A list of 20 opportunities for staffing firms was presented Wednesday by Jon Osborne, VP, strategic research at Staffing Industry Analysts, during the Executive Forum North America in Orlando.

Some of the ideas presented include:

• Consider the education staffing market. It’s the fastest-growing temp staffing segment in the US with 2015 forecast growth of 18%. And the current penetration of the potential US market for K-12 substitute teacher staffing is just 17%. There are also opportunities at the college level.
• Target markets that are hiring now. They include garden supply stores gearing up for spring. Other companies ramping up hiring in March and April include sports teams, golf courses and RV parks and campgrounds.
• Focus on worker quality in marketing and sales outreach to staffing buyers. Research found worker quality is the top criteria for staffing buyers when selecting staffing firms, and only 18% of staffing firms in a separate survey said worker quality was the most emphasized point in sales and marketing efforts.
• Focus on a specific segment. Diversification among segments served does not necessarily stabilize profitability. And a survey of staffing firms found staying focused was ranked the best strategic or tactical decisions made.
• Pay referral fees to temps to bolster recruiting. Referral fees are among the top temp recruiting tactics.

The Executive Forum wraps up today.