopt a shiny new piece popular recruitment tech and didn’t want to get left behind. So they jumped on it. But six months later, it was clear the tool wasn’t helping. In fact, it was slowing things down.
The problem? It wasn’t right for their business.
Bandwagon buying is more common than you think
In recruitment, speed matters. So when a new tool starts trending. A CRM, a sourcing plugin, an AI assistant. It’s easy to think you need to act fast.
If everyone else seems to be using it, it must be good… right?
But just because it’s working for another agency doesn’t mean it will work for you. You might have found youself in an echo chamber with the same agencies.
We’ve seen this play out with CRMs, outreach tools, video interview platforms. Even automated compliance software. Agencies jump in, only to find it doesn’t match how they work, or what their clients actually want.
What gets missed when you follow the crowd
Here’s what usually doesn’t happen in a bandwagon decision:
- No proper test with your team’s actual workflows
- No check on whether it fits with your clients or candidate journeys
- No real plan for how to roll it out and measure value
- No fallback if the tool doesn’t perform as promised
So, what starts as a quick decision to “keep up” ends up as a long-term drain on time and money. And once you’re in a contract, it’s hard to get out.
Real example: tech that wasn’t right for the business
One agency we spoke to invested in a tool they saw being used at a big name firm. But their own process was very different. What worked for a high-volume, large-account setup didn’t suit their boutique, relationship-first model. The result? Slow adoption, low ROI, and a team that just didn’t click with the software.
Again, it wasn’t the tech. It was the mismatch.
What to do instead
Here’s how to avoid getting swept up in the hype.
1. Know what problem you’re trying to solve
Before you look at tools, get clear on what’s not working right now. Is it speed? Visibility? Data quality? Don’t buy tech unless it fixes a clear issue.
2. Make decisions based on your own workflows
Look at how your consultants actually work. What tools they use day to day. What your clients expect. Don’t assume what works for others will slot into your setup.
3. Do your own research
Get real feedback from other users — not just the ones giving testimonials. Ask what they don’t like. Ask what surprised them. Ask how long it took to really see value.
4. Trial it with real data
A test drive is fine, but unless you’re using your real workflows and data, it’s not a true picture. Push for a proper pilot or proof of concept before you sign anything.
5. Bring your team into the decision early
Your consultants know what slows them down and what they’ll actually use. If they’re not part of the decision, they won’t feel ownership and usage will stay low.
Nxt Steps
If you’re feeling pressure to keep up with tech trends, take a breath. Not every tool is right for every agency. And that’s OK.
At Nxt Gen IT, we help recruitment firms cut through the noise. Our virtiual CIOs help you stand back and assess the bigger picture, where you want to go, and what tech will actually support that.
No sales pitches. No pressure. Just clear advice and people-first support.
Before you jump on the next big thing, let’s make sure it’s actually the right thing.
Talk to our team about tech that fits your agency. Not someone else’s.
Ben helps growing businesses turn technology into a driver of performance instead of a barrier. At Nxt Gen IT he works with SME leaders, recruiters, and fast-scaling teams to design solutions that improve reliability, strengthen security, and unlock growth.
With a background in email deliverability and cloud systems, Ben specialises in making sure businesses communicate effectively, keep data safe, and get the most from Microsoft 365. His experience spans solution design, managed IT services, and virtual CIO support, always with a focus on practical outcomes that reduce headaches for business owners.
Ben has supported organisations across the UK, from recruitment agencies struggling with inbox placement to SaaS firms scaling fast, and SMEs needing a trusted partner for their IT. He believes tech is never the end goal: growth is. His role is to make sure technology never gets in the way of it.