The Resilient Recruiter

What if your growth path wasn't adding more clients, but working fewer, higher-quality roles with people who genuinely value your service? Allicia Birch, founder of 4tify Recruitment, built a six-figure recruitment firm in her first year — without cold calls, without compromising on fees, and without chasing every job. Her success came down to discipline: working to a structured 12-hour day in 15-minute blocks, building a reputation-based BD strategy, and walking away from bad-fit clients. You'll hear how she transformed underperformance into consistent high billings, created multi-division revenue from single clients, and productised her approach to business development — including how she sells high-ticket projects, runs invite-only roundtables, and uses market intelligence to position herself as a trusted partner, not just a vendor. 4tify is based in Manchester and specializes in construction industry recruitment. After 8 years in the industry, Allicia has become a leading voice in the residential new build market. Episode Highlights [03:20] How she struggled during the first three years with plenty of lessons [14:11] Breakdown to Breakthrough - turning things around from 250k to 350k billings [20:25] What inspired the launch of 4tify [26:10] Key success factors in the first 12 months of business [35:19] Her idea of a cold call - how she does BD without 'cold calling' [44:26] Best practices on being organized and creating a Day Plan [48:30] How market intelligence helps provide custom-fit solutions to clients [58:21] The round-table engagement strategy [1:03:04] What's next for the team Key Takeaways Training Makes the Difference: Her first three years brought zero earnings until proper training at Anderson James turned everything around. A breakthrough coaching session helped her jump from struggling to billing £250,000–£350,000 per year. Client Selection Strategy: "If you're trying to beat me down to 10%, I'm not your recruiter. I don't get out of bed for that." She only works with clients who respect her values, turning down low-fee roles and walking away from companies that don't align. Daily Structure: Speaks to 30 people per day (150 per week) - all warm calls through referrals Plans the day in 15-minute increments the night before at 9 PM Works closest to money first: live processes, then candidates, then client development Uses Excel spreadsheets with checkboxes and color coordination Market Intelligence: Uses reputational analysis to provide custom-fit solutions to each client. Her genuine, relationship-first approach thrives on meaningful partnerships – no cold calling, just honest conversations and deep understanding of what makes great teams work. About Allicia Birch Allicia Birch is the Managing Director of 4tify, a specialist recruitment company with 8 years in the industry, though it didn't start easily. The first three years brought zero earnings, but plenty of lessons. Once things clicked, she went on to consistently break records year after year, becoming a leading voice in the residential new build market. Her genuine, relationship-first approach thrives on meaningful partnerships – no cold calling, just honest conversations and deep understanding of what makes great teams work. With operations expanding in both the UK and US, she's on a mission to connect market leaders to the market. Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

How do you grow a high-margin recruitment business without hiring a big team—or chasing every lead? And what happens when you go all-in on yourself, right before a global pandemic? In this episode, I'm joined by Jordana Matsos, founder of Higher Equity, who shares how she launched a solo sales recruitment agency with no prior agency experience—and grew it into a $500K+ business by being radically transparent, highly organized, and boldly direct. We discuss why blunt messaging often works better than polished sales talk, how Jordana systematized her entire operation to run lean, and the lessons she learned after scaling too quickly. She also shares how she created an online academy for job seekers, turning inbound candidate traffic into an additional revenue stream. Episode Highlights: [03:43] From sales leader to recruiter: Jordana's career pivot [11:16] Building the business: pricing, tools, and tech stack [14:28] Leveraging video and short-form content to attract talent [21:58] What went wrong when she scaled too fast [28:45] Creating the HireQuity Academy to serve job seekers [40:46] SOPs and templates that saved time and ensured consistency [45:48] Business development: blunt pitches, smart triggers, and warm referrals [58:30] Why transparency builds trust with both clients and candidates Blunt Messaging That Converts Jordana's “blunt honesty” approach is one of her biggest differentiators. She shares full job details upfront—company name, comp, and expectations—which earns her 55–70% candidate response rates. For clients, her pitch deck goes out in the first message, including fee structure and recent placements, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth and building immediate trust. Systematizing Solo Success Coming from a corporate sales background, Jordana knew she had to create repeatable, efficient processes. She templatized everything—from client onboarding to follow-ups and outreach. Tools like Google Sheets, Taplio, Otter.ai, and Aspect helped her automate and scale as a solo operator. Lessons from Scaling Too Fast After a strong first year billing nearly $300K solo, Jordana hired a full-time recruiter, BD rep, and sourcer. But expenses skyrocketed, margins plummeted to 20%, and client relationships suffered. She course-corrected by downsizing, letting go of low-margin clients, and doubling down on her niche—bringing her gross margins back to 60%+. Creating a Revenue Stream with Purpose Unable to serve every candidate personally, Jordana built the HireQuity Academy—an online course that gives job seekers an inside look at how recruiters think. With templates, interview prep, and real-world advice, it helps candidates stand out—and gives Jordana an additional income stream without trading time for money. About Jordana Matsos Jordana spent 15 years leading sales teams before founding Higher Equity in 2021. She now helps companies hire high-performing sales talent while running the HireQuity Academy to support job seekers. Tools & Resources Mentioned: Taplio | Otter.ai | Aspect | Cliff AI – now part of Quantive. Connect with Jordana: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | HireQuity Academy | HireQuity Recruitment Connect with Mark Whitby: Free 30-Minute Strategy Call | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter and leave a review if you found value in this episode!

What's the most innovative way to scale a recruitment firm—especially in a fast-changing, competitive market? For Stuart Barnes, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Navitas Recruitment Group, the answer was combining quick-turn perm revenue with recurring contract income. That dual strategy helped Navitas grow from zero to over £2.6M in net fee income within just two years. In this episode, Stuart shares the real story behind launching a VC-backed recruitment firm in the renewable energy sector. He opens up about the early pressure, the emotional rollercoaster, and the systems that made rapid growth possible—from his blended revenue model to their structured approach to business development. You'll also hear how Stuart returned to hands-on billing after years in leadership, personally generating over £100k in placements while laying the foundation for a high-performance culture. If you're a recruitment founder or team leader looking for real-world strategies that scale, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action. Episode Highlights: [01:43] How Stuart's international experience shaped his mindset as a founder [06:22] From startup to £2.6M: how Navitas scaled in under 3 years [10:22] Why he chose renewables and what made it the right niche [13:41] Inside their aggressive 5-year growth plan [18:00] The “key ingredients” that powered their rapid start [29:24] Why BD should never stop—and how Navitas approaches it [37:57] The Channels they use for BD (and how Teams invites help book meetings) [46:09] Team structure and growth philosophy [53:40] Lessons from scaling too fast [55:52] Why KPIs should be meaningful, not just numbers [1:02:00] What's next: expansion, strategy shifts, and Austin plans Key Takeaways: ✅ Balanced revenue model – Contract = recurring cash flow. Perm = speed. Together = sustainable growth. ✅ Structured BD system – The “3 buckets, 300 hiring managers, 1 hour daily” method that drives consistency. ✅ Hands-on leadership – Stuart led by example, returning to billing and setting the tone for scale. Connect with Stuart:

What if you could place nearly every candidate you represent—and do it at premium fees, without racing to the bottom? In this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, Mark Whitby is joined by Lysha Holmes, founder of QUI Recruitment and host of The Recruiters Recruitment Podcast. With over 20 years in Rec2Rec, Lysha shares how she's built a values-led, inbound-only business with zero cold calling. You'll discover: Why Lysha insists on exclusive candidate representation How she consistently achieves a 1.15:1 interview-to-placement ratio How she charges 20–30% fees by working with premium talent and clients The values behind QUI: Quality, Urgency, and Integrity Her approach to relationship-driven BD and building through referrals How sobriety and wellbeing became business superpowers Whether you're a recruitment agency owner or solo operator, this episode is a playbook for building a more sustainable, high-margin, and meaningful business. Episode Highlights [00:45] Why Lysha rejects cold calls and how she builds BD differently [02:32] Her journey from failing A-levels to founding QUI Recruitment [13:24] Building a solo business while raising children [16:18] How she kept placing during maternity leave [17:19] Why exclusivity is non-negotiable for candidate control [24:27] Origin of QUI's core values and how they shape every decision [24:56] A 1.15 placement ratio—how it's done [26:38] The win-win case for exclusive representation [34:01] Attracting premium clients with consistency and care [38:25] BD through conversations, not spam [46:11] Using referrals and warm intros to win business [50:54] What clients are actually using AI for (hint: it's not automation) [59:03] How sobriety transformed her leadership and mindset [01:04:18] Going sugar-free and protecting health as a growth strategy

Hiring great recruiters should be second nature for recruitment business owners—after all, it's what we do for clients daily. But when it comes to growing your own team, the stakes are higher, the risks are real, and the margin for error is razor-thin. In today's episode, we dive into what it really takes to attract, hire, and retain high-performing recruiters—especially in a competitive market where top talent has options. You'll hear the inside story of how one firm scaled from 7 to 50 people and 7X'd its revenue in just five years—not by chance but by building a values-driven hiring and retention strategy. Whether you're hiring your first or your fiftieth recruiter, this episode will give you the mindset, methods, and metrics to do it right. Episode Outline and Highlights [03:21] From psychology to recruitment - Andy shares how he started his recruitment career, leading to the foundation of Brainworks. [07:34] How making and learning from many mistakes are key to Andy's success. [10:20] Factors that lead to growth and scaling. [20:05] What can help you decide when considering investing in a high-compensation recruiter joining your team? [26:17] Andy reveals their hiring process when recruiting a recruiter. [31:32] How to retain top recruitment talent. [35:49] Fostering a collaborative and supportive culture - Andy elaborates on their specific action points. [43:50] Thoughts on remote work and performance management. [48:34] What the next five years look like for Brainworks. [50:53] Andy shares their tech stack that paid off. Andy Miller Bio and Contact Info Andy Miller started BrainWorks in 1991 and continues to lead the Consumer Products practice, placing talent ranging from mid level to general management and presidents, with an eye for impacting the business regardless of the level or function. Andy's client roster ranges from large Fortune 50 companies to smaller entrepreneurial organizations that are looking to grow and believe that finding the right talent makes a difference. Andy received a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and spent 3 years in social services settings. After transitioning to business, Andy spent 10 years in the Telecommunications field, winning numerous sales awards including 5 consecutive years in the Gold Club and Salesman of the Year in 1987 and 1988. His passion and experience from competitive sports in addition to his psychology background provides a unique blend of competitiveness and people skills which has influenced how he works with both clients and candidates. This background is the basis of his philosophy -- to help clients win the competitive wars for talent by assessing, training and developing people towards greater productivity. Andy on LinkedIn Brainworks website link DRM Foundation Pinnacle Society Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

If you're struggling to hire high-performing recruiters across multiple cities or regions, the issue might not be your comp plan—it's your value proposition. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Dixon of FIFTEEN WEST to unpack a strategy that more recruitment agency owners need to use: customizing your EVP (Employee Value Proposition) based on location. Lisa shares hard-won insights from helping dozens of UK recruitment firms expand into the U.S. market. She reveals what actually moves the needle when it comes to attracting top talent, from wellness perks in New York to parking subsidies in Houston. If you want to build a high-performing team across multiple geographies, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Outline and Highlights [03:25] Lisa shares how they founded FIFTEEN WEST. [09:45] Discussion on strategies for US Market entry. [18:59] Compensation differences and challenges between the UK & US recruitment markets. [29:59] An Attractive employee value proposition to attract the best talent. [32:57] Discussion on tech stack and offshoring certain delivery functions as an option for recruitment companies. [37:55] How 11 Investments recently acquired FIFTEEN WEST. [46:27] Aha moments: Key learnings from working with a bigger business that has been further in the journey. Strategies When Expanding to the US Market As a rec-to-rec firm, FIFTEEN WEST initially focused on helping UK-headquartered businesses to expand to America. They have eventually moved to the US as a strategic effort to become an embedded recruitment partner across their clients' global operations. Doing so is not easy, so I wanted to pick the strategies that Lisa and her team applied when transitioning to the US market. If you are also planning to establishing an office physically within the US, below are the things that Lisa learned that you may want to keep in mind: Leadership Deployment: One proven method was sending a founder or long-tenured employee to launch the U.S. office, ensuring the company's DNA and values were transplanted effectively. This model was described as the most successful—helping set culture, hire locally, and scale faster. Tailored Unique Value Proposition: One main differences that Lisa pointed out is the commission and base salary structure. To get the best recruiters and talents, they adapted their commission structures and incentives for the U.S. market, realizing early on that what worked in the UK didn't translate directly. Market Culture Adaptation: Lisa recognized that the U.S. market is more pragmatic and transactional—clients care less about past success and more about current candidates delivery. Overall, Lisa emphasized cultural embedding, leadership presence, and operational agility to navigate the distinct dynamics of the American recruitment market.

Why do most recruitment companies stall at 10 to 20 people, while others scale to 100+ across continents? In this episode, you'll hear directly from someone who's done it. STR Group is a family of specialist recruitment brands focused on STEM sectors. As co-founder, Clive Hutchings has spent over two decades growing the business to more than 120 staff across the UK, Europe, and the US—all while staying profitable, adaptable, and values-driven. In this interview, Clive breaks down what it really takes to build a multi-brand, international recruitment group, the leadership philosophy behind STR's culture, and the gritty truths behind scaling a business beyond yourself. Episode Outline and Highlights [3:05] The early days: how Clive started in recruitment and his story of practicing his pitch in front of a mirror in the office. [11:37] The operational and leadership shifts needed to grow from 10 to 100+ employees [19:19] Why many recruitment founders plateau—and how to avoid it [21:09] Discussion on the best approach to train a new recruiter. [27:33] The value of having a support network around you. [32:50] What is the formula for knowing when to make your next hire? [40:00] Impact of AI: “Sales people being more sustainable, resourcing people less so.” [41:45] Clive reveals their tech stack and how AI impacts their current operations. [45:00] The relevance of cold calling in the age of AI. [52:00] Big differences between hiring in the US and the UK. [1:02:10] Learnings on expanding globally. [1:07:00] Culture and mantra that work. Leadership That Scales One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is the importance of evolving your role as a founder. Clive credits much of STR's growth to the fact that he didn't try to do everything himself. Instead, he and his co-founder took on complementary leadership roles, allowing each to focus on their strengths while building out a business that could scale beyond them. If you're stuck juggling billing, management, and strategy, this is your sign to rethink your leadership structure. Building a scalable firm means building scalable leadership, and that starts with letting go of being the bottleneck. He also elaborated on the following: 1. Multifaceted Leadership Structure 2. Team Composition and Talent Strategy 3. High Energy and Personal Drive 4. Resilience Through Early-Stage Challenges 5. Realistic Growth Mindset Clive's success as a leader came from building a balanced team, maintaining high personal energy, fostering a resilient and realistic culture, and adapting roles and structures to match the stage of the business. Decision Factors When to Make Your Next Hire With Clive's success in scaling his team globally, I wanted to pick his brains on his thought process when deciding to make a new hire. As a recruitment business owner, this is a critical decision to make, as doing it too slowly can impede your business's growth, while doing it too rapidly can lead to longer-term problems that cost more to fix. Clive shared the following decision factors: Strategic Forecasting & Business Planning - Hiring plans are based on quarterly forecasts developed by each brand's leadership. Critical Mass & Team Size Considerations - A certain headcount is needed to reach operational momentum, but hiring must be sustainable. Smaller teams (e.g.,

What does the future look like for recruitment agency owners? In this episode, I'm joined by DeeDee Doke, Editor-in-Chief of Recruiter magazine. With over 20 years in the role, DeeDee has a unique view of the industry, both in the UK and globally. We recorded this live at the Recruitment Agency Expo in London, and talked about how recruitment is changing — fast. Whether it's AI, M&A trends, or the shift from start-up to scale-up, we cover what agency leaders need to know to prepare for the next five years. Episode Outline and Highlights [03:00] DeeDee's journey from Seattle to London — and 20 years leading Recruiter magazine [08:00] Discussion on doing business in the US in 2025 from the perspective of UK recruitment companies. [09:30] US events and the economy impact the UK recruitment market. [19:04] The differentiator between the UK recruitment industry and the US [27:00] AI and the future of recruitment. [34:47] Advocating the professionalism and pride of the recruiting profession. [40:29] Redefining recruitment: professional pride, upskilling, and smarter hiring Innovation is King - Especially in a Saturated Market DeeDee and I had a very interesting conversation on the similarities and differences between the UK and US recruitment markets. One of the key differences I pointed out is how saturated the UK market is compared to the US, while the US offers more profitable potential due to fees generated from higher salaries. DeeDee pointed out one thing that sets apart the UK market as a differentiator - she believes that the UK recruitment agencies, especially SMEs, are often more innovative than their US counterparts, not because of scale, but because saturation forces creativity. The US tends to focus on scale, while UK firms focus on differentiation and doing things differently. But the key takeaway is this: You don't need to be the biggest—you just need to do things differently, and better. Innovation is now a competitive requirement, not a nice-to-have. AI and the Future of Recruitment You will also enjoy DeeDee's insightful take on the advent of AI and how it will impact recruiters globally. We agree that AI will be useful in freeing recruiters from administrative tasks to focus on human interaction and strategies. The integration of AI tools can also improve the candidate experience by providing timely updates and personalized communication, fostering a more engaging and supportive recruitment process. With the streamlining and efficiency potentials AI can offer, it is also important to shift the focus from the old model of scaling, where you would need to add more people. With AI tools evolving fast, firms may no longer need as many people to get the same—or better—results. Efficiency and smart use of tech will define the next wave of growth. It's Time to Champion the Value of Recruitment DeeDee has always advocated the value and importance of the recruitment profession. Too often, recruiters don't get credit for the work they do—whether it's helping someone into a new career, reskilling talent, or supporting growth in client businesses. DeeDee encourages agency leaders to enter awards, tell their stories, and raise standards across the profession. Doing your part means being proud of what you do as a recruiter or recruitment business owner by making others know of the impact you are making. Is there value in doing so? Indeed, this can attract better clients and talent in the long run. DeeDee Doke Bio and Contact Info Long-time editor of Recruiter magazine, DeeDee has more than 20 years of experience as a recruitment/HR specialist journalist and editor. She also has significant international experience as a defence and aviation journalist and in entertainment (theatre, contemporary music) reporting and editing. Originally from Seattle in the US, she has been a proud UK subject/citizen since 2007. DeeDee on LinkedIn Recruiter Magazine website link Recruiter Awards website link Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

What if discovering your neurodivergent could unlock a deeper sense of purpose—and make your recruitment business more impactful? In this episode, Adam Tobias shares how getting diagnosed with ADHD and autism in his 40s reshaped not only how he works, but why he works. That discovery ignited a new mission: helping organizations remove the hidden barriers that exclude brilliant, underrepresented talent. Adam Tobias is the co-founder of Inventum Group, a purpose-driven recruitment and consulting firm based in London and Johannesburg. With over 25 years in the industry, Adam has built a company that's as values-led as it is commercially successful. Today, he advises clients ranging from FTSE 100 companies to fast-growth SMEs on how to recruit inclusively and build more resilient teams. Episode Outline and Highlights [02:40] How Adam got into recruiting, leading to his 20-year-old recruitment firm. [07:50] Avoiding ego-based growth: What Adam considers his lessons and learnings in his recruitment journey. [15:04] Key elements to success. [17:55] How finding out about his neurodivergence became a stepping-stone for inclusive consulting. [24:40] Adam's discovery of his neurodivergence. [34:46] Strategies that help Adam manage ADHD and autism at work. [38:33] Channeling Adam's advocacy as a differentiator. [45:57] Inventum's business model. [48:38] The top hiring barriers for underrepresented candidates—and how to fix them. [56:39] Discussion on behaviour, cultures, and values. [59:00] The value of candidate experience. Turning Purpose into a Differentiator Being diagnosed with autism and ADHD past 40, Adam had a renewed perspective on how to help clients be more inclusive in their hiring process. Once he uncovered his neurodivergence, he stopped trying to fit a mold and started building around what actually worked for him, leading with empathy, structure, and a culture where people could just be themselves. This inspired him to develop The Inclusive Recruiter, a CPD-certified training program that's now core to Inventum's offering. It's not just an add-on; it's embedded into how they hire, train, and work with clients. “So what we're doing now is helping clients fix their hiring processes—not just make placements,” Adam shared. “It's not about how well someone interviews. It's about how well they'll perform over time.” How did this benefit Adam's recruitment firm? The ROI of Inclusive Hiring Adam believes that inclusive recruitment is more than a moral imperative—it's a business advantage. Structured, unbiased interviews. Clearer job specs. Candidate experience that makes people want to re-engage. These aren't just “nice-to-haves”—they improve long-term placement success. They also turned this mission into a consulting arm of the business. Inventum has added new revenue streams while deepening client relationships. Whether it's through advisory, workshops, or training, Adam's team is proving that purpose can drive profit. “I think we've done well in a tough market because we've stayed true to who we are,” he said. “That's what's made us resilient.” Top Hiring Barriers for Underrepresented Candidates Adam shared insights on the commonly observed barriers when it comes to underrepresented groups and how they would advise their clients in terms of solutions. Below are outlined common challenges and recommended solutions: Challenges • Limited Outreach & Narrow Channels • Overloaded Job Descriptions • Masculine-Coded Language in Job Ads • Reliance on Outdated Job Descriptions • Unclear Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves • Unstructured Interview Processes • Culture Fit Bias Solutions • Proactive Candidate Engagement • Simplify Job Descriptions • Audit Job Ad Language • Start from Scratch with Job Specs • Ditch the “Desirable” List • Structured Interviews with Scoring • Reduces bias and makes evaluations more objective. • Use Multiple Independent Interviewers • Focus on Values, Not "Culture Fit" • Client Education & Conversations Adam Tobias Bio and Contact Info Adam is the co-founder of Inventum Group, a boutique recruitment and consulting firm focused on building inclusive workplaces. With teams in London and Johannesburg, Inventum partners with companies across finance, marketing, legal, and HR to deliver talent with purpose. Adam is also the creator of The Inclusive Recruiter—a CPD-certified training program—and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and equity in the workplace. • Adam on LinkedIn• Inventum Group websitePeople and Resources Mentioned • The Inclusive Recruiter (CPD Certified)• Pinnacle Society Connect with Mark Whitby • Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call • Mark on LinkedIn• Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby • Mark on Facebook • Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

What if you could swap 100 cold calls a day for content that reaches thousands? In this episode, Justis shares how going digital didn't just scale his reach, it nearly doubled his revenue. Justis Pederson is an award-winning recruiter and the CEO of the Pederson Group of Companies in Winnipeg, which he has grown from $500K to $1.8M in revenue. His group of companies includes recruitment, media, and real estate. On the recruitment side, they specialize in construction & engineering. I'm excited to learn that Justis complements his recruiting business with his media business. They have turned video production into a differentiator, specifically leveraging video and digital marketing as a key differentiator. Justis serves on two boards and is a member of the Pinnacle Society, a collective of the top-performing recruiters in North America. Episode Outline and Highlights [02:57] How Justis got into recruiting - from door-to-door salesman to becoming a top recruiter in construction. [11:33] Justis' insights on critical attributes that differentiate a great recruiter. [13:19] The story of how they shifted from mainly cold calling to primarily digital marketing. [26:10] The ROI of hiring an effective marketing person. [31:22] The three pillars of content. [34:55] The hiring process of a good marketing person. [37:39] Strategies and systems to start posting content. [43:18] Discussion on the hows and whys of building a brand. [47:30] Shifting to a retained business model. [51:38] How to get business ‘without asking for business'. [53:02] Justis shares his personal story of resilience. Shifting from Cold Calling to Digital Marketing If your primary source of leads is through cold-calling, would you consider shifting to digital marketing? Justis realized the benefits of doing so, as cold-calling usually limits him to reaching 100 people a day, but with digital content, he can demonstrate their subject matter expertise to thousands. “So we started posting content online. And instead of going from one to one cold calling, it's one to many: one to 1,000, one to 10,000, one to 20,000 plus people. So what you're doing is you're actually just demonstrating what your subject matter expertise is. Instead of on the phone to people that already know you, you're doing it online to a larger population of people that do not know you.” How did they transition from pure cold calling to digital marketing? When Justis first started at Hayes and later running his own recruitment business, it was all about cold calling. But like a lot of recruiters, he hit that point of burnout. You can only hear “no” so many times before you start asking, Is there a better way to do this? They began putting their expertise online, mainly on LinkedIn, aiming to reach not just dozens, but thousands. Then came the big move: hiring Cass in 2022 as their first team member, not another recruiter, but a full-time content and social media manager. Instead of hiring another 360 recruiter, Justis placed his bet on the potential of digital marketing. Eventually, it paid off. They started producing all kinds of content—videos, thought pieces, scroll-stopping visuals—all tailored to their niche in construction and real estate. And people started paying attention—not just candidates but clients, too. Inbound leads started rolling in. The ROI of Hiring an Effective Marketing Person Was there a return on investment from the step that Justis took? That is, focusing mainly on being top-of-mind via digital content? There was! “To quantify that, when I first hired Cass in our first year, we did about, I think it was about $500,000… And in our second year after hiring Cass, we did closer to a million. So, just simple numbers there. Like, we almost doubled our billings.” Justis, however, reminded us that hiring an effective marketing person is not an instant result-generating move. You also have to invest time, like what she did with Cass. He spent at least a year working with her, and it took almost two years to see actual results. “But it did take like a lot of time to get there. Mark, I don't want your listeners to think like, oh, you hire a marketing person and 30 days later you're going to be getting all these inbound leads, because that's not how it works. And a lot of people are wired to think, you know, 30, 60, 90-day return. But this was something that happened for two years. Not 30 or 60, 90 days. Like when I hired Cas, the idea was, okay, we'll give it a year and see how it does.” The Three Pillars of Content and How to Start For Justis, there are three pillars of a well-curated, quality content: Graphic Design Video Writing Justis elaborated on these three pillars and how they emphasized the importance of writing as the basis of videos and graphic designs. He also shared strategies on posting at least 4 pieces of content a week, and why spreading too thin on different social media platforms may not always work. He also shared that to start and build a brand, you don't even need a high budget. Justis shared, “But I think what I would say is it doesn't have to be an extremely high-budget effort. Like you can do this with a low budget effort.” Justis Pederson Bio and Contact Info Justis is an award-winning recruiter as well as President & CEO of the Pederson Group of Companies. His group of companies includes recruitment, media, and real estate. The Pederson Group recruitment specializes in a very niche market - construction & engineering. Outside of running the day-to-day operations of the businesses, Justis sits on two boards and is a member of the Pinnacle Society. Justis on LinkedIn The Pederson Group of Companies website link People and Resources Mentioned Pinnacle Society Loomly Monday.com Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn, Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

How do you build an endless stream of referrals to sustain your recruitment business during an economic downturn?Brandon Glyck relies on this strategy: relentless follow-ups. This doesn't mean harassing a client or candidate to do follow-ups; in fact, it is the other way around. I am sure you will find Brandon's insight on this topic interesting!Brandon is the CEO of Quantum Search Partners in Virginia, where he leads a passionate team of tech and executive recruiters.They've been recognized three consecutive years on the Inc.500 list of fastest-growing companies (2021-2023) and have twice been a Washington Business Journal Best Place to Work (2023 and 2024).Episode Outline and Highlights[03:15] How Brandon got into recruiting at the young age of 18.[11:24] Doing things differently to adapt to the 2008 recession.[15:24] The strategy of leveraging relationships and constant referrals via relentless follow-ups.[33:12] “Those who appear hungry will starve.” - Know Brandon's conversation approach.[37:46] Dealing with the 2023 Tech downturn by upping their outbound business development.[44:02] Discussion on Tech Stacks, AI, and automation - what are the key things to personalize?[53:48] Brandon's plans and what the next 18 years will look like.[56:49] Building a culture aligned with a common vision and shared values.[1:01:30] Why lean towards retained and executive search?Age is Not a Differentiator Brandon shared an astonishing story about making his first placement when he was 18, while attending school. Inspired by his father, being young was never a differentiating factor that hindered him from building a solid foundation as an effective recruiter and eventually a business owner. He shared, “I saw my dad doing it. My dad would close deals like sitting on a lounge chair in the middle of our living room… I'm like, well, if he can do it, you know, why can't I do it? You do the research on the companies you're representing. You learn about the skill sets, and you just dive into it. And I don't think age is a differentiating factor. I think sometimes it's confidence or like. Yeah, I think that's a big part of it.”There are at least three factors that contributed to his success as a young recruiter:His humble learning attitude: by observing his father and other seniors “educate” him, he easily learned the tricks of the trade.His confidence: his drive to succeed gave him the mindset that age is never a differentiating factorHis perspective and mindset: knowing that all men are equal, he treats everyone the same. How he would treat a CEO is how he would also treat a janitor.Building a Stream of Referrals Through Relentless Follow-Ups Another stunning fact: Brandon and his team built a $5.5m business almost entirely by referrals. All recruiters and recruitment business owners aim to deliver their best to clients and candidates to build a stream of referrals. Brandon's strategy is heavily reliant on relentless follow-ups.What exactly does this mean?Consistency over intensity: It's not about hounding people, but staying top-of-mind over a long period.Genuine care: The intent is to show real interest in people's well-being, not just to chase business.Long-term mindset: Understand that value and referrals can take years to come to fruition.Controlled intensity: Stay focused, don't obsess over results—just stay consistent with outreach.Relationship-first approach: Business follows when trust and familiarity are built.Brandon shared a pragmatic approach that they use to execute the above, such as using different contact options (email, text, phone calls), tracking systems, segmented contact lists, MPCs, and others. He also emphasized the importance of adding value to the community by doing acts of goodwill, such as reviewing resumes and committing to it regularly.Showing Resilience - 2008 Recession & 2023 Tech DownturnYou will also admire Brandon's story on how he and his dad dealt with the 2008 recession. He was just starting as a recruiter back then, and when they lost their biggest client (AIG), he started making cold calls: “He ended up effectively losing that client. And it's now this summer before I'm going back to school. He buys me a book of computer executive contact info. So this is again, pre-Zoom info, like true cold calling from a book. So I'm doing a hundred cold calls. I have my little cold call script, 19 or 20 at this time, and I start landing us business. It was pretty cool. Like, looking back on it at the time, I didn't know what the heck I was doing, but it was working.”The same approach worked in 2023, during the tech downturn when Brandon and his team had to up their outbound business development. Brandon elaborated on four action points:Diversifying into new industries.Focusing on relevant and personalized outreaches.Testing multiple business development tactics, andBuilding a repeatable, scalable process.He also shared their tech stacks and how they are using them not to automate outreaches, but rather to personalize them.Indeed, a recruiter's resilient mindset is the key to remaining relevant and successful in a market where nothing can be certain.Brandon Glyck Bio and Contact InfoCEO at Quantum Search Partners, where I lead a passionate and talented team of tech and executive recruiters.Creative, driven, and competitive executive and technology talent leader who is willing to go above and beyond for clients, candidates, and team members. Passionate about affecting the future success and bottom line growth of our clients by connecting them with industry-leading and impactful talent and leadership.Former college athlete (football) and graduate of Princeton University with a major in Psychology.Outside of Quantum, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and have personal interests in fitness, performance psychology, travel, and start-up investing.Brandon on LinkedInQuantum Search Partners website linkPeople and Resources MentionedCharlie Saffro on LinkedInBrent Orsuga on LinkedInJeremy Jenson on LinkedInCrelateDripifyRelated Podcasts You Might EnjoyTRR#228 The 4 Talent Magnets that Drive Recruiter Retention and SuccessTRR#218 How Grit and Determination Fueled a $2M Recruitment Firm's SuccessTRR#217 How to Elevate Your Recruitment Firm to $12M with Effective Lead GenerationConnect with Mark WhitbyGet your FREE 30-minute strategy callMark on LinkedIn, Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitbyMark on FacebookMark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoachSubscribe to The Resilient RecruiterIf you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Karolina Willis shares her remarkable journey building Intercare Recruitment from a struggling startup to ta hriving healthcare staffing firm. After relocating from Dubai to the US, she faced rebuilding her business in an unfamiliar market while raising two young children.Despite reaching a breaking point where she nearly abandoned her entrepreneurial dreams, Karolina implemented strategies that fueled explosive growth in just six months. She reveals how she created unique differentiators that justified retained contracts - employing former nurses as recruiters, offering comprehensive immigration services, and maintaining relentless face-to-face business development even when facing multiple rejections.This episode offers practical insights for recruitment agency owners looking to scale their businesses through genuine market differentiation and strategic team building across multiple countries.Karolina is a seasoned recruitment professional with 19 years of experience in the healthcare recruitment industry. As a CEO and Founder at Intercare Recruitment, she specializes in matching top-tier healthcare professionals with leading medical institutions, ensuring that both clients and candidates find the perfect fit.Episode Outline and Highlights[01:53] From Poland, the UK, Dubai, and the US - Carolina's recruitment journey.[07:27] The mindset that helped Karolina be successful in a short space of time.[10:16] How to generate candidates by organizing events.[13:39] The initial challenges of going solo and starting a recruitment business. [28:02] Relocating to Florida, relaunching their business, and overcoming a breaking point.[37:23] How Karolina approached the market differently in the US.[40:34] Key differentiators as a boutique company.[46:30] Strategies for growing her team.[51:59] Overcoming the recruiter paradox - how to identify potential members of your recruitment firm.[57:35] What would Karolina have done differently when looking back at her career?Overcoming a Breaking Point and the Challenges of Launching a Boutique FirmKarolina excelled quickly in her first recruitment role in the UK with the NHS, which became a solid foundation for her when she launched Intercare Recruitment in Dubai. Like many recruiters who aspire to build their business, she faced initial struggles and challenges along the way.Karolina faced significant challenges when launching her recruitment firm in Dubai. Although finding candidates was relatively easy due to her strong existing network, the complexities of navigating healthcare regulations and business development were major hurdles. Karolina and her husband had to secure clients from scratch. Their strategy involved relentless, in-person business development—visiting hospitals unannounced, persistently requesting meetings with HR directors and CEOs. Despite initial rejections, her research-driven approach, industry connections, and sheer determination eventually led to success, with her 13th hospital visit yielding their first major contract. However, cash flow management became another major struggle, as collecting payments from clients was a slow and challenging process. The legal system in the UAE made it difficult to enforce contracts, ultimately influencing her decision to explore opportunities outside the Middle East.When she moved to the US, the true breaking point came in 2022 when, after years of working for others, Karolina could no longer ignore her entrepreneurial drive. She had gained the necessary industry knowledge and confidence, but stepping away from the security of a full-time job was a daunting decision, especially as a mother of two young children with a mortgage to maintain. Despite the fear and financial pressure, she knew she had relaunched Intercare. With the unwavering support of her husband, she leaped, marking the start of Intercare's second chapter in the U.S.Building Key Differentiators as a Boutique FirmI wanted to focus on Intercare Recruitment's unique approach to providing the best solutions for its clients. Their service offering is retained and involves recruiting nurses internationally. “So what I call ourselves, we are kind of boutique companies, small, quality-focused, concierge type agencies. We really go beyond with our services. We really get on side with our clients.Here are some of their differentiators:International Nurse Recruitment Expertise – They have an extensive referral-based network in the Philippines and partnerships with nursing schools, allowing them to source top-tier talent efficiently.Comprehensive Candidate Support – Unlike most agencies, they assist candidates beyond job placement, handling immigration, flights, onboarding, Social Security, and even driving licenses to ensure a smooth transition.Nurse-Led Recruitment Team – Their recruiters are former nurses, which helps build trust with candidates and ensures a deeper understanding of the industry's needs.Retained, Upfront Payment Model – Instead of working on contingency, Intercare secures exclusive, retained contracts where clients pay upfront, covering immigration costs and reducing hiring risks.Extended Guarantee Period – They offer a 12-month guarantee, which is longer than industry standards, ensuring clients have long-term confidence in their hires.End-to-End Immigration Management – They fully integrate legal and immigration services into their process, partnering with immigration attorneys to handle all necessary paperwork.What are your key differentiators as a recruitment firm? How do you stand out from the competition? The key to getting retained clients is to show a unique solution that solves your client's problems that they can't get anywhere else.Overcoming the Recruiter's Paradox - Finding the Right Member of Your TeamKarolina shared best practices in her approach to building her team. She has now expanded to 10 members - 5 in the US, 5 in the Philippines. This growth allowed her to grow her revenue from $5K/month to $300K/month in six months! What are her key techniques in finding great team members?“I see people's motivation and ambition rather than skills. You can teach skills, but you cannot teach attitude.” Aside from doing a DISC assessment, they invest time in researching the candidate, from social media, LinkedIn, and conducting three to four steps interviews.Once the team member gets hired, they focus on empowering and coaching them. Extensive training and tools for recruiters are provided while providing all the support needed for them to succeed. Karolina Willis Bio and Contact InfoKarolina Willis is a seasoned recruitment professional with 19 years of experience in the healthcare recruitment industry. As a CEO and Founder at Intercare Recruitment, she specializes in matching top-tier healthcare professionals with leading medical institutions, ensuring that both clients and candidates find the perfect fit.Karolina launched Intercare Recruitment in 2011, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the healthcare sector. Her deep understanding of the industry's unique challenges and requirements has made her an invaluable asset to the team. She has a proven track record of successfully placing candidates in a wide range of roles, from nursing and allied health positions to senior medical and executive roles.Karolina's approach to recruitment is characterized by her commitment to building strong, lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. She takes the time to understand the specific needs and aspirations of each party, providing personalized guidance and support throughout the recruitment process. Her meticulous attention to detail and her unwavering dedication to excellence have earned her a reputation for reliability and integrity in the industry.In addition to her professional achievements, Karolina is known for her leadership and mentoring skills. She plays a key role in training and developing new consultants at Intercare Recruitment, sharing her expertise and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.Karolina holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management and is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Outside of work, she is an advocate for mental health awareness and actively participates in community outreach programs aimed at improving healthcare services.With her extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and a passion for making a positive impact, Karolina Willis continues to be a driving force behind Intercare Recruitment's success in the competitive healthcare recruitment landscape. Married and mother of 2 daughters, 5 and 8 years old. Lives in Greenville, SC.Karolina on LinkedInIntercare Recruitment website linkConnect with Mark WhitbyGet your FREE 30-minute strategy callMark on LinkedIn, Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitbyMark on FacebookMark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoachSubscribe to The Resilient RecruiterIf you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Focus is a superpower every recruiter needs, especially in a harsh market with tough competition. How do you keep yourself organized and focused despite multiple expectations that you have to deliver to your clients, candidates, and if you are a business owner, to your team?Jenny shares the Jenny Diaz Day Plan and how it helps her stay organized and focused every day. She also shares how basic daily tasks help her business navigate this tough market while navigating growth and expansion.Jenny Diaz entered recruiting in 2015. In late 2021, she, Ryan, and another former colleague, James, founded Apex Recruitment Group, a firm that specializes in construction management recruitment throughout DC, Virginia, and the Carolinas. While Jenny has worked in various industries, she has focused on construction management for the last several years. Through her recruitment career, Jenny has had the opportunity to participate in relevant non-profits that make the tough days in recruitment easier. She is currently the Vice President of one such organization, Career Confidence.Episode Outline and Highlights[03:31] How Jenny got into recruiting from studying Hebrew, traveling, car washing, and working on a dude ranch.[12:29] Discussion on “Jenny Diaz Day Plan.”[17:25] Launching Apex Recruitment Group and overcoming initial hurdles.[23:19] The added value of meeting people in person.[27:39] What is it like being married to your business partner?[30:09] Keys to getting her first million.[33:10] Going through challenges and things they would have done differently.[43:34] Jenny shares their growth plans.[48:03] Zooming in on Apex's business culture.[54:37] Business development and client acquisition in a tough market.Jenny's Day Planning ProcessFocus is the super power that recruiters need for sure. Successful business owners and recruiters have a daily hack on how to organize their to do's and make the most of their days. Jenny is no different, and she gladly shared the “Jenny Diaz Day Plan.” “So I have this Microsoft Word doc… I print it out, I take a pencil because the day will change, and I write down whatever's on my Microsoft calendar. I have a list of follow-ups that I'm people I'm going to follow up with. That's usually like five to 30 people depending. I have my three main goals, I have my two jobs. I'm going to work that day if I get it. I have things I'm grateful for, that I've learned.”To summarize her methodology, here are the takeaways:Jenny meticulously plans each day using a printed Microsoft Word document with hourly blocksShe writes her plan in pencil to allow for adjustments throughout the dayHer day plan includes follow-ups, main goals, jobs to work, things she's grateful for, and long-term goalsWriting plans physically rather than digitally creates a stronger commitmentThe planning process helps combat distractions and provides focusJenny maintains this day-planning routine for approximately 90% of her workdaysDo you have a similar approach to being focused and organized?Going Through Setbacks and Valuable Lessons LearnedLike all business owners, Jenny and his team have had a few setbacks that can be considered teachable moments. 2023 was a challenging year for them as they expanded too quickly into new geographies while the market was getting softer. They also hired four additional people, which created financial pressure and eventually forced them to scale back after the overexpansion.Jenny shared critical learnings and adjustments they had to take to avoid reoccurrence. They learned the importance of tracking KPIs over different time periods (weekly, monthly, quarterly).“So one thing I have done this year, just with the team member I'm working with, and he probably hates it, but I'm telling him, listen, every week you're going to fill out this form and you know it's more than just KPIs.”They also used color-coding systems to track performance patterns.“This is what we're doing. Are they green, yellow, or red? I actually have them. I have them, Mark, green, yellow, or red? And you know, if last week was all red, but you're trailing six months are green. Like, let's get back at it if it's all red for six months. Well, this is a story, right?”Lastly, Jenny appreciates how partnership was crucial during tough times as partners talked each other ‘off the ledge'.“But I think the partnership was really helpful in that because we could look around and say, no, get back. Like, come back. Like, we've all been there. You're gonna get over it. You're gonna have a great month soon. I don't know when it is, but like just get back at it.”Business Development and Client Acquisition Tactics in a Tough MarketI also enjoyed the part of our interview where Jenny emphasized the importance of getting back to the basics on business development in a tough market.“But it's, it's the basics. I think we are still big on cold calls. We do business development calls that are cold. We try to do a little bit. I try to do a little bit on LinkedIn or a lot, as much as I can.”Their business development tactics include:Cold calls - the team targets 50 meaningful connections per week.LinkedIn EngagementDatabase management.Jenny Diaz Bio and Contact InfoJenny has partnered with firms of all sizes to successfully recruit entry-level professionals to C-level executives. Since 2017, she has focused on engaging construction management talent in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. She stumbled into recruitment through seemingly unrelated experiences that began with working and studying in Russia and Israel and then ended on a dude ranch outside of Yellowstone. She has learned that the people you meet along the way are anything but chance encounters.Jenny on LinkedInApex Recruitment Group website linkPeople and Resources MentionedGuerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 3.0 by David PerryConnect with Mark WhitbyGet your FREE 30-minute strategy callMark on LinkedIn, Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitbyMark on FacebookMark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoachSubscribe to The Resilient RecruiterIf you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Dandan Zhu and Grace Marlin, co-founders of DG Recruitment, share tactical insights to help recruiters achieve top biller status in today's competitive landscape. Their rec-to-rec agency has given them unique visibility into what separates elite performers from the rest."To succeed in sales, you need to understand that everyone is extremely focused on their own needs," explains Dandan. "And hiring managers' primary need is that they suffer when it comes to hiring."This episode dives into three game-changing strategies: maintaining robust client pipelines beyond just a few accounts, making strategic relationship investments with measurable long-term ROI, and perfecting the MPC approach to immediately capture hiring managers' attention.With Dandan's background as a top-performing recruiter who achieved financial independence by 28 and Grace's 6.5 years helping launch and elevate recruitment careers, they offer a powerful perspective on building sustainable success in agency recruitment.Episode Outline and Highlights[01:28] How Dandan and Grace started working together.[04:00] Insights on what is currently happening in the recruitment space.[06:40] What do top billers do consistently?[15:06] The ROI of thinking big and going the extra mile.[20:37] The concept of the “Golden Loop.”[27:26] What an MPC strategy blueprint should look like.[33:30] The value of adapting to rapid changes in market and technology.[37:22] How to learn more from Dandan and Grace's online platforms.Top Billers Never Stop Building Client PipelinesWhile many recruiters became comfortable with just a few accounts during good times, Dandan Zhu observes these recruiters were "scrambling" when markets changed. To maintain a robust pipeline, top billers consistently build relationships through webinars, panels, and content creation.Dandan questions why more recruiters don't implement proven strategies: "Go out and set up a webinar for your network, for your niche. Go and set up a panel and invite your clients to be part of that as a BD tool." He notes that "all the playbook is there" but few recruiters convert theory into practice.Grace adds that success comes from "who is willing to go one to two steps deeper than everyone else" with investments that might take "six to eight months to really start getting there." These consistent efforts ensure you'll never be left claiming "nobody's paying fees" during downturns while competitors continue closing deals.The Long-Term ROI of Strategic Relationship InvestmentDG Recruitment hosts rooftop events and specialized gatherings like pottery painting sessions targeted to client demographics. Though measuring immediate return is challenging, Grace notes these investments create "much higher odds of placing candidates" and develop "closer relationships with more trust.""That year I met that person, two years later, that became a placement." Dandan explains their events were specifically designed for their target audience - "middle-aged women with kids in the Jersey pharma belt" for pottery painting, and New York recruiters for rooftop gatherings.These strategic relationship investments help recruiters stand out in an industry with reputation challenges. Grace observes it's "very easy to do better" than competitors by "just doing a couple things differently." While others focus on transactions, this approach builds a foundation of trust leading to higher placement odds, client loyalty, and valuable referrals.MPC Strategy: Skip the Intro and Sell Your TalentMost recruiters waste time on company introductions when contacting hiring managers. Dandan recommends a more effective approach: "Sell the NPC right away. Boom, boom." This direct method recognizes that hiring managers prioritize solving their problems over hearing about your firm.Hiring managers focus primarily on addressing their own challenges. A refined approach that immediately demonstrates candidate value shows respect for their time while positioning you as a solutions provider. Dandan emphasizes creating compelling candidate profiles with a confident, engaging tone instead of a nervous or disinterested delivery.In today's competitive landscape, the first few seconds determine client engagement. Leading with immediate value helps bypass typical screening filters, significantly increasing your chances of meaningful engagement and placement success.Related Podcast You Might EnjoyTRR #110 - Why Top Billers Don't Want to Join Your Recruitment AgencyDandan Zhu Bio and Contact InfoDandan Zhu launched her agency recruitment career at the age of 23, quickly excelling as a full-desk headhunter specializing in a technical niche and eventually executive search for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry. Through high commissions, obsessive saving, and aggressive investing, a method she calls “The Millionaire Trifecta”, Dandan achieved financial independence by 28, transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship.She is the founder of DG Recruit (est. 2018), a leading R2R (recruiter-to-recruiter) firm serving top billers and recruitment agencies, and Agency Recruitment Academy (est. 2024), where she provides training and guidance to senior producers and recruitment leaders.Dandan is also the author of Agency Recruitment 101, a comprehensive guide offering insights into the recruitment business model, commission structures, and industry best practices. She hosts the DG Recruit Podcast featuring top voices in the recruitment industry and showcasing top sales and recruitment strategies and tactics.An active speaker and trainer, Dandan collaborates with go-getters and leaders in the recruitment industry to elevate their skills and results. Her mission is to share the knowledge she gained as a headhunter, sales leader, and entrepreneur, empowering others to achieve financial, career, and life success.Dandan on LinkedInDandan on InstagramDandan on Twitter @dandanzhudgGrace Marlin Bio and Contact InfoGrace has been servicing the agency recruitment industry for the past 6.5 years as the Co-Founder of DG Recruit, a US-based agency-to-agency rec2rec firm.Throughout Grace's time in the industry, she has helped launch, elevate, and track the careers of top performing recruitment and staffing sales professionals which has provided her a keen vantage point to understand what it takes to be a successful agency recruitment professional. She is passionate about the unique earning potential and autonomy that comes from a successful career in the industry, so she solely focuses on the agency side, NOT HR/internal recruiting/TA roles.Grace routinely shares industry-related content on LinkedIn and is a champion for leveraging social media marketing as a cornerstone of your recruitment practice since it's still an underutilized tool for current and aspiring top billers.In addition to her work at DG Recruit, she co-founded Recruiter Prep which offers an "Intro to Agency Recruitment Course" that teaches aspiring agency recruiters everything they know to break into the industry with the highest probability of having a successful first year.Grace on LinkedInDG Recruit website linkDG Recruit Podcast link DG Recruit on FacebookDG Recruit on YouTubePeople and Resources MentionedInfluence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. CialdiniConnect with Mark WhitbyGet your FREE 30-minute strategy callMark on LinkedInMark on Twitter: @MarkWhitbyMark on FacebookMark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoachSubscribe to The Resilient RecruiterIf you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Imagine building a recruitment firm where every placement creates an actual positive impact. That's exactly what Leo Hewett did with Core3 — and this is how he made it happen.   After over a decade of experience working for large corporates up to Director level, Leo decided to take the plunge and launch his own ethical recruitment business, Core3 -specialising in Finance & Accounting talent.    Alongside their B Corp certification, Core3 are proud to have won multiple awards since launching in 2022, including REC's 'Start up of the year' (2023), and Business Leader's 'Business of the Year' (2024).   Episode Outline and Highlights [03:23] The story on how Leo's mom inspired him to give back to the community through recruitment. [08:43] What inspired Leo to launch Core3? [15:30] A purpose-driven recruitment firm: how Leo set up their organization differently. [28:33] How making a difference can easily attract talents. [30:39] Highlights and challenges in Core3's growth journey. [34:59] Strategies on reactivating past clients. [37:15] ROI from building a personal brand on LinkedIn. [40:41] The practicality of following through with a voice note after a LinkedIn connection or engagement. [43:10] Developing an inner-circle community to add value. [51:50] Bringing in experienced hires in your team. [57:15] Overcoming two setbacks when scaling: Culture & Cashflow. [1:05:31] Most meaningful metrics Leo and his team focus on.   Building a Purpose-Driven Recruitment Firm   Leo reached director level at Robert Half and was detached from billing for years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led his team on hands-on recruitment and rediscovered that he still enjoys doing it. With an unexpected inheritance, he built a financial buffer which helped him establish Core3. He established his business in a way that is very much different from most recruiting firms: by being B-Corp Certified!   B-Corp certification acts as a "fair trade" equivalent for businesses, signaling that Core3 is committed to high ethical standards and strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) credentials. Core3's decision to pursue B-Corp certification was driven by a desire to embed impact into the business model and stay accountable to ethical standards. The certification also enhanced its attractiveness to stakeholders who value purpose-driven businesses.   “The values are more than words written on a wall and people love the culture and work I'm working here. But it's, it's different because you can feel it every single day. Because we've given 3% of revenue to these three good causes that we support. Every consultant feels it with every placement. The client, after every placement, gets a menu of which charity they would like to choose where that 3% of this placement will go,” explained Leo.   Another way that Core3 engages with its community is by building inner-circle groups.   Adding Value Through Inner-Circle Groups Leo and his team have strategically built value-driven communities to foster meaningful conversations among finance professionals. The approach began with the Conscious Finance podcast, which explored finance's role in meaningful change. As the podcast gained traction, clients expressed interest in deeper discussions, leading to the creation of roundtable events. These roundtables bring like-minded professionals together to discuss shared challenges in an open, collaborative environment. There are challenges in hosting events for these inner circles, such as resource, time, and event costs. However, Leo shared the benefits in adding value to your niche community by developing these inner circles:   Stronger Client Relationships – Moves Core3 beyond transactional interactions, making them a trusted partner rather than just another recruiter. Enhanced Brand Authority – Hosting and facilitating discussions positions Core3 as thought leaders within the industry. Exclusive Networking Opportunities – Clients benefit from valuable peer discussions and insights, making them more likely to stay engaged with Core3. Self-Sustaining Communities – With ongoing engagement via messaging platforms, these groups create lasting professional connections beyond Core3's direct involvement. Business Growth & Differentiation – Unlike traditional recruiters focused solely on job placements, Core3 creates a deeper, more meaningful engagement model that attracts both talent and businesses.   By fostering these high-value, non-sales-driven communities, Core3 successfully differentiates itself from competitors and creates lasting relationships with finance professionals.   The Challenges of Scaling Your Business Another topic that I can relate to is how Leo dealt with two main challenges when scaling his business. He shared the two main areas where he struggled: culture and cash flow.   For culture, defining and embedding a strong culture was difficult in the early stages. Lack of clear values and behavioral expectations made it hard to create a positive and cohesive environment. To overcome it, Leo did the following:   Setting Clear Standards from the Start Involving the Team in Defining Culture Hiring the Right People   In terms of cash flow, Leo's corporate background did not give him solid exposure in managing cash-flow directly. Although his business was thriving in its first year, the geopolitical situation in Ukraine and Russia affected his business, leading to a 6-month loss-making.   To overcome this, Leo implemented action points such as:   Increased Accountability and Visibility: The team collectively committed to improving processes, tracking performance, and holding each other accountable. Shift from Inputs to Outputs: Rather than focusing on meaningless KPIs (e.g., "how many calls did you make today?"), they focused on more meaningful metrics like conversion ratios and actual results. Implemented OKRs (Objectives and Key Results): This allowed the team to focus on high-impact goals and measurable outcomes, rather than just activity. Strengthened Team Collaboration: The team took ownership of the problem and worked collectively to improve performance and cash flow.   Core3 survived the six-month loss-making period without losing a single team member.   Leo Hewett Bio and Contact Info After over a decade of experience working for large corporates up to Director level, Leo decided to take the plunge and launch his own ethical recruitment business, Core3 -specialising in Finance & Accounting talent.  He believes that business has a bigger role to play in society than just making a profit. Being future-conscious and aware of how our actions affect people and the planet is more important now than it ever has been.    This is why Core3's purpose is to pioneer the ‘Conscious Recruitment' mindset; putting people, planet and progress first. Pledging 3% of sales to their local community and the environment.    Alongside their B Corp certification, Core3 are proud to have won multiple awards since launching in 2022, including REC's 'Start up of the year' (2023), and Business Leader's 'Business of the Year' (2024).   Leo on LinkedIn Core3 website link The Conscious Finance Podcast links Core3 on Facebook Core3 on Instagram Core3 on X Core3 on YouTube   People and Resources Mentioned   Start With Why by Simon Sinek   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

What if your next training session became the highlight of your recruiters' week rather than just another calendar obligation? We explore how innovative recruitment leaders transform traditional onboarding into engaging experiences that drive performance and retention. In this episode, a tenured recruiter and recruitment business owner shares his experience in training hundreds of recruiters in this career. For David, “training and developing people is fun!” David Bloxham is the CEO of GCS Recruitment. With over 30 years of experience, David is passionate about connecting innovative technology companies with the expert talent they need to drive their businesses forward.  In 2017, he led a successful management buyout (MBO) with nGAGE Talent, further solidifying his leadership in the industry. Under his guidance, GCS Recruitment has expanded globally with a team of 100 consultants and 7 offices including London, Reading, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin, Orlando and Philadelphia.   Episode Outline and Highlights [02:12] How did David get started in recruiting? [04:30] Has productivity in recruitment remaining relatively constant over time? [13:08] Effective and efficient team structure to increase productivity. [20:23] Hiring and developing hundreds of people over the years, what key training elements David wishes to share? [36:05] David and his team use tools and technology for reports and gamifying objectives. [40:27] Core focus of recruiters despite technological advances: telephone first and networking. [49:31] Discussion on David's Management Buyout (MBO) experience and learnings. [56:53] Should your recruitment firm get an investment from a Private Equity?   Training and Developing People is Fun!   David started in the recruiting industry in 1996, and both of us agree that training back then was almost as simple as “here is a phonebook, and a phone, start calling.” We both understand the value of effective training as a key ingredient to successful recruiting results.    Having hired and developed hundreds of recruiters over the years, what is David's approach to training, especially in this age where technology can overwhelm the human factor of a new recruiter? For David, it is about going back to basics and focusing on what a recruiter really does. Phone first, and building a network. He utilizes existing technology and tech stack, especially when monitoring and gamifying performance as part of training and development. Most importantly, his mindset says a lot about his success, “Training and developing people is fun!”   Below are some of the takeaways he shared on this topic:   Passion for Teaching – He genuinely enjoys training people, seeing them "get it," and watching their progress. His enthusiasm makes training engaging and impactful. Gamification and Fun—He introduces friendly competitions, small challenges (like mentioning random topics in calls), and a team environment that keeps training lively and engaging. Hands-On Learning – He believes in learning by doing, allowing trainees to make calls early, experience rejection, and develop resilience. Focus on Fundamentals – Despite industry changes, he emphasizes that the core of recruitment remains the same: connecting clients and candidates. Creating a Supportive Environment – He fosters a collaborative setting where trainees can share wins, struggles, and experiences. Emphasizing Resilience – He prepares recruiters for the challenges of the job, especially handling rejection and navigating modern recruitment complexities. Adapting Training to Modern Challenges – He acknowledges changes in recruitment (e.g., difficulty reaching candidates, compliance hurdles) and tailors training to address these new realities.   What Does a Recruiter Do? Despite technological advances in AI, David strongly believes that focusing on the human factor by understanding what a recruiter does is still the key success factor in this field. He believes that two things are essential: Telephone First Building a Network   Regardless of what AI or other tools can do to improve your recruitment process, it is still a recruiter's human factor of connecting with candidates and clients that drives the decision of whether you will win the business or not. As he puts it,  “And, and that's really where I kind of come to with, with what does a recruiter do? What a recruiter does is it has the human interaction, the human touch, right? And if we can really get that into the heads of recruiters, this is where your value is. This is what you do, right? You meet people, you talk to people, you network, you find out things.”   Indeed, recruiters who rely too much on automation risk becoming replaceable. But those who master the human side of the business—building relationships, influencing decisions, and adding personal value—will always be in demand.   Learnings from an MBO (Management Buyout) As one of the first employees at GCS, David was deeply invested in the company's growth. When it reached an eight-figure valuation, the decision was made to exit certain owners and transition leadership. Since David didn't have the capital to buy out the founder, they sought backing from nGAGE, an investment company that specializes in recruitment businesses. The process involved intense due diligence, financial scrutiny, and planning to make GCS an attractive investment.   David's learnings also apply to recruitment business owners who plan to exit and sell their business through acquisition. You may be interested in the following topics that David elaborated on:   Know Your Numbers Focus on Profitability & Efficiency Investors Want Focus & Justification Culture & Brand Matter The Shift from Employee to Shareholder   David Bloxham Bio and Contact Info   David Bloxham is a seasoned recruitment professional and the CEO of GCS Recruitment. With over 30 years of experience, David has a passion for connecting innovative technology companies with the expert talent they need to drive their businesses forward. In 2017, he led a successful management buyout (MBO) with nGAGE Talent, further solidifying his leadership in the industry. Under his guidance, GCS Recruitment has grown significantly on a global scale, helping clients to "Employ the Future to Create it." David's expertise in the recruitment industry and his dedication to fostering strong client relationships have made him a respected figure in the field.   David on LinkedIn GCS Tech Talent website link GCS Connect Leaders podcast nGAGE talent website link   People and Resources Mentioned   LinkedIn Recruiter Lusha Crunchbase Daxtra PowerBI   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

The journey from top-performing recruiter to successful business leader requires a significant mindset shift. Melanie DeBeer, Director of Full Circle Selection shares how she built a thriving recruitment business that doesn't rely solely on her personal billings. With over 25 years in the industry, Melanie reveals the pivotal moment when she realized that to scale her business, she needed to step back from day-to-day operations and empower her team. "The challenge for me was letting go," Melanie admits. "I love every component of recruitment. But I had to make a decision. I can't juggle all of these balls and my business is not going to grow and upscale if I'm doing everything myself." This candid conversation explores how Melanie transitioned from being fully immersed in the business to working strategically on it, creating a recruitment firm that continues to thrive even when she's not directly involved in every aspect of operations.   Episode Outline and Highlights [02:16] How Mark and Melanie go way back in the coaching field, and how she got into the recruitment space. [09:49] Going back to basics and avoiding shortcuts: Highlight of Melanie's career before starting her own business. [14:55] How leadership and structure contributed to Melanie's success factors as a recruiter. [22:31] Discussion on the most impactful metrics to look at. [26:53] Why you should not be afraid to increase your average fee percentage. [31:34] Melanie's journey of starting her recruitment business. [39:25] The milestones of growing the team and how Melanie overcame the biggest challenges. [47:32] Transitioning to a mindset of working on the business instead of ‘in the business.' [57:54] Approach and best practices to onboard the right people.   The Importance of Going Back to Basics Before launching her recruitment business, Melanie was an achieving recruiter. Her 25 years of recruitment experience is a colourful collage of peak performance and highlights, and she is very much willing to share her early influences and success factors.    One mindset that resonates with me is how she values the importance of returning to basics. Going back to basics is crucial for Melanie because it helps her avoid the pitfalls of taking shortcuts, which can negatively impact the quality of her work. Even as an experienced recruiter, she acknowledges that revisiting fundamental principles—such as thoroughly qualifying candidates and job specs—leads to greater success. She ensures a more strategic and sustainable path forward by stepping back, reassessing, and refining her approach, reinforcing the importance of “quality over quantity.”   Melanie also emphasized the following factors that contributed to her success as a recruiter:   Continuous Learning & Training Strong Leadership & Guidance Leveraging Strengths Structured & Strategic Approach Face-to-Face Client Engagement Working Smarter, Not Harder    Focusing on the Most Impactful Metrics and KPIs  In running your recruitment business, what metrics do you prioritize? Melanie shared the most impactful metrics that they focus on. Below are the takeaways:   Qualified Specs & Candidate Quality—Before submission, she assesses the qualifications of job specs and candidates, ensuring higher placement success. Referrals to Placements Ratio – She tracks how many candidate referrals (submissions) lead to placements, optimizing the process to improve efficiency. Number of Placements Per Month – This metric helps monitor overall productivity and revenue generation. Placement Fees & Average Placement Value—She focuses on increasing placement fees to ensure higher earnings per deal instead of simply increasing volume.  CVs Sent to Referrals Ratio – Tracking how many CVs are needed to secure a referral (candidate submission) helps refine sourcing and qualification strategies. Interview Conversion Rate (Referrals to Interviews) – She evaluates how many referred candidates secure interviews, ensuring quality over quantity in submissions.   We also covered why you should not be afraid of increasing your average fee percentage. When done right, doing so will bring advantages and a better perception of your clients.   Working on the Business versus Working In the Business You'll also enjoy hearing how Melanie has successfully made the shift from being fully in the business to working strategically on the business. This means she's building a business that is not overly reliant on her billings and doesn't require her micro-managing in every little area for things to get done. It was difficult for her at first, because she loves what she does, and even when building a team, there is this tendency for her to get involved in everything.    What helped her reframe her mindset is by trusting to what her team is capable of. Melanie said, “We talk about teamwork, makes the dream work. So I think there's also that element where I know that I can leave it in their hands. I know that they're going to deliver and they're competent. So again, they've got the skill, they've got the will and I know I can leave it in their hands. We've spoken about what they want to achieve. We know their long-term goals fit in with my long-term goals and they've got the skill. So I could step back a bit more.'   This resulted in Malanie having more breathing space and time to think of more strategies in running their business. Melanie De Beer Bio and Contact Info  Melanie Donnelly is an experienced recruitment specialist and Talent Acquisition Coordinator with over 25 years in the finance and engineering sectors. Leading Fullcircle Selection, Melanie excels in aligning top talent with companies' needs, particularly in South Africa. Her client-focused approach and expertise in staff retention and recruitment process improvement have helped her build trusted partnerships and exclusive collaborations. With a strong foundation in sales and client relationship management, Melanie continues to drive impactful hiring outcomes and enhance workforce quality across industries. Melanie on LinkedIn Fullcircle Selection website link   People and Resources Mentioned   Dan Martell - Buy Back Your Time    Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Would you be apprehensive about adding a recruitment bot in your hiring process at the risk of losing the ‘human' factor? Our special guest, Betsy Robinson, explains how they utilize AI trends and other tech stacks to enhance their client and candidate experience.   Betsy Robinson is the Founder & CEO of Tier4 Group, a woman-owned, diversity-certified talent acquisition firm headquartered in Atlanta.    The company specializes in connecting exceptional talent with top-tier employers for technology and executive roles, combining advanced recruitment automation with a personalized approach.    Under her leadership, Tier4 Group has achieved remarkable recognition, including six consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies (2019-2024) and five appearances on the Atlanta Pacesetters list.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [03:03] Recruiting out of college - beginning of Betsy's 20-year recruitment journey. [07:05] How she ventured out alone - discussing high points and challenges. [18:31] Fostering a culture of feedback and how it elevates the quality of output. [24:19] Incorporating recruitment automation, technology, and AI. [33:35] Would you include a digital recruiter in hiring your process? [41:15] Betsy reveals their tech stack and AI trends. [47:28] The value of using note-taking AI tools. [51:52] Creating a culture of strong team collaboration.   Incorporating a Digital Recruiter in the Hiring Process   Would you consider incorporating a recruitment ‘bot' in your hiring process? A lot of recruitment business owners might be apprehensive about doing so, as it poses the risk of diminishing the ‘human touch' in the process.    On the other hand, Betsy's team is leveraging a "digital employee," specifically a digital recruiter, to enhance their hiring process. This AI-powered recruiter can call and chat with candidates, helping to screen large volumes of applicants more efficiently while maintaining a personalized experience. Unlike traditional chatbots or automated emails, this digital recruiter has a live voice and engages in real conversations, making it feel more human-like.   Some of the outlined advantages of this investment include:   Speed & Efficiency – The digital recruiter can process large volumes of candidates quickly, helping the team sift through hundreds of applicants without delays. Candidate Engagement – One of the biggest complaints in recruitment is ghosting—candidates never hearing back from employers. A digital recruiter ensures consistent communication, so candidates stay informed. 24/7 Availability – Unlike human recruiters who work business hours, the digital employee can operate around the clock, allowing candidates to engage at their convenience—whether during a lunch break or late at night.   Tech Stack and AI Trends   Betsy and I also talked about the tech stacks they are using and the recent trends in technology that recruiters can use to either improve and simplify their processes, improve candidate and client engagement, and manage performance and KPIs for their employees.   We have listed below some tools that you may already be familiar with or others you might consider exploring:    Applicant Tracking & CRM Systems Loxo – Legacy ATS/CRM system  Tracker – New ATS & CRM for front/middle office operations with better API integrations AI-Powered Communication Tools CloudCall – AI-driven text and voice communication for candidate and client interactions. Digital Recruiters (AI Recruiters) – AI-powered virtual recruiters that conduct initial screenings via calls and chats. Note-Takers & Meeting Assistants Otter.ai – AI-powered transcription and meeting summarization. Fathom – AI note-taking with advanced meeting insights. Fireflies – AI transcription, summarization, and team collaboration. Copilot (Microsoft) – AI assistant for Teams meetings and documentation. Quill – AI-driven note-taking tool specifically for recruiters. Gong – AI-powered call analysis and coaching for sales and recruiter conversations. AI-Driven Data Management & Automation VMS Integrations – Automates job order creation and updates within the ATS. AI-Powered Contact Management – Automatically updates candidate and client contact information. AI for Remote Team Collaboration & Coaching AI Call Coaching (via GPT or Gong) – Analyzes recruiter and sales calls for performance improvement. Remarkable (Digital Notepad) – Converts handwritten notes to digital format for easy CRM integration.   These tools collectively enhance efficiency, automation, and candidate engagement in recruitment businesses.   Creating a Culture of Strong Team Collaboration   Despite being tech-heavy, Betsy and her team still invest in ensuring that their connection and culture as a team is as collaborative as can be. With a team of 30, mostly working remotely, seamless collaboration and teamwork are essential.   This is how she summarizes their collaboration:  “We, I will say, first of all, we welcome all ideas. It doesn't matter if you are someone who's been on our team for one week or someone who's been on our team for one year or you've been our first employee who's been here 10 years. Everybody brings unique at different perspective perspectives. And I would say we are much more collaborative in our decision-making.”   She also added the value of transparency: “We also communicate to the best of our ability the why behind a lot of our decisions that we're making.”   Lastly, she emphasized the value of accountability: “So we're also working on a culture of, you know, pure accountability.”   The key factors are critical in Betsy's successful culture-building. Do you have similar values in terms of your business culture?   Betsy Robinson Bio and Contact Info   Betsy Robinson is the Founder & CEO of Tier4 Group. Headquartered in Atlanta, Tier4 Group is a woman-owned and diversity-certified talent acquisition firm specializing in connecting exceptional talent with top-tier employers seeking to fill technology and executive roles. By combining advanced recruitment automation with a personalized approach, Tier4 strives to identify the best fit for both the customer and the candidate.   Tier4 Group has been recognized for six consecutive years (2019-2024) as one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, as well as being named for a 5th time in 2024 to the Atlanta Pacesetters list of the fastest growing privately-held companies in GA. Additionally, the company is a four-time Bulldog 100 Honoree. The Bulldog 100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA Alumni.    Betsy was named LGBTQ Businessperson of the Year in Georgia in 2023 and recognized to the inaugural Inc Magazine 30 Under 30-ish list in 2023. She was also named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40 Class of 2019. Betsy holds a B.B.A. from the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. She is an active volunteer with Women in Technology (WIT), currently serving on the Board of Directors. Betsy has also served on the Board of Directors for the Technology Association of Georgia's Diversity & Inclusion Society, as well as the Business Advisory Board for ITT Technical Institute.    Outside of work, Betsy is active in outreach within the community as a volunteer supporting several non-profits. Her most important jobs are as a wife and mom. On weekends, you can find her cheering on her son on the soccer field, boating on the lake, or cheering loudly in the stands for the Atlanta sports team as well as the Georgia Bulldogs.   Betsy on LinkedIn Tier4 Group website link Retained Executive Search (a division of Tier4) website link WIT (Women in Technology) website link   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

A 25-year recruiting veteran! Our special guest, Jeff Cox, shares his journey and insights on how he made two transitions to up his recruitment game: From placing junior to senior roles and switching from contingent to retainer model.   These shifts can be challenging, and so it takes the right mindset and preparation for your to have the power to transition. Jeff shared how he did it!   Jeff specializes in assisting biotech and pharmaceutical companies in building transformative leadership teams.    As a member of the prestigious Pinnacle Society, Jeff is one of the top-producing recruiters in the country. But he believes success in this industry is less about the money and more about the people we impact and the life-changing projects we advance.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:50] How did Jeff end up in the recruiting industry after aspiring to become an actor? [06:52] Acting as Jeff's cornerstone in his recruitment approach. [10:42] Success factors contributing to consistent improvement when starting your desk. [18:34] Why being nervous all the time is not necessarily a bad thing. [20:11] Jeff shares his experience working with his father and siblings in the business. [24:48] Transition to placing senior directors, VPs, and C-level executives. [42:36] Insights on the current market and team dynamics and how it can be challenging for [retained searches. [48:34] Switching from contingent to retained search - the power of walking away. [54:35] Going back to the basics amid a big reset in 2025.   What Success Looked Like   What would Jeff consider a success factor in his success as a recruitment business owner? For him, it is no magic ingredient.   “It's just showing up every day and being, you know, you know, like my dad says. We used to say, “Dad, I don't know what to do.” You know, pick up the phone. That's what you do. “Dad, I don't have enough job orders.” Pick up the phone. If you work every day, it works out.”   Jeff emphasized the value of being consistent and showing up every day as a key factor in his longevity and success in the recruiting field. He also shared how his background as an actor helped him learn a lot about being human - which is a key ingredient when building relationships with clients and candidates.    “I mean, I think that's the foundation, of why I'm a good recruiter. Because, you know, the most important thing to do as an actor is to listen. To listen and to live in the moment, you know, not, not to let things get ahead of yourself… I guess also the ability, you know, when you play a lot of different characters, you have to be able to jump into other people's skin. You have to be able to understand.”   On top of the above, he also had the foundation of working in his father's recruitment firm. This led him to eventually build his desk and the rest is history. Transitioning to Place Executive Senior Roles   Jeff initially worked in lower-level positions such as associates and clinical chemists. When he started his firm, he made two key decisions that positively impacted his revenue.   Making a strategic decision to focus on higher-level positions such as directors, VPs, and C-level executives. Moving from Contingency to Retained search model.   The first item above is not an easy transition. Jeff decided to no longer accept managerial placements but rather focus on executive-level positions. Here are the two takeaways:    Making a Conscious, Strategic Shift – He decided to position himself exclusively for senior director-level and above roles. This meant actively telling the market, "No, I don't work at that level; I only recruit senior executives." By consistently reinforcing this message, he established himself as a specialist in executive recruitment.   Leveraging Long-Term Relationships – Over time, the professionals he had placed in junior roles advanced in their careers, moving into managerial and director positions. He capitalized on these relationships, using his existing network to transition into higher-level placements.   He also had the same mindset when he switched from a contingent to a retained search model. He shared that for him to have the ability to make strong choices such as this decision to switch, he had to ensure that he kept his housekeeping in order. “I made a strategic choice to live within my means. And when I made. When I made these choices, I was like, okay, you've got enough. You've got enough Runway where you can do it.”   Why Going Back to the Basics is Essential in This Market   A key topic that resonates with me is how Jeff deals with the current market difficulty in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.     “I think the pharmaceutical and biotech industry has had a rough year and there's this balancing act that I'm going through in my brain. Do I go back to contingency when times are tough? Like, like what do you know? What do I do?”    If you can relate to how Jeff felt, I am sure you will appreciate his strong sense of accountability and self-awareness.    “And I, and I have found that I'm not, I'm not doing my job as well as I should. So it's now for me it's a time to get back to the basics. And I think that's what 2025 is. It's getting back to doing the job properly, you know, and, and you know, and I fault myself because I should have known this, but sometimes you don't see it, but really like sitting here now, it's just getting back to the basics. So I'm excited and that's exciting to me. It's like the realization is I gotta go back to the basics. I gotta start hammering out the phone calls and it's exciting.”   Such an admirable mindset!    Jeff Cox Bio & Contact Info   With over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical recruitment, Jeff has built a career connecting top talent with leading companies. The journey began in 1995 with a first placement made in just 16 days—a milestone that set the stage for decades of success.   Starting with roles such as Clinical Research Associates, Analytical Chemists, and Regulatory Affairs Associates, Jeff steadily progressed to placing Managers, Senior Managers, Associate Directors, and Directors. Today, the focus is on VP-level and executive placements, a natural evolution earned through years of dedication and expertise.   More than just a recruiter, Jeff is a builder—helping biotech and pharmaceutical companies strengthen their leadership teams with experienced professionals who have climbed the ranks step by step. At this level, recruitment goes beyond compensation; it's about aligning the right people with the right projects to drive innovation and impact.   Jeff on LinkedIn CKR Associates website link Pinnacle Society website link   People and Resources Mentioned   Katherine Jerald on LinkedIn Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, R.Fisher   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Imagine this: being so meticulous in your candidate screening process invites an unexpected face-to-face investigation from Federal Agents. That is what our special guest, Lee Ann Howard, had to go through when starting as a recruiter in her early 20s. The secret to her 'suspicious' expertise? Simply asking the right questions and listening carefully to candidates.   Lee Ann is the visionary Founder of Howard & O'Brien Executive Search. With a keen eye for identifying top talent in senior management roles and a specialization in HR, finance, and sales and marketing functions, Lee Ann stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of executive search.   You will surely enjoy Lee Ann's insights on how to build a continuous pipeline of senior management roles for your clients and what it takes to have long-lasting strategic client relationships.   Episode Outline and Highlights 01:18 How Lee Ann left broadcasting to get into recruitment.  05:05 What made Lee Ann stand out in her early years; Her astonishing story of why she had to be investigated by the government because of her recruitment activities. 12:05 Emphasizing learning and development. 20:04 From corporate to executive search - Lee Ann shares her transition.  27:15 Discussion on the board recruiting business model of Howard & O'Brien. 45:48 Lee Ann explains their Conversation with the Board program. 48:38 Discussion on their Reverse Placement program. 51:17 How to cultivate long-term strategic client relationships. 57:30 Making it a family business - how Lee Ann's children eventually joined her in the business.   Unexpected Government Investigation for Doing a Thorough Job Lee Ann shared an astonishing story about being investigated by federal agents because of their extensive knowledge of security-cleared roles and positions.    “I ended up getting investigated by the government because they thought I was a spy because I knew too much … I literally got visited. I was visited by the government. It was unbelievable because I was sitting in my office and the receptionist came back and they said, there's somebody here from the government to see you. And I'm like, I've paid my taxes because that's the only thing I thought I could possibly do wrong. And I got taken into a conference room and they said, we believe you know too much about what's happening. And I'm like, no, I'm not a spy. I don't work for Russia.”   This made her realize that she was probably doing something right if she was getting information that other people were not getting in their industry. Indeed she was! Asking the right questions, and being meticulous in her job, contributed highly in her success as a recruiter and later on as a recruitment business owner. Some of the takeaways on Lee Ann's success factors are as follows:   Instinctive Recruiting Ability Curiosity and Continuous Learning  Strong Relationship Building Commitment to Hard Work Personalized Approach  Client and Candidate Engagement Being Not Focused on Sales, But on Relationships    Which of the above success factors resonate most with you as a recruiter or business owner? Board Recruiting, Conversation with the Board, and Reverse Placement Programs Lee Ann also discussed key strategies that they implement in Howard & O'Brien with the focus of providing a continuous stream of C-level talents to their clients. The three main programs she discussed are Board Recruiting, Conversation with the Board, and Reverse Placement. Below are the key concepts of the programs:   Board Recruiting Board recruiting is the process of identifying and placing individuals in board positions for organizations. Unlike traditional executive search, it involves adding responsibilities rather than replacing someone. The process includes:   Engaging with CEOs, board chairs, or governance committees to define the board's needs. Creating a strategic long-term plan for board composition. Ensuring cultural fit and alignment with the company's strategic direction.   Conversation with the Board This is a program aimed at increasing diversity and exposing more candidates—particularly women—to board opportunities. It was developed as a way to help executives, who may not see themselves as board material, realize their potential for board service. It involves:   Facilitating networking opportunities between potential board members and current board leaders. Encouraging companies to consider non-traditional candidates who bring valuable perspectives.   Reverse Placement Programs This is a specialized career development service for executives looking to join boards. It is either funded by companies or individuals and serves as a way for leaders to continue their professional growth. It provides:   Guidance on positioning oneself for board roles. Strategic networking with board leaders.   These programs put Lee Ann's team in a strategic position, providing them a long-term relationship-building with existing clients.    Cultivating Long-Term Strategic Relationships On this topic, Lee Ann summarized what can make you stand out with the following experience she had: “What makes you different is what you're trying to do. And I think it's the little things. There was a marketing person that I was interviewing for a job and she knew I'd just gotten a new puppy and she sent me this little assortment of stuff for my puppy. Now I still remember that because, I mean, she listened to what I was saying. It, you know, she probably spent $20 on it. But what an impact.”   It is indeed the little things you do. Some of the best practices that Lee Ann and her team have been doing over the years are as follows: Long-Term Value Over Transactions – They prioritize relationships rather than quick sales, consistently providing valuable insights, industry articles, and strategic advice.   Community Engagement – Each team member is involved in community initiatives, reinforcing their reputation as good corporate stewards and deepening trust with clients.   Personalized Touchpoints – They maintain relationships through handwritten thank-you notes, customized gifts (e.g., olive oil or cherry salsa), and small but meaningful gestures that make an impact.   Being Helpful Beyond Business – They go beyond recruitment by assisting clients in unexpected ways, like recommending a plumber and reinforcing their role as trusted advisors.   Their approach is centered on authenticity, generosity, and a long-term mindset, setting them apart from competitors. As Lee Ann concluded, “It is putting yourself second and putting others first.”   Lee Ann Howard Bio & Contact Info As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Howard & O'Brien, Lee Ann Howard brings with her a passion for understanding people and dedication to following their journey in executive leadership. In her 25 years of connecting high-caliber candidates with her clients, she has solidified her reputation in driving quantifiable success for million and billion-dollar companies across North America.    Lee Ann leads a Women-Owned Business and carries this spirit into diversity, inclusion, and equitable placement strategies.    Lee Ann founded Conversations with the Board® in 2001 and continues to lead workshops for those who serve or have the desire to serve boards. She is currently on the board of the American Heart Association as Leadership Development Co-chair and past Board Chair as well as Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Family Business Center Advisory Committee. She has served on the boards of MetroHealth Foundation Board - Membership Committee Chair; the John Carroll University Entrepreneur Association - Executive Committee; In Counsel with Women - Membership Chair, The Gathering Place, Women's Community Foundation, and Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU).   Lee Ann is especially passionate about and involved in the shared impact of individuals in greater Cleveland. Over the course of her career, she has received the National Association of Women Business Owners Top Ten Award in Northeast Ohio, the Athena Award, and the Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service.   Lee Ann on LinkedIn Howard & O'Brien website link Howard & O'Brien on LinkedIn   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

In this episode, we are joined by Rickard Fritjofsson. He's the founder and CEO of a successful multi-brand recruitment company, Worldwiders, that has placed over 5,000 people in 40 countries.   Rickard discussed key elements of their company culture, influenced by sports principles, including clear career paths and collaborative goal-setting. As a recruitment business owner, it will also resonate with you how he addressed challenges such as downsizing due to market fluctuations which is a great business case of how being resilient will allow you to turn around unfavorable situations into learnings and advantages.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [03:48] How Rickard got into recruitment and how his role as the coach of Norway's national Bandy team influences his leadership. [08:11] Why Rickard focuses on international jobs as his niche. [13:34] Growing from 0 to $5m in six years - discussion of Nordic Jobs Worldwide's early days. [21:56] Trigger to decide on when to make the next hire in your recruitment firm. [23:35] Discussion about the business model and the management of portfolios. [26:46] Key success factors when rapidly growing their team. [36:42] Prioritizing career development of team members via progression and support projects. [45:30] Learnings that forced them to downsize and restructure.   Targeting International Jobs as a Niche   A unique selling proposition of Rickard and his team is their focus on international jobs as a niche. “So I did some research and figured out that no company in the world, even if the recruitment industry is big, is doing the niche of language recruitment of Nordics… So we were the first to step into that niche in 2016. So Norwegian, Swedish Danish, and Finnish were the specialization, and the business developed there. And we decided also to build it organically, like stone by stone.”    Being observant of industry needs, Rickard came up with an impactful solution and built their business from there. He shared their three main objectives when launching their recruitment business: build a company organically, scale the business, and be the best in what they do. So far, Rickard and his team are on track to achieving these three main goals since starting their business in 2016.   Key Success Factors Contributing to Rapid Growth   An astonishing feat that Rickard and his team have accomplished is the rapid sustainable growth of their company since its inception. He grew the company from 0 to $5m in just six years. They have placed over 5000 people in 40 countries and they have 400+ clients worldwide. What would Rickard consider as a success factor contributing to this growth? Here are some takeaways:   Core Values-Driven Culture – Embedding Courage, Trust, and Results into daily operations and decision-making. Clear Career Progression – Offering fast internal growth opportunities, and motivating employees to excel. Decisive Expansion Strategy – Rapidly opening offices in Barcelona and Lisbon, executing growth plans with confidence. Market-Aligned Scaling – Capitalizing on post-2022 industry demand to scale efficiently. Performance-Driven Mindset – Fostering a "best in the world" mentality, akin to elite sports teams (due to his background in Bandy) Client Partnership Approach – Positioning as strategic advisors rather than just service providers. Culture of Celebration – Recognizing achievements through company-wide events, awards, and gatherings.   Rickard said,  “From day one, when we started the business, we also put up core values and they are still active in the company. We also have three keywords: courage, trust, and result. So it's like having the courage to climb Mount Everest and call it taking strategic risks, putting the trust in the people we are hiring, and from that getting the results”   Overcoming Challenges - From Scaling to Downsizing   Rickard has also been very generous in sharing their resilience mindset when overcoming challenges. The last two years have been challenging: from scaling from 0-90 employees to downsizing to 60 again and cutting costs to meet the market situation is a scenario that Rickard is not used to.    However, you will hear in our conversation his resilient recruiter mindset and how getting out of his comfort zone makes him a strong CEO who can turn around unfavorable situations. He was specific in action points that they are doing differently such as implementation of stricter financial controls and a return to foundational recruitment practices, with plans to scale responsibly with improved processes.    If you are a recruitment entrepreneur and leader, you will surely be able to relate to what he shared in his experience. Have you navigated a similar scenario as a leader before?   Rickard Fritjofsson  Bio & Contact Info   Rickard Fritjofsson is a Swedish citizen living in Norway for the past 15 years, with an apartment in Málaga, Spain that allows him to enjoy both northern and southern European lifestyles. He is the founder of Worldwiders, a multi-brand recruitment company specializing in Language Recruitment, IT, and Executive Search, serving 400+ clients across 40+ countries. Passionate about the blend of sports and business. Former bandy player, now the national coach for Team Norway, leading them to a World Cup bronze medal.   Rickard on LinkedIn Worldwiders website link Nordic Job Worldwide website link Asian Job Worldwide website link IT Jobs Worldwide website link Multilingual Jobs Worldwide website link   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Not everyone is born to become a recruiter, but this may be the case for our special guest, Rachel Filby. When her father convinced her to pursue a career in recruitment, she never hesitated and firmly believed that it was one of the best decisions of her life. In her first year with Michael Page, she became a top biller, and she now runs her own recruitment agency, RF Recruitment. In this episode, you will hear about the very specific success factors that led to her becoming a top performer and how she successfully transitioned to becoming a consistently successful solopreneur. Rachel has 20 years of recruitment experience, initially working for one of the largest recruitment agencies in the world.  In the Financial Times Survey 2024, Rachel Filby was recognized as one of the top 150 recruiters in the UK.  Episode Outline and Highlights [01:09] How Rachel got into recruiting and how she became the number one biller at Michael Page. [11:21] Five success factors in becoming a top billing perm recruiter in the UK in her first year. [19:33] Thought process that motivates Rachel's sense of urgency. [25:22] Discussion on rapid career trajectory and development as a leader. [32:00] Launching RF Recruitment agency during COVID and while integrating family life. [40:55] Rachel reveals her typical day-to-day process (past-present-future approach). [48:13] Best practices on lead generation and business development. [1:00:55] Rapid fire questions - business model, tech stack, etc.   Five Success Factors of Becoming the Top Biller in Her First Year as a Recruiter Rachel initially wanted a career in media, but her father recommended that she take recruitment as a career path. At 21, she started her career with Michael Page and became a top biller in her first year!  Although she primarily attributes her success to the great training she received from Michael Page, I found five success factors that could resonate well with many aspiring recruiters who also plan to become future recruitment business owners:   Commitment to Training and Preparation: Rachel took her training seriously, treating it with the level of commitment often reserved for seasoned professionals.  Strong Work Ethic and Dedication: Her willingness to work long hours and focus on her tasks set her apart.  Genuine Passion for People: Her empathy and listening skills allowed her to build meaningful relationships and understand individuals' unique needs, making her a trusted advisor during critical moments in their careers. Focus on High Activity Levels and KPIs: Rachel consistently met or exceeded her KPIs, which ensured a steady pipeline of candidates and opportunities. Sense of Urgency and Speed: Rachel's natural inclination for urgency enabled her to act swiftly on opportunities.    Together, these factors, along with the right mindset and strategy, propelled Rachel to outstanding success in her first year as a recruiter. This also led to a strong career trajectory, with her getting an early promotion as a manager.   Using the Past-Present-Future Approach in Day-to-Day Business   As a recruitment solopreneur, it can be challenging for Rachel to handle the end-to-end process of her business due to capacity challenges. This is also on top of her duty as a mother, as she places high value on taking care of her kids. I wanted to know her day-to-day process and how she can sustain her momentum in successfully running her business with consistent billing and client acquisition.   She explained, “I kind of separate my, my thought process and on my business in kind of three areas. So it's past, present, and future.”   She elaborated that the “past” means protecting the money she made or existing relationships. This entails a lot of aftercare and ensuring that relationships are continuously maintained.   The “present” is explained as “Then I have kind of the present, which is jobs I'm currently recruiting, candidates I'm currently working with. That's my kind of here-and-now. So, you know, I guess there's a bit of a sweet spot of how many jobs, you know, you have that you can do a really good job on within the time that you have. And you don't really want too many more than that or too many less than that.”   The “future” refers to business development and lead generation to secure the source of the next job.   Do you also apply the same approach to your business?   Best Practices on Lead Generation and Business Development   When discussing the “future” principle, I wanted to pick Rachel's brains on her approach to business development and lead generation as well as how much time she spends in this aspect of her business. Below are some takeaways:   1. Proactive and Low-Pressure Engagement   Rachel consistently monitors her niche market, staying updated on who's hiring and when they might need her services. She engages early in the recruitment process with no expectation of immediately winning the job, allowing her to build rapport without pressuring the client.   2. Intentional Targeting and Tailored Communication   Her outreach is bespoke and personal—whether it's a phone call, LinkedIn message, or email—avoiding generic marketing materials in favor of tailored communication that resonates with potential clients.   3. Prioritizing Connection Through Calls   Despite the prevalence of digital communication, Rachel emphasizes the power of phone calls as the foundation of strong client relationships. She supplements this with follow-ups via voicemail, email, and LinkedIn to ensure she remains on their radar.   Rachel Filby Bio & Contact Info   Rachel Filby has 20 years of recruitment experience working initially for one of the largest recruitment agencies in the world and now runs her recruitment agency specializing in Facilities Management Recruitment. Rachel Filby is recognized as one of the top 150 recruiters in the UK in the Financial Times Survey 2024.    Rachel on LinkedIn RF Recruit website link   People and Resources Mentioned  Firefish  Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Mary Morton reveals how converting scientific research into strategic relationships revolutionized her recruitment approach. A biology major turned pharmaceutical recruiter, she leverages investor presentations and company pipelines to identify opportunities before her competitors.  This research-driven strategy and building deep client trust helped her agency thrive from its 2008 recession launch through today's market challenges. Episode Outline and Highlights [04:50] How Mary accidentally got into recruitment. [08:30] Critical foundations contributing to recruitment career longevity. [17:26] Building relationships and walking the talk: Mary's ingredients to success. [29:37] Mary is a science nerd and how she uses this quality to connect with clients. [39:43] How preparation and research in advance make it easy for May to connect with decision-makers for potential clients. [42:21] Adding value in your niche as a recruitment organization. [45:20] Quick fire questions. [49:27] Why Mary launched her podcast, MSLead Chronicles. [53:27] Mary shared one of the biggest roadblocks she had to overcome.   Critical Foundations in Billing $10M  Mary's 30+ years of experience demonstrates how becoming an industry expert enables proactive rather than reactive recruiting. Her biology degree and pharmaceutical specialization became powerful advantages in building a $10M+ billing desk. Her longevity in the industry and accomplishments in the pharmaceutical niche can be attributed to several foundational elements: Curiosity and Science-Driven Approach: She emphasized the importance of being a "nerd" about the industry you work in, highlighting her drive to learn everything about the pharmaceutical space. People-Centric Focus: While being a people person is essential, Mary combined this quality with deep industry expertise and strategic focus to excel in recruitment, a role that requires more than interpersonal skills. Relentless Drive and Discipline: Mary's strong work ethic and determination were inspired by her father, a Marine Corps officer with a 31-year career. His values of accountability, responsibility, and perseverance deeply influenced her approach to work.   These factors, combined with her adaptability, niche specialization, and focus on continuous learning, have solidified her position as a leader in the recruitment industry.   How to Add Value to Your Niche as a Recruitment Organization   “Well, if they're already niched, I think they owe it to themselves as well as to the candidates and clients that they're serving to be an expert in the space that they're niched in or that they claim to be niched in. You know, I think that's where the value comes it.” This statement summarizes Mary's mindset on adding value to your industry niche as a recruitment organization.   By investing in niche-specific knowledge and preparation, recruitment organizations can elevate their effectiveness and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. It also brings about the following benefits that Mary elaborated on in our discussion:   Enhanced Expertise and Credibility Anticipation of Objections Improved Candidate and Client Engagement Higher Placement Success Rates Efficiency in Communication Tailored Solutions Long-Term Industry Impact   One way Mary builds her credibility in her relevant niche (in addition to her longevity) is by hosting a podcast.   Comprehensive Information Gathering as Competitive Advantage  Mary's approach to information gathering goes far beyond standard job requirements. This thorough preparation becomes a key differentiator in her market. She can easily engage with potential clients' primary decision-makers, which results in optimum connection rates.   She shared the essential elements of her process:   Detailed initial client conversations beyond job descriptions Documentation of potential objections and prepared responses Collection of scientific/technical information candidates might question Market feedback about the company's reputation Preparation of selling points and challenge responses   These strategies directly contributed to Mary's ability to build a sustainable business that has thrived through multiple market downturns while maintaining premium fees averaging $50,000.   Mary Morton Bio & Contact Info   Mary began her recruiting career 30 years ago this coming March. For the last 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry. She owns SEMbio, a niche recruiting firm in field-based medical affairs, that she founded in 2008 with her longtime colleague and business partner, Nicole Evans. She has been a member of the Pinnacle Society for 7 years and runs a 360 desk that is primarily focused on account management, with personal billings above $10M over the last 15 years. (I only have billing records going back to 2011!)   Sembio website link MSLead Chronicles Podcast on YouTube   People and Resources Mentioned    Nicole Evans on LinkedIn Chad Fellers on LinkedIn Pinnacle Society PCRecruiter  Ring Central Hinterview  Swordfish Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Hugh has zero background in recruiting but extensive experience in agriculture. How did he leverage his industry knowledge and establish a recruitment firm that rapidly grew in five years?   You will most certainly enjoy learning about his mindset, strategies, and how he overcame several roadblocks when he founded Cultura Connect, a company specializing in recruitment within the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors.   Since its inception, the business has experienced rapid growth. They're now a team of 13 with extensive knowledge and experience in agriculture and related fields.   Hugh is passionate about nurturing and developing talent in the agricultural, food, and forestry industries, leveraging his experience and unique insight into the challenges of building effective teams.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:11] Hugh's background in the agricultural industry and recruitment. [11:30] Key stages in building Cultura Connect. [20:15] Overcoming the challenges of building your internal team. [26:58] Roadblocks and solutions that Hugh and his team have encountered in a remote setup. [38:42] Taking time to overcome other challenges in a new recruitment business. [44:41] Discussion on Cashflow Metrics and KPIs. [48:31] Hugh's absolute keys to success. [51:48] Minimum standards that Hugh looks for members of his team. [54:28] Branding and marketing strategies.   Industry Knowledge is a Key Differentiator in Niche Recruitment   Hugh's story shows how deep industry expertise can become a recruitment agency's strongest differentiator. His agricultural background became a powerful business advantage, enabling Cultura Connect's rapid growth. His background in agriculture and tech became a critical differentiator in successfully bridging the gap between agricultural expertise and talent acquisition.    Focusing on his strengths and leveraging his background gave him the following advantages:   Niche credibility due to his agriculture experience. Accurate candidate assessments. Extensive network. A clear understanding of his client's needs. Understanding of innovation and upcoming trends (ex. AgriTech).   Leveraging your field background and experience as a recruiter can be an invaluable key factor in your success when launching your recruitment business.   Choosing the Right People is the Main Key to Success   What Hugh and his business partner have accomplished in the past 5 years is phenomenal. Since its inception, the business has experienced rapid growth with now a team of 13! When I asked him to summarize his absolute key factors to success, he mentioned:    “Getting the right people, people that really understand the industry. That's allowed us to be seen as the Agricultural specialist, the forestry specialist, food specialist. Because we've got that team of individuals, all those individuals are passionate about that. They're passionate about doing a good job, they're committed and I guess ultimately they fit with our culture. So people will be one of the key things for us.”   Ironically, building an internal team can be challenging for recruitment business owners. Hiring the wrong person can reduce growth, profit, and cash flow. Hugh focuses on minimum brand values when identifying someone who will be part of their team. Some of these are:   Passion for the Industry Compassion Resilience Team Orientation Integrity Proactivity Quality over Quantity   These values highlight Hugh's emphasis on creating a team that is not only skilled but also aligned with Cultura Connect's cultural and ethical requirements.   Best Practices in Remote Team Management   Hugh also shared pragmatic approaches to managing a remote team. Cultura Connect's approach to remote work is a great example of maintaining team performance and culture without a physical office. Their success stems from a deliberate balance of virtual and in-person connections. However, there are critical elements and cadences that are present: Team rhythm: 6-weekly in-person work sessions combined with weekly virtual meetings Quarterly activities: Structured team-building events (from hiking to canoeing) Strategic onboarding: Initial 3-4 days in-person with ongoing mentorship Flexible workspaces: Supporting team members who prefer occasional office settings The model enables growth while reducing overhead costs, demonstrating how remote-first can strengthen rather than compromise recruitment operations. Hugh Pocock Bio & Contact Info   Hugh Pocock is the Founding Director of a recruitment business, Cultura Connect - specializing in recruitment for agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. The business was founded in 2020, with his business partner Tom Marsh, where they have successfully combined Hugh's 20+ years of experience in agribusiness with Tom's 20+ years of experience in recruitment. The business has grown rapidly since its inception with the development of a team of recruitment experts with in-depth knowledge and experience in agriculture and related sectors.   Born and raised on his grandparent's dairy farm in Shropshire, a passion for agriculture was formed from Hugh's early years. Heavily involved in Holstein Young Breeders in his youth, then going on to graduate with a degree from Harper Adams, Hugh pursued a career in cattle genetics and gained over 15 years of experience in a variety of high-level commercial roles.  In 2016 Hugh signed a farm tenancy, with his wife and two children, on a 100% grass-based 150 acre farm near Whitchurch, Shropshire. Here they farm New Zealand Romney sheep, Polled Dorset Sheep and Wagyu cattle. Sustainability and working closely with nature is their farming philosophy, managing the farm with multiple environmental stewardship initiatives.  Hugh is passionate about nurturing and developing talent in the agricultural, food, and forestry industries, and having the opportunity to work with a multitude of businesses across these sectors gives him a unique insight into the challenges of building and retaining high-performing teams.   Hugh on LinkedIn Cultura Connect website link Cultura Connect on Instagram   People and Resources Mentioned    Matt Walsh on LinkedIn Tom Marsh on LinkedIn Overdue Invoices? Here's How to Collect Your Placement Fee!   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Few people have established the credibility and connections that Jessica Hamilton has when it comes to recruiting in the financial crime space. Jess is the go-to recruiter in London for financial crime roles, with over a decade of experience partnering with clients to build out their teams. In our conversation, Jess shares the fascinating story of how a discussion in a pub first got her interested in specializing in financial crime recruitment. She went on to launch and build highly successful teams, first at Robert Walters, then Investigo where she led the top-performing financial services recruitment team globally. Recently, Jess took her career to the next level by launching her own firm, FincSelect, with business partner Ian Christie. Jess reveals the keys to her success, including focusing on being a trusted advisor, not just a transactional recruiter. Her "soft sell" marketing approach, sharing valuable insights and building real relationships, has made her the recruiter of choice in her market.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:24] How Jess got into recruiting marketing roles to Financial Crime. [07:16] Key factors in building the biggest billing desk in Investigo. [12:58] Discussion of Jess's power phrases: “The placement is the prize, not the program” & “The art of the soft sell” [16:15] Becoming a credible thought leader through LinkedIn. [24:36] How panels and other platforms can help establish your expertise in your niche community. [32:09] Video phone calls and LinkedIn messaging to get a “larger surface of luck.” [40:28] Doing BD daily - Jess shares their best practice. [43:45] How to drive and use referrals from clients and candidates as a primary metric. [53:25] Navigating work-life integration by prioritizing and being task-focused.   Nuggets of Wisdom from Jess   Jess shared insightful perspectives on her recruitment cadence and approach in our conversation. Below are the power phrases she shared that I am sure will resonate well to recruiters and business owners, both new and tenured:    "The placement is the prize, not the program"   Jessica stresses the importance of focusing on long-term outcomes rather than immediate successes. In her experience, success in recruitment comes from investing time and effort into understanding the market deeply, building expertise, and creating value for clients beyond merely filling roles.    "The art of the soft sell":   Jessica highlights the effectiveness of positioning oneself as a knowledgeable consultant rather than a traditional recruiter. She builds trust and credibility by demonstrating expertise, being genuinely curious, and consistently engaging with the market (e.g., hosting events, having insightful conversations, and creating content on LinkedIn). This approach fosters a natural demand for her services, emphasizing the value of being seen as an advisor who shapes team structures and strategies.   Using Referral as a Metric to Drive Growth   Another interesting approach shared by Jess is how they use referrals as a primary metric. She has created a sustainable practice by prioritizing the quality of relationships that generate ongoing referrals. Some key strategies she shared for building a referral-based business are outlined below: Tracking all referral sources meticulously in your CRM Using brief, personal outreach messages focused on relationship-building Leveraging WhatsApp (desktop) for efficient communication management Building strategic partnerships with complementary businesses Always asking for referrals in every conversation Treating candidates and clients with equal importance Focus on authentic relationships over formal referral schemes "How can you decide if you're the best if no one's referring you?" This mindset has enabled Jessica to build a business where quality relationships drive consistent growth rather than relying solely on direct business development efforts.   Brand Development as the new “BD” in Recruitment One of the most important takeaways from Jessica's approach is how she redefines BD—not as "business development," but as "brand development." Instead of relying solely on the usual cold calls and sales tactics, Jessica has carved out a thriving niche by positioning herself as a thought leader in financial crime recruitment. Her strategy shows that by consistently building your personal and professional brand, you can create a steady flow of inbound opportunities.   Some strategies she implements are as follows: Posting consistently on LinkedIn (3x weekly) between 10 am-4 pm Tuesday-Friday Sponsoring strategic industry events as the sole recruitment partner  Building credibility through association with industry leaders (ex. International Compliance Association) Jessica Hamilton Bio and Contact Info  Jessica is pretty much synonymous with financial crime recruitment in London. She is the most well-known recruiter in her space and is seen as a thought leader and industry expert. She has featured in a book of financial crime compliance experts "Financial Crime Fighter - Book of Mentors", alongside many global heads of banks and industry. She speaks on industry panels and is the recruitment expert on the new ICA course for new MLROs. Jess has been recruiting for just over 10 years and created her first financial crime desk from scratch initially at Robert Walters in London, after meeting a girl in a pub who did financial crime (Jess thought the role sounded interesting) Jess then went onto replicate this at another global recruitment agency, based in London (Investigo) where within 2 years, she had built it to the top billing desk in financial services, globally.  It was at Investigo she met her business partner, Ian Christie.  After the birth of her first son, Ian approached Jess to start out on there own, and after returning from maternity leave the founded FincSelect in 2022.  Jessica on LinkedIn FincSelect website   People and Resources Mentioned Ian Christie on LinkedIn Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

If there is one thing more certain in marketing and branding, it is this: Making videos is no longer optional for building a successful recruitment business brand. How do you overcome the common barriers, misconceptions, and complexities of creating effective video content? What are the proven ROI and benefits of doing so? In this episode, we are joined by Sunjay Vyas, an accomplished videographer, video podcast producer, and content creator based in the UK. He prides himself on producing compelling video content. Episode Outline and Highlights: [01:50] Sunjay's story of starting in recruitment at age 16 and becoming a sourcer at 18. [09:27] Realizing his passion: What made Sunjay shift to a different role from recruitment?  [15:21] Three biggest misconceptions of recruitment business owners on video and audio content creation. [20:09] Overcoming the fear of creating videos for branding: building an audience. [28:22] Becoming an authority in your space by putting yourself out there. [31:51] Outsourcing, keeping it simple, and the importance of starting small and being consistent. [38:48] Generating inbound leads by constantly creating content. [40:08] Advanced content strategies and repurposing for those who already host their podcast. [44:25] Information about "Behind the Mic" community resource The Three Common Misconceptions or Barriers to Creating Video Content   Some recruitment business owners find creating videos or audio content difficult when building their brand. Sunjay and I agreed on the three most common misconceptions, and if you can relate to any of these, then you will enjoy this episode as we explain why the benefits and return on investment outweigh the barriers.   It's Too Complicated or Overwhelming   Why It's a Misconception:   Recruitment business owners often see video production as a technical, complex, and time-consuming process. Many start as solopreneurs already juggling multiple roles, making video creation feel like an enormous task.   Why It Shouldn't Be:   Modern tools and platforms have simplified video production. With minimal equipment and basic editing software, creating professional-looking videos is accessible and manageable even for beginners. Starting small and scaling up can reduce overwhelm.   It's Too Expensive with Unclear ROI   Why It's a Misconception:   The cost of video production can seem prohibitive, especially if the return on investment (ROI) is uncertain. Business owners might struggle to see how content creation directly translates into revenue.   Why It Shouldn't Be:   Video content builds brand visibility, trust, and long-term customer relationships, indirectly boosting sales and recruitment opportunities. Even low-cost content can yield significant returns through consistent engagement and brand presence.   Feeling Uncomfortable or Experiencing Imposter Syndrome   Why It's a Misconception:   Though confident in conversations, recruitment business owners might feel uneasy in front of the camera. Self-doubt creeps in, raising fears of judgment, embarrassment, or not being perceived as valuable.   Why It Shouldn't Be:   Authenticity resonates more than perfection. Audiences appreciate real, relatable content. Over time, regular practice helps overcome camera shyness and builds confidence, making the process more natural.   The Three ROIs of Video Content and Podcasting   The three benefits below, which can bring an exponential ROI to your recruitment business, counter the three common misconceptions about creating video content. Many of our previous guests, as well as many from our existing coaching community, have proven and shared these benefits. 1. Building an Audience Video content and podcasting allow businesses to reach a broader audience beyond one-on-one interactions. By sharing valuable insights online, companies can connect with potential clients and candidates they might never meet otherwise. Even if viewers or listeners don't engage directly, the content can still impact their decisions, creating a ripple effect. Consistency is key—regularly publishing content builds trust, credibility, and a loyal following, transforming businesses from being the best-kept secret to a well-known industry authority.   2. Becoming an Authority in Your Space Creating content positions businesses as experts in their field. Companies can demonstrate expertise by sharing knowledge, insights, and solutions to industry challenges rather than just claiming it. This visibility helps potential clients associate the business with industry leadership and up-to-date insights. People trust brands that consistently showcase their know-how, making them the go-to resource when prospects need help or advice.   3. Generating Leads Podcasts and videos serve as powerful lead-generation tools. They create touchpoints that nurture relationships and keep businesses top-of-mind for potential clients. A well-executed content strategy can convert casual listeners or viewers into paying customers. Testimonials from businesses gaining clients through podcasts illustrate this, showing how content can be a direct revenue driver and a long-term business development asset. Best Practices and Tips Sunjay shared a few best practices and pragmatic approaches to creating content without adversely affecting your day-to-day schedule. Some of the core practices he discussed are: Create consistent content (start with one post per week) Share your daily recruitment expertise through video Build trust through regular video presence Scale your one-to-one conversations into content   Sunjay said, "People want to see you... when you see this person, you see them interacting with someone else on camera and you see the engagement, I think that builds trust quicker than anything else."  One of our success stories is our coaching community member Jodi, who went from refusing to do videos to winning new business through her video content and podcast. Her story demonstrates how video content can transform a recruitment business's lead generation strategy from constant outbound activity to attracting pre-qualified, inbound leads. Sunjay Vyas Bio and Contact Info  Sunjay Vyas is an accomplished videographer, video podcast producer, and content creator based in the UK. He prides himself on producing compelling video content. Whether he's hosting his own show or working with clients, Sunjay brings creativity and professionalism to every project. He is passionate about leveraging the power of video to tell impactful stories and engage audiences. In addition to video production, Sunjay has experience managing, recruiting, and training teams earlier in his career. He spent several years in recruitment across London and the Middle East, specializing in financial markets technology. Sunjay studied Exercise and Sports Science and holds qualifications in personal training and fitness coaching. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active and spending time with his family. With his dedication to creating compelling content, strong technical skills, ability to connect with audiences, and over a decade working in recruitment Sunjay is an asset and we are happy to have him on board. Visit my Amazon storefront at Anisha & Sunjay. Remember, these are affiliate links - you don't pay any extra, but Amazon sends me a few pennies for the referral.   Sunjay Vyas on LinkedIn Behind the Mic - LinkedIn newsletter and community founded by Sunjay and Anisha.   People and Resources Mentioned Jodi Mayer on LinkedIn Circle  James Clear - Atomic Habits   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

"Work hardest when times are best, not worst" - this counterintuitive philosophy helped Brock Boyd build a 25-year tech recruitment empire that's survived three major market crashes. When Brock Boyd started his recruitment firm in 1998, he ran his business from his bedroom in a shared house, where suited colleagues would show up to work daily - sometimes while he was still sleeping from late-night prospecting.  Today, 25 years later, he's a member of the prestigious Pinnacle Society leading an international tech sales recruitment practice. Through multiple market cycles - from the dot-com crash to 2008's recession to today's tech slowdown - Brock has built Career Management Inc. (CMI) into a sustainable business while developing wealth-building principles that have given him true financial freedom. Episode Outline and Highlights: [01:49] How a friend needing a ride to a job fair led to recruitment. [04:27] Taking the entrepreneurial leap after just 11 months! [10:47] Recalling the early days: Cold calling from his bedroom while colleagues showed up in suits. [15:26] Discussion of peak performance periods: 1999-2000 and 2021-2022. [18:17] Focus on resilience: Surviving 2002 and the $63,000 bankruptcy challenge [24:22] "I work by far the hardest in the best of times" - Brock's contrarian business philosophy [27:47] Smart financial moves most recruiters miss: The "two boulders" theory [38:51] How to retire early as recruiters: The three key factors [54:56] Tech stack deep dive: What works in modern recruitment [1:03:19] Understanding market cycles: "It's like winter and spring will come" Building a Recession-Proof Tech Sales Recruitment Practice After being hired by a staffing firm, Brock launched his own business after only 11 months! He had a fascinating story of finding his way into permanent staffing without really having much of a background before starting his recruitment firm. From solo operator to leading an international team, Brock has built Career Management Inc. (CMI) into a sustainable practice over 25 years. Starting with just three clients in 1998, he strategically evolved from general sales to specialized tech sales recruitment. Here is his firm's current structure: 3.5 full-desk recruiters (US-based) 2.5 candidate-focused recruiters International support team across Argentina, Colombia, Philippines, and India Support staff handling administrative and database work Below are the key success factors that helped his business thrive over the years, through multiple market cycles, including the dot-com crash, the 2008 recession, and the current tech slowdown, while growing sustainably through each recovery. Early specialization in tech sales (higher fees vs general sales) Lean operations during growth years Strategic investment in revenue-generating tools Counter-cyclical work approach: highest effort during boom markets Maintaining core tools during downturns while cutting non-essential costs Personal Finance & Wealth Building for Recruiters A topic that resonates well with me is how Brock gives value to personal finance and wealth building for people in the recruitment industry. Most successful recruiters earn exceptional income, yet struggle to build lasting wealth in the long term. Brock has been a great example of turning his recruitment earnings into true financial freedom through disciplined investing and smart money management. He shared his mindset and strategies on how he balances his investment strategy with different instruments and risks.  Below are some core best practices he shared on the topic of personal finance: Keep lifestyle expenses well below earnings, especially in good years Never invest more than 10% of total assets in any single investment Maintain substantial cash reserves to buy assets during downturns Focus on three key areas: work earnings, investment earnings, and lifestyle costs "The further below your earnings your lifestyle and spending are, the faster you're going to get to financial freedom. And the closer they are, or God forbid they're overlapped in the wrong direction, then the further away that is." This disciplined approach has helped Brock build sustainable wealth through multiple market cycles while many recruiters, despite high earnings, struggle with long-term financial security. “Working Hardest in the Best of Times” "Work hardest when times are best, not worst" - this counterintuitive philosophy helped Brock Boyd build a 25-year tech recruitment empire that's survived three major market crashes.  Brock's work ethic revolves around maintaining resilience through challenging times while recognizing the role of external factors. Uniquely, Brock works hardest during prosperous times, moderately during stable periods, and least during downturns. He views this approach as a strategic response to the opportunity cost, focusing energy where returns are likely highest. This pragmatic mindset helps him stay balanced and focused despite industry fluctuations. Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide financial or tax advice; listeners are encouraged to consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.   Brock Boyd Bio and Contact Info  Brock has served as President/Chief Executive Officer since founding Career Management, Inc. in April 1998. His aggressive pursuit of face time with the staffing industry's leading experts led him to become the youngest member on the Board of the National Association of Personnel Services in 2001. To date, Brock has completed over 500 successful searches. In May of 2000, he was featured in the NAPS newsletter for his accomplishments and vision.    In addition, he received his CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) designation in 2003. He has also produced and delivered seminars on interviewing skills (for candidates seeking positions as well as hiring managers). He has been hired to deliver sales training to multiple companies as well as consulting several companies on the process of building/hiring a sales organization from scratch.   Brock graduated from Old Dominion University where he was a NCAA Division I Collegiate Wrestler. He lives in Vienna, VA with his wife and son. Brock Boyd on LinkedIn  CMI (Career Management Inc) website  People and Resources Mentioned Bullhorn (ATS) LinkedIn Recruiter LinkedIn Sales Navigator Prospect Ladder  Lusha  ZoomInfo  Pinnacle Society  S&P 500 Index   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

From being laid off at 5 weeks postpartum to generating nearly $700K in 14 months, Julia Arpag demonstrates how embracing change can lead to extraordinary success. After launching Aligned Recruitment, she developed a unique retainer model that transformed client relationships and created predictable revenue while building a remote team that serves clients internationally. Julia founded Aligned Recruitment, specializing in tech recruitment for small and medium-sized businesses. Join us as she shares her journey from unexpected layoffs to building a thriving recruitment practice.   Episode Outline and Highlights [01:28] Journey into recruitment through college admissions. [03:17] The layoff that sparked entrepreneurship - 5 weeks postpartum. [08:11] Starting the business part-time during maternity leave. [16:49] Developing a unique monthly retainer model. [21:02] Creating trust through a generous partnership approach. [25:10] Building and structuring a remote team. [30:34] International recruitment strategy and market focus. [39:41] Handholding new clients. [49:26] Detailed breakdown of successful sales campaigns.  [54:14] Running multiple lead generation campaigns. [57:15] Faith, family, and building with purpose.   Reimagining the Recruitment Business Model Julia developed a distinctive monthly retainer model that transformed how she partners with clients: "A lot of recruiters only charge fee-based. So they're like, wait, you want me to pay you before you've given me a hire? Like, that's psychotic... I want to be your go-to recruitment partner for the entirety of the existence of your business." Julia's retainer model in recruitment operates on a monthly subscription-like approach, charging clients based on the number of roles they need to fill rather than per placement. Here's how it works and its unique benefits: How the Retainer Model Works: Flat Monthly Fee: Clients pay a monthly retainer based on the estimated time and effort required to fill their roles. Per-Role Pricing: The fee scales with the number of roles, offering discounts for higher volumes (e.g., five or more roles). Flexible Engagement: Clients can start with a single role to test the service and then expand based on their hiring needs. Transparent Estimation: Julia provides upfront estimates for time-to-fill, often under-promising and over-delivering. This approach translates to unique relationships, repeat business, and client trust building as summarized below: Cost Efficiency: Clients avoid paying steep, one-time placement fees, even if multiple candidates are hired for a single role. Trust and Partnership: The model fosters long-term relationships, positioning Julia as an extension of the client's team rather than a transactional vendor. Predictability: Fixed monthly costs provide budget certainty, even for complex or ongoing hiring needs. Comprehensive Support: This option is ideal for smaller businesses without in-house recruiting teams. It offers a "fractional recruiter" who handles all hiring needs without the risks of permanent staff. This model balances generosity with strategic value, prioritizing trust and repeat business over short-term gains.   Building a Systematic Sales Campaign Despite never closing a deal before launching her business, Julia developed a systematic sales approach that helped her reach nearly $700K in 14 months. She shares her exact process: Lead Research: "I have someone on Fiverr... charges me 10 bucks for 50 lead needs" with clear parameters: Companies with under 200 employees Currently hiring software engineers Contacts from C-suite and engineering leadership Multi-Channel Campaign: Step 1: Sends personalized Loom videos via email (using Apollo) Step 2: Runs a parallel Dripify connection-only campaign on LinkedIn Step 3: After connection acceptance, follow up with LinkedIn selfie videos "My theory is it's more personal... I think LinkedIn selfies are reminiscent of more personal messaging platforms where people feel like it's like their buddy Julia just dropping in to check in how their Tuesday's going." When running active campaigns, Julia commits to sending 20 personalized outreach videos daily or 100 per week. She also runs a separate automated Dripify messaging campaign targeting past client contacts, doubling down on what's working since many of her clients come from previous relationships. This systematic approach, combined with genuine relationship building, has helped her consistently win new business without traditional hard-selling techniques.   Remote Team Building and International Recruitment From solo founder to a team of four, Julia has built a remote-first practice that serves clients internationally. Starting with contract recruiters during her maternity leave, she strategically evolved her team structure based on business growth. Today, her team includes a Director of Talent Acquisition managing client delivery, an Operations Manager, and a Sourcer based in South Africa (hired through Remote First as EOR), all working virtually. "I employ them through an employer of record, an EOR. And I use Remote First... my entire team is remote. No one else is based here in Atlanta." This flexible team structure allows Julia to scale based on client needs while maintaining quality delivery through specialized roles - proving you can build a successful recruitment business without a traditional office-based team. Are you also interested in building a remote setup for your recruitment business?   Julia Arpag Bio and Contact Info Julia Arpag is the CEO & Founder of tech recruitment firm Aligned Recruitment. We've been in business since August 2023, are fully bootstrapped, have closed over $500k in new business, and are scaling fast.    We specialize in hiring for SMBs (10-200 employees) in the tech industry. We have clients in custom software development, platform management, real estate investment, and security hardware, to name a few.  I'm also a foster parent to two teen boys, a mom to two little boys, a wife, and a proud transplant to Atlanta from upstate NY. Julia on Linkedin Aligned Recruitment Website link People and Resources Mentioned Dripify LinkedIn Recruiter LinkedIn Sales Navigator Recruiter Flow (ATS/CRM) RemoFirst (EOR platform) Apollo Fiverr Loom   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

From working 90-hour weeks in tech recruitment to building a thriving healthcare practice that runs on 50 hours, Maddie Loomis discovered that sometimes doing less is the key to achieving more. After launching Advanced Scope, she specialized in orthopedics and sports medicine recruitment. She doubled her revenue by shifting from contingent to retained search and building the right team while working nearly half the hours. Maddie is the founder of Advanced Scope and the host of the Healthy Careers podcast. Join us as she shares her journey and the key decisions that transformed her business into what it is today.   Episode Outline and Highlights [01:58] From fundraising to recruitment - Maddie's unexpected path into healthcare recruiting [03:39] Why leave tech? Maddie's decision to start Advanced Scope [03:52] Choosing healthcare and orthopedics specialization despite tech background [15:01] The game-changer: Moving from contingent to retained search [16:37] Innovative "dating period" approach to client relationships [27:39] Building the right team: Finding people who share your values [30:34] Unique co-working approach to testing team fit [35:56] Creating sustainability: Journey from 90 to 50-hour weeks [43:24] Leveraging the Healthy Careers podcast for business growth [45:23] Converting podcast guests into business relationships [47:21] Future vision: Creating a self-sufficient team How This Healthcare Recruiter Doubled Revenue with a Simple Shift in Business Model   When Maddie experienced the frustration of losing three months of work when a contingent client suddenly decided to hire internally, she knew something had to change. The reality of contingent recruiting meant competing with multiple agencies and often sending candidates to several practices to maximize placement chances.   "If I'm contingent working on your role, and I know that there's absolutely, you know, like a 15 to 20% chance that I'm filling this position, I'm going to type in where your practice is and look up every other practice within that region that I could send that candidate to."   Her solution? An innovative "dating period" approach that starts contingent on testing the relationship before transitioning to retained. This allows both parties to ensure fit while demonstrating the value of a committed partnership. The strategy proved transformative - doubling her income from year one to year two while improving client relationships and candidate experience.   When presenting retained partnerships, Maddie addresses common client frustrations with contingent recruitment head-on. She helps them understand that without mutual commitment, they're competing not just for candidates but with other opportunities their recruiter is pursuing. As she explains, "It's not about the money. I want you to show me that you're in this with me and that you actually want me to win."   The result? A more predictable business model, higher-quality client relationships, and the ability to focus deeply on fewer, more committed searches. Most importantly, it created the foundation for a sustainable business that serves both clients and candidates more effectively.   Building a Recruitment Business That Doesn't Depend on You    Working late nights and answering Slack messages on her wedding day wasn't what Maddie envisioned when starting her recruitment business. "I got to the point where it was like, okay, either I'm going to burn out and this is going to be short-lived, or I'm going to get the right people on the bus and give them the trust to do the things."   She realized that she had to hire the right team members for her business to be self-sustaining. Here are the key action points she took:   Created a unique "co-working" approach to test cultural fit before hiring Empowered team with up to 50% commission structure Built systems that allow people to run their own "mini-businesses" Reduced hours from 90 to 50 while doubling revenue Focused on being a visionary instead of doing everything herself   Today, her business thrives on trust, autonomy, and shared values rather than founder dependency. Do you envision your recruitment business to be the same?   Podcasting to Engage with Audience and Future Business Relationships   Madison effectively uses her podcast, "Healthy Careers," to engage with her audience and build business relationships. Here is a summary of how she is doing this:   Madison's podcast allows her to connect with her audience and potential clients on a personal level. She shares insights and experiences that give listeners a better understanding of her expertise and the market. By recording three to four podcasts a week, she ensures consistent engagement with her audience, providing valuable content and building rapport with listeners.   The podcast is a platform for developing long-term relationships with clients and partners. Through the podcast, Madison gets a feel for the market pulse, which helps in better conversations with clients. Madison's strategy of sending personalized gifts like engraved Yeti cups and gift cards to podcast guests fosters a sense of exclusivity and gratitude. This thoughtful gesture reinforces the relationship and keeps their brand top of mind. Business conversions may not be immediate, but the trust built over time through high-touch follow-ups and engaging content helps convert podcast guests into clients in the future.   Madison Loomis Bio and Contact Info   Maddie has a background in healthcare, finance, and technology as both a recruiter and HRBP. After 8 years in Corporate America, she set out to reshape the typical staffing approach. She is now the owner of Advanced Scope - a boutique search firm focused on permanent, direct hire for Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine private practices in hiring clinical and leadership positions.  Maddie on LinkedIn Maddie on Instagram Maddie on X Maddie on Youtube Healthy Careers Podcast Advanced Scope website Advanced Scope on Facebook   People and Resources Mentioned Wounded Warrior Project  Slack LinkedIn   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

How do you prep your business to be growth-ready? What are the key factors you must consider when adapting your business model and processes and hiring the right people when building your business? What would be the biggest challenge when scaling your recruitment business?   We had Amanda Brandenburg as a guest three years ago to share her winning formula for growing her firm to $2M in three years. This time, you'll hear a realistic and relatable story of how Amanda has grown her practice from a small team of three to a growing team of six.   Amanda Brandenburg is the Founding Principal at OpusLex Partners, a legal recruiting boutique servicing law firms and corporate legal departments throughout the country. For over a decade, she was a top producer at two of the country's largest legal staffing firms, where she provided interim solutions and direct-hire placements for law firms and corporations within the continental U.S.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:27] What is new for Amanda and her team in the last three years? [08:10] How OpusLex enhanced its business model to align with EOS. [16:30] What processes have been working well with Amanda's team? [21:47] The practical applications of E-Myth. [27:54] Discussion on things that Amanda and her team are most proud of. [34:40] Learning to grow the team and hire the right people. [42:22] Effective collaboration tools and tech stack. [50:47] Why should working from home be balanced with working together physically? [53:07] Amanda shares what could be the biggest challenge when upscaling your team.   Systems and Process for Upscaling Your Recruitment Firm   Since we last had Amanda as a guest, she has doubled her team to six. She has adapted his business model to align with the EOS - Entrepreneurial Operating System for Businesses. She shared some of the highlights and changes in how she runs things differently. To adapt her business to EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Amanda has been implementing several key changes:   Formalized Planning and Goal Setting: She's following EOS's structured annual planning, setting a clear mission, vision, and values, and assigning "rocks" (specific goals) to both the company and individual team members. Shift from Traditional to Team-Based Roles: Amanda moved from a traditional "full desk" model (where each person handled all aspects of recruitment) to segmented roles. This structure now includes designated roles for business development, recruiting, sourcing, and administrative support, allowing each team member to specialize and master their area. Client Engagement and Differentiated Service: They established a high-touch approach to client relationships by requiring direct conversations with clients before working on any job order, enhancing service depth and client understanding. Enhanced Communication and Automation: Amanda addressed the complexity of coordinating multiple specialized roles by setting up communication workflows using tools like Monday.com and integrating them with Slack for task updates and real-time notifications, which minimized the risk of inefficiencies. Systematized Processes for Consistency: Amanda implemented process templates in Crelate for both candidate and job intake to ensure consistency and efficiency. This provides essential information gathered upfront, reducing repetitive follow-ups and training time for new hires.   These adjustments reflect Amanda's commitment to EOS principles, enhancing her team's efficiency, communication, and service consistency as they scale.   Critical Elements When Hiring to Upscale Your Team   When growing your recruitment business, hiring the right person to fill critical roles can be challenging. Do you go for a full 360-degree or 180-degree model? I wanted to pick Amanda's brain about her learnings as she started to hire and grow her team.    Amanda prioritizes understanding how a potential team member aligns with their values. “I think going back to those core values in terms of some of our core values, intellectual curiosity, earnestness, relationships first. And so really trying to stay quality over quantity, really trying to imbue those values throughout our hiring process.”   Rather than adhering to a rigid “full desk” model, she has implemented a flexible, team-based structure that allows employees to specialize and focus on specific roles, attracting diverse skill sets and reducing turnover by placing people where they can excel. Her model also enables creating specialized, replicable teams that can focus on distinct practice areas or client needs, such as intellectual property law or retained searches, allowing team members to build practices around their interests and expertise. Additionally, Amanda's focus on transparent, day-to-day communication enhances team alignment, with updates to revenue and compensation models supporting this collaborative framework. She shared the tech stack they use to collaborate effectively and consistently.   What is the Biggest Challenge In Growing Your Recruitment Business?   What will be the biggest challenge if you set your business up for scale? For Amanda, “I think giving new ideas and systems time to work is challenging. And not having. Or you know, and also like giving myself some grace.”   Amanda's greatest challenge in building her business is balancing the patience to allow new ideas and systems time to prove their effectiveness with the need to make strategic adjustments if things aren't working. She acknowledges that this uncertainty—knowing when to persist and when to pivot—can be especially difficult. To overcome this, we acknowledge the importance of resilience and an unwavering commitment to the long-term goal, alongside the willingness to assess whether issues stem from the process, the people involved, or just the natural time required for new initiatives to take hold. Cultivating patience and maintaining a mindset focused on progress over perfection are key practices she uses to navigate the uncertainty and keep pushing forward.   Amanda Brandenburg Bio and Contact Info   In 2018, Amanda founded OpusLex Partners to bring a hands-on, customized, and personalized approach back to legal recruiting. At OpusLex, which translates to “legal body of work,” our body of work includes finding the very best for every search.   Amanda is passionate about her work and enjoys the challenges and competitive nature of the business. When she's not sourcing top legal talent for her clients, you can find her spending time with her husband, their three children, and two rescue dogs at home in Atlanta. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia.   Amanda on LinkedIn Opus Lex Partners website link Opus Lex on Facebook Opus Lex on Instagram   People and Resources Mentioned   Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business, by Gino Wickman Monday.com Crelate The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber Asana Zapier Leopard Solutions Ring Central Allan Fisher on LinkedIn   Related Podcast You Might Enjoy   TRR#108 The Winning Formula: How to Grow a Recruiting Firm to $2 Million in 3 Years   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Going smaller to go bigger might sound counter-intuitive, but this mindset helped Tyler Rossi transform his newly launched recruitment business from zero to $250k revenue!    In this episode, you will hear Tyler's approach to niching down and the strategies that helped him win the majority of inbound clients and establish himself as one of the leading authorities in the metals and steel recruitment industry.   Tyler is the President of American Dream Search and Host of The Recruiter of Steel podcast. He's one of the top headhunters in America for sales talent in the Steel and Metals Industry.   Tyler's story is one of determination and success in the face of adversity, and I'm excited to dive into his experiences and insights today.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [01:55] How Tyler got into recruitment and why he chose metals as a niche. [08:07] Tyler's story of resilience - getting laid off from a six-digit sales job while his wife was 32 weeks pregnant. [12:44] Difficulties of the first six months of a recruitment business and how niching down became a game-changer. [17:37] Getting the first client via LinkedIn Automation - Tyler shares his tech stack. [20:17] Turning it around from zero to $250k - discussion on business development. [23:53] How to establish yourself as the go-to authority in your niche. [30:57] Podcasting is an effective engagement tool to go above and beyond. [38:39] A creative way of using videos to promote your client and strengthen relationships. [43:55] Work and life integration: How many hours does Tyler work a day to take care of their daughter? [46:01] What is next for Tyler and American Dream Search?   Go Smaller to Go Bigger - Top Benefits of Niching Down to a Specific Industry   When Tyler attempted to broaden his scope as a sales recruiter - he felt overwhelmed and things did not work out. He recalled how he already established his network in the steel industry and decided to focus on this niche. It was indeed a game-changer for Tyler!    His conclusion is “The riches are in the niches!” He highlighted below benefits and how niching down worked for him:   Reduced Competition: By focusing on the steel industry, he reduced his competition from 26,000 recruiters in the US to only around five competitors in the same industry in his domain. Authority Building: It was easier for Tyler to add value to the industry and be an established figure in the steel industry through continuous sharing of content and podcasting. Higher Demand: Targeting a specialized industry can lead clients to view you as a high-value resource, as you bring industry-specific knowledge and connections. Even if you only place 10 candidates in a year with an average of $25k fee, you already have substantial revenue. Efficient Networking: Focusing on a niche simplifies networking efforts. Tyler concentrates on key decision-makers and candidates via targeted marketing and MPC.   How to Establish Yourself as the Go-To Expert in Your Niche   Tyler's reputation grew as he focused on the metal and steel sector, allowing him to generate trust and recognition in the metals industry. He started his podcast, The Recruiter of Steel, to bring added value to the industry. He also utilized LinkedIn by consistently posting content related to the industry which has gained traction, especially to decision-makers. Out of his 7000 connections, around 75% are in the metal and steel industry.   Consistency in these actions made Tyler a recognizable authority in his niche. As he shared, “As far as an ROI … I would say the majority of my business now, I would say is inbound. Most of it is coming inbound to me. I haven't run an MPC campaign in probably three, or four months because all of this is coming to me and I have enough business with it. It's because I've established myself as that authority. It's brought in multiple six figures for me just doing posting and just interacting on LinkedIn.”   Other Action Items That Turned Around His Business   The first six months of Tyler's business brought in no revenue. However, he had a breakthrough that transformed it from zero to a $250k profit. That is niching down, and establishing himself as an authority. However, there are also other action items he shared that helped him, which I am sure a lot of listeners can relate to:   Full Commitment and Resilience: When Tyler was laid off, he committed entirely to his recruitment business, even though it took six months of effort without income to gain traction.   Mentorship and Continuous Learning: Seeking guidance, Tyler connected with Scott Tuttle, a successful recruiter who provided critical advice on areas like contract terms and marketing strategies. This mentorship helped Tyler refine his approach, close deals, and streamline his operations.   Effective Use of Technology: Tyler used a tailored tech stack, including LinkedIn automation through Skylead, Sales Navigator, Apollo for marketing, and Crelate for CRM management. These tools allowed him to be targeted and efficient in his outreach, helping him reach the right clients and candidates without resorting to mass emails.   Tyler Rossi Bio and Contact Info   Tyler Rossi is the President of American Dream Search and Host of the Let's Talk Talent podcast (now rebranded as The Recruiter of Steel podcast). He is one of the top headhunters in America for sales talent in the Steel/Metals Industry.   But it wasn't always this way.    For the longest time, Tyler put off going into business full-time. While he had his LLC on the side, Tyler never had the guts to go all in. He had the six-figure tech sales job and the job security and benefits that came with it.  He had the house, and the marriage, and his daughter was soon on the way.    Fast forward to September of 2023, Tyler was forced to take the leap of faith he was putting off for so long. He was abruptly laid off from his job. There was no warning, no severance…nothing.    Six-figure paycheck? Poof

As a recruitment business owner, have you considered how to tap into overlooked talent pools while meeting corporate diversity demands? Our special guest, Emma Freivogel, shares how she built two successful organizations - a charity (Radical Recruit) and a profit-for-good consultancy (B Radical) - focused on placing candidates from non-traditional backgrounds into corporate roles.    If you're interested in combining social impact with business success, Emma's insights on structuring support services and creating sustainable revenue through corporate sponsorship could transform your approach to recruitment.   Emma is the Founder and CEO of Radical Recruit, a pioneering charity that supports companies in recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system, victims of domestic violence, and those facing barriers to work. She is also the co-founder of B Radical, a profit-for-good consultancy that supports businesses in implementing inclusive recruitment practices and developing diversity strategies.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:06] The history of how and why Emma founded Radical Recruit and B Radical. [05:01] Insights on candidates' backgrounds being advocated for hiring by B Radical. [16:33] Emma expounded on her philosophy of giving people second chances - knowing about Chan's story. [22:23] Interesting story of how Emma got into her field. [24:39] B Radical's business model. [30:11] How receptive are companies to partnering with Radical Recruit? [32:43] Malcolm's powerful and inspiring story. [36:44] What is next for B Radical and Radical Recruit? [39:00] Emma's learnings as a business leader can applied to all business owners and leaders.   The Philosophy Behind Radical Recruit's Advocacy   Recruitment is challenging in general, but for Radical Recruit, it presents additional difficulties. They focus on supporting marginalized individuals often excluded from the traditional labor market. Emma and Radical Recruit advocate for people from underrepresented communities—those who face barriers related to ethnicity, gender, disability, and past adversities such as homelessness, criminal records, addiction, or domestic violence.    You will hear inspiring stories shared by Emma about Channel - a woman who grew up in extreme poverty and violence, with 47 convictions by her early twenties, and how she is now a head Chef in a restaurant.   You will also know about Malcolm - who fell into homelessness as his life turned upside-down when his father passed and how he was able to turn it around.   These stories exemplify Radical Recruit's approach: to show employers the potential in unconventional candidates and advocate for fair hiring practices that embrace diversity.    What This Means for Recruitment Business Leaders & Owners   Emma is doing something fascinating and incredible. Giving second chances to underdogs and advocating for them in the labor market not only gives businesses and individuals mutual benefits but also contributes to a much bigger value to society. Since Emma has been running non-profit and profit-for-good business models for both Radical Recruitment and B Radical, are there transferable learnings that conventional recruitment businesses can apply from a leadership perspective? I echo Emma's response below:   “I think from a diversity perspective, if we treated diversity as seriously as we do things like financial resilience and mitigating the risk of cyber-attacks and this sort of thing, then we would not have a problem filling roles at any level… I think that leaders could just be more human-centric generally, not, not with regard to the way they view and interact with radical talent, but just people in general. We're all looking for the same things. We all benefit from the same things.”   Would You Consider Diversity Recruitment Services? A key discussion topic was Emma's emphasis on how recruitment agencies can build sustainable revenue through diversity recruitment services. She reveals an untapped market opportunity that most traditional agencies overlook. "Unless the executive sponsors this diversity work, unless it's properly resourced, unless there is thoughtful, considered approach unless people are measuring impact and linking it to the business case, the work's probably not going to get done." Market Opportunity Emma highlights a massive untapped talent pool in the UK: 11 million people with criminal convictions, 14 million with disabilities, and 230,000 homeless individuals. With every executive prioritizing diversity, there's strong corporate demand but few agencies are equipped to deliver effectively. Revenue Streams The business model combines traditional recruitment fees with innovative revenue streams. Corporate sponsorship packages start from £3k, supplemented by DEI training, recruitment audits, and comprehensive post-placement support services. This creates multiple recurring revenue opportunities beyond standard placement fees. Success Metrics A client demonstrates the model's effectiveness with a 92% retention rate for diverse hires. Successful placements range from entry-level to £80k senior roles across multiple sectors. The comprehensive support model drives long-term partnerships and repeat business from corporate clients. The key takeaway is that while many recruiters shy away from diversity recruitment, there's a significant business opportunity for those willing to develop expertise in this area. As Emma notes, "Every executive has diversity on their agenda" - the challenge is turning that commitment into action through proper resourcing and support. Emma Freivogel Bio and Contact Info Emma Freivogel is the founder and co-CEO of Radical Recruit, a pioneering charity that assists businesses in recruiting entry-level talent from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system, domestic violence, or homelessness among other barriers to work. She is also the co-founder of B-Radical, a profit-for-good consultancy that supports job seekers from similar communities in securing more senior and skilled appointments, often within the same companies. B-Radical assists businesses in laying the foundations for success or reimagining their usual ways of working through workshops, training, strategy sessions, audits, advisory services, and early career recruitment. By collaborating with the Radical brands, businesses not only diversify their talent pipelines and teams but also enhance their social value and ESG initiatives. Emma's leadership is driven by a commitment to equality and social justice, aiming to create inclusive opportunities in the labor market and transform recruitment practices so they are both welcoming and fair.   Emma on LinkedIn Radical Recruit website link B Radical website link Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

As a new recruitment business owner, how much do you invest in marketing and personal branding? Is the ROI worth it?   Our special guest, Sarah Englade, explained how she scaled to $1.5m in revenue in 18 months with the help of LinkedIn personal branding. She shared her strategies and how she overcame struggles when creating content, which can be helpful if you also find value in content creation.   Sarah Englade is the Owner & Founder of Monarch Talent Solutions, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior roles in accounting, finance, and human resources throughout Houston, TX.    Before launching Monarch Talent Solutions in 2020, Sarah gained nearly a decade of recruiting and leadership experience at two global recruiting firms. Between 2012-2020, she successfully placing over 2,800 candidates and generating millions in revenue.    Now, Sarah is focused on humanizing the recruiting process, driven by her firm's core values.    Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:42] How Sarah got into recruiting by accident and how she excelled before launching her firm. [08:15] Understanding contributing factors to burnout in staffing and how to mitigate it early. [11:11] Keys to Sarah becoming a top producer. [13:15] The remarkable story of Monarch's launch during the pandemic. [20:17] Three action items kept Sarah going during the first 6 months of Monarch. [24:27] Sarah's book recommendations. [26:24] Journey and strategies in building a personal brand through LinkedIn. [36:33] Are you intimidated to do video content? Sarah shares her process. [41:48] What is the ROI in content and personal brand marketing? [48:21] Other elements that contribute to Monarch's successes on top of personal branding. [54:30] “You always have to be a student of learning” [56:16] Quick fire questions: Tech Stack and Metrics that matter for Sarah, and keys to resilience.   Three Steps That Keep Monarch On-Track in the First Six Months When Sarah launched Monarch during the pandemic, things were not as smooth sailing as expected. Most people would think that the first three months would get them positive traction, but for Sarah, it had already been around six months, and still, not much was happening. She started the company without a book of business and minimal business development experience.   If you are a new recruitment business owner, Sarah's insights on the three things that kept her going can be helpful. Sarah focused on three key things to keep her business going for the first six months:   Self-development and mindset: Sarah dedicated herself to reading books, listening to podcasts, and staying disciplined to work on her mindset and conquer her feelings of inferiority. She focused on personal growth and overcoming self-doubt. Metrics and consistency: She believed in using metrics to track her progress and committed herself to hitting her numbers. Sarah stayed consistent by posting her goals on a board, reviewing them daily, and compounding her activity to build confidence. Seeking mentors: Despite facing challenges finding local mentors, Sarah sought out mentors in business and recruiting from other parts of the United States. She leaned on their support and advice to navigate challenges and stay motivated in her entrepreneurial journey.   Strategies for Building a Personal Brand Through LinkedIn   A key discussion topic that resonated with me was Sarah's emphasis on personal branding and her strategies for building a brand through LinkedIn.   “As a new business owner you have to really be very smart with your money. But I always say this to people that scared money doesn't make money. As you know you have to spend money to make it. Like part of my budget and part of what's worked for me and my business model over the years has 100% been investing in marketing.”   Sarah was not a LinkedIn expert, as she had just explored it as recently as she started her business. She also is not as fond of being in videos as many of us are. She even gets a lot of bashers and trolls. Nevertheless, it doesn't stop her from consistently posting meaningful content!    Here are some takeaways shared in terms of strategies and processes Sarah used for creating and posting LinkedIn videos:   Quarterly video shoots with 20 videos created each time. Videos based on real conversations with her network to provide value. Content sourced from suggestions and personal experiences as a recruiter. Daily preparation: Early morning content creation on the day of recording by reviewing notes and conversations. Consistency in content creation: Maintaining a positive and helpful tone in videos. Continuous improvement: Embracing feedback and learning from each video to boost confidence and quality over time.   Long-term ROI from Content and Personal Brand Marketing   How much Sarah invested in marketing and building her personal brand benefited her business tremendously. It leads to client relationship building and trust from candidates that the best headhunter in their niche is handling them. Beyond that, Sarah and I believe personal branding has a more long-term ROI than you can measure. I think that Sarah explained it well:   “I think it varies on what you look at as the return on that investment. So for me, I'm a new business owner. I'm just coming up to four years. You know, many people think there's overnight success when you start any kind of company, especially in terms of staff and space, especially if you have experience. And I'm telling the truth about, you know, branding, you have to have the brand now because the first thing we all do is when we're looking up anything, whether it's a doctor, a restaurant, whatever it is, we google things, right? So we google to see credibility and that builds trust when we start seeing the reviews and people and all that good stuff. So in the very beginning, it is going to seem exhausting. You're going to be like, what is this even bringing to me?  Over time, it's going to help people find you. So that's the return. So it's not overnight. There is literally no elevator here to success. You have to take the stairs and this is part of that now. So I can honestly say that in the very beginning, I saw the return almost immediately and then it started to go like this a little and then it started to blow up again. And that's recruiting. It's like this. So the biggest thing for me is the reason why I continue and commit to creating this content. It's because we're in a down market, and we're not staying here. So when the market goes like this, I want them to remember my face, my name, my brand, and my company. And hopefully, with putting out as much content as I'm putting out, they do. So that's the whole return on it, which is making sure that you're staying front and center, no matter what kind of market we're actually in. “   Sarah Englade Bio & Contact Info   Sarah Englade is the Owner & Founder of Monarch Talent Solutions, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior-level and mid-executive-level direct-hire roles in accounting, finance, and human resources throughout Houston, TX. Sarah serves as an executive headhunter within the firm, partnering with local high-performing companies to grow their teams. She also offers candidates career resources, including resume, interview support, job market trend updates, local continuing education opportunities, and more.    Before launching Monarch Talent Solutions in 2020, Sarah gained nearly a decade of recruiting and leadership experience at two global recruiting firms. In her roles, she was regularly recognized as a top producer, successfully placing over 2,800 candidates between 2012 and 2020 and generating millions in revenue. Now, Sarah is focused on humanizing the recruiting process, driven by her firm's core values.    Sarah volunteers at Dress for Success Houston, is a Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) member and has been a nominee for Houston Business Journal's 40 Under 40 from 2022-2024. Sarah has also been featured in several media outlets, including Shoutout HTX, Voyage Houston, GoSolo, CanvasRebel Magazine, Houston Made, Forbes Magazine for Houston's Extraordinary Women in Business, and LFN Network's Breaking The Silence Talk Show.   Sarah on LinkedIn Monarch Solutions website link Monarch Solutions on YouTube Monarch Solutions on Instagram - @monarchtalenthtx   People and Resources Mentioned   The Compound Effect - Darren Hardy Fanatical Prospecting - Jeb Blount Relationships First - Emily Frisella Claude.ai Rusty Gates Media Bullhorn Dripify   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

As a billing manager, managing your billings and supporting your team and their individual billings can be overwhelming. Our special guest will explain how this can be achieved and what he learned from his decades of experience in recruiting.   In this episode, Mike Stirton discussed two key factors in building a high-performing team: clear expectations and delegation.   Mike is a seasoned recruitment leader who has led high-performing teams within Scotland's Financial & Professional Services sectors.    Mike has excelled in producing some of the best and high-performing recruiters within his sector while running a personal desk of £1m+.    He has recently joined forces with Be-IT and is currently working on launching their new professional and financial services recruitment business.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:06] How Mike got into recruiting and why he could adapt quickly. [06:21] Building high-performing teams: leading a £3M team of 5 consultants. [15:40] Overcoming the lows - why Mike at one point hated recruitment. [20:10] Specific best practices on how to format a great CV. [27:05] Effective approach to developing other top billers. [31:02] Mike shares his business model and placement niche. [37:46] What is a recruitment leader's greatest achievement? [41:01] Why sometimes under-projecting works. [44:20] How Billing Managers should use delegation when supporting and mentoring their top-billers. [48:40] Redesigning back office operations to provide innovative solutions. [53:59] The five steps in mapping out your recruitment process.   Key Ingredients to Build High-Performing Teams A remarkable achievement Mike shared is creating a £3M + team of recruiters (5 consultants) in a niche market. This is amazing considering he is a billing manager creating at least £1m+. I wanted to pick Mike's brains and hear his insights on what are the key ingredients when building a high-performing team. Mike mentioned at least seven key factors:   Trust: Establishing mutual trust between you and your team is fundamental. This foundation allows team members to feel secure and perform at their best. Clear Expectations: Be very clear with the expectations for each task. Clearly communicate what is the minimum required performance, ensuring there's no ambiguity. Tailored Management: Every team member is unique, and you need to manage them according to their individual strengths and personalities, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Empowerment and Autonomy: Give your team the space to work independently, stepping back when they meet or exceed expectations. Encourage entrepreneurial spirit and avoid micromanaging. Skill Development: Focus on developing your team from trainees or junior staff into experts. Break down complex concepts into simpler terms to make learning approachable. Team Diversity in Skills: Build a team where each member brings a unique skill set to the table, so they complement each other. This helps tackle any challenge effectively. Learning from Mistakes: Mike highlights that making mistakes is part of the growth process. Learning from errors is crucial to long-term success in leading teams.   Effective Approach to Developing Top Billers   For Mike, his getting big billings is not the best achievement, but rather, when his team members are starting to bill like him:  “The best achievement was actually when, you know, some of my other team members were also starting to get to those numbers as well.”   An effective billing manager does not always translate into a good mentor or sales coach. So, what steps should you take if you want to develop your team members to be like you and bill significantly? Mike emphasized the importance of clarity and respect.   “And it's pretty much the way I parent my children as well, so it's no different. So, yeah, that's kind of been the cornerstone. It's just treat people with respect, be very clear with them, be very honest, and take the pressure off them when they're.”   Scottish recruiters tend to use football analogies a lot, so I am sure you will enjoy how Mike described his approach to team development as the same way football coaches approach their teams.   The Power of Delegation   It is not easy to guide a team of big billers while you yourself need to ensure you are producing—that is why many billing managers find it challenging to maintain consistent team performance.   Mike shared his secret: delegation.   He uses delegation thoughtfully and strategically. Here's how he approaches it:   Delegate for Development: Mike views delegation as providing team members with learning experiences. He emphasizes that delegation is a win-win because it allows others to gain experience while easing their workload.   Match Tasks to Strengths: Mike assigns tasks based on his team members' strengths and preferences when delegating. He selects the right person for each job, ensuring that the task aligns with the individual's skills and mindset. For example, he delegates a report task to someone who enjoys working with spreadsheets, not to the more social team members.   Motivation: He incorporates positive reinforcement by motivating the team members when delegating. This boosts their confidence and makes them feel valued and capable.   Clear Expectations: Mike is very clear about his expectations when delegating, especially regarding deadlines. He sets the task, communicates the deadline, and ensures the person knows exactly what is required.   This approach ensures that delegation is effective, motivational, and aligned with the strengths and capacities of his team members.   Mike Stirton Bio and Contact Info Mike is a seasoned recruitment leader who has led high-performing teams within the Financial & Professional Services sectors in Scotland. Mike has excelled in producing some of the best and high-performing recruiters within his sector whilst at the same time running a personal desk of £1m+. He has recently joined forces with Be-IT and is currently working on launching their new professional and financial services recruitment business.   Mike on LinkedIn BE IT website link   People and Resources Mentioned Bullhorn   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

How does a recruiter go from new to market to Champions Club in just two years? For Alec Borlin, the answer lies in the power of disciplined planning and relentless consistency.   Alec is a CPA turned recruiter. He started with one of the world's largest recruiting & staffing companies, where he did extremely well before starting his own firm BGC Search in 2022.    He places accounting and finance professionals with privately held middle-market companies in the Greater Cleveland Area.    Alec recently launched The Recruiter's CPA which provides bookkeeping and tax services for recruiting and staffing companies.   In this episode, you will hear how Alec structures his day with daily habits and strategies that result in consistent billings. He also shared the concept of having an ideas bank, how to utilize AI when enhancing content, and why LinkedIn is still his trusted platform for lead generation.   Episode Outline and Highlights [01:00] How Alec got into recruiting. [05:36] Early successes in agency recruiting. [09:58] Discipline and daily actions for success. [16:42] Launching BGC search - Alex walked us through what motivated him to launch. [21:19] How Alec achieved $100k revenue in Q1 from inbound leads alone via LinkedIn. [27:49] Trusting LinkedIn as a relevant platform to get results. [34:05] Consistent posting by having an ideas bank and how to enhance your content with AI. [39:11] Alec discusses Recruiter CPA  and how it helps staffing and recruiting firms in accounting. [44:10] The challenges of being a solo recruitment business owner in terms of tasks and time management. [48:38] What is next for Alec and his team?   Planning and Strategies That Set Alec Apart In his second full year as a recruiter, Alec became part of the “Champions Club” for two consecutive years despite being new to the market. What sets him apart is his work ethic which includes consistency in planning. Alec sets himself apart by maintaining a consistent and disciplined approach to daily activities. His early career success was rooted in structured habits, such as waking up early, exercising, planning his day the night before, and following a rigorous schedule that included conducting at least 10 interviews and 3 client meetings per week.   Here are the key takeaways from Alec's approach as a successful recruiter:   Consistent daily routine: Early mornings, exercising, and being in the office by 7 AM helped set a productive tone for the day. Proactive planning: End-of-day planning allowed Alec to focus on specific goals for the next day, ensuring efficiency. Structured activity targets: Conducted at least 10 interviews and 3 weekly client meetings, keeping himself accountable to those numbers. Learning from high performers: Alec absorbed successful habits early in his career by observing and emulating top billers. Breaking tasks into manageable steps: Rather than being overwhelmed by big goals, he breaks them into smaller tasks, which keeps him focused and motivated. Prioritization and time-blocking: He allocates specific time slots for high-priority activities, ensuring he tackles important tasks first. Using productivity tools: Leveraging tools like Asana and calendars to track tasks, organize workflows, and stay on top of both personal and professional goals. Accountability and follow-through: Alec holds himself to a high standard, consistently executing his plans and commitments.   Trusting LinkedIn as a Relevant Tool in Generating Leads How much do you invest in LinkedIn as a lead-generating platform? Alec shared an interesting case study about how they were able to build more than $100k from inbound leads in the first quarter of this year using LinkedIn.   “Twelve months of consistently posting on LinkedIn and not seeing a result. Right. So that was, it was posting videos, it was posting copy. So just words, just word posts, posting images, carousels, and constantly trying to interact with my audience and give them the insights that they're looking for… All you can do is continue to post and try to provide value to the people that are in your network and then eventually you'll get this random, beautiful message, hey, we have this need.” What was his thought process that made him persistent?   “So I just, I think it's, it's the belief that LinkedIn is a place that will continue to be very important. We see Fortune 500 companies starting to develop their LinkedIn presence and marketing, if you will, on platforms like that. So just kind of trusting that there are people smarter than me investing their time and resources into the platform.”   I encourage you to visit Alec's LinkedIn profile to see the type of posts and content he shares with his audience.   Do You Have an Ideas Bank? Somehow related to the topic of consistent posting and content creation, I wanted to pick Alec's brain on how he can always come up with fresh ideas. He mentioned the concept of an ideas bank. He also shared how he utilizes AI when translating these ideas into content or posts. To summarize:   Alec draws a lot of his content ideas from the conversations he has during the day or moments of inspiration, such as while at the gym. He captures these ideas quickly by emailing them to himself or storing them in Asana or Google Docs. He then organizes these ideas by different content pillars like sales, marketing, and operations. On uninspired days, he revisits these ideas for fresh content.   When it comes to using AI such as ChatGPT, Alec envisions creating a personal "copywriter" by training AI on his best-performing content, allowing it to generate new posts or ideas based on his style and tone. He believes that AI is a starting point and not a replacement. Hence, personalizing AI-generated content by avoiding generic languages and creating a unique tone by adding personal context is necessary so that your content does not sound artificial.   Alec Borlin Bio and Contact Info Alec Borlin is a CPA turned recruiter.  He got his start with Parker + Lynch, now LHH before starting BGC Search back in 2022.  He places accounting and finance professionals with privately held middle-market companies in the Greater Cleveland Area.    As a multi-award-winning Senior Executive Recruiter with a Global Fortune 500, Alec has used his passion for recruiting and accounting to place over 100 candidates throughout the United States with large publicly traded companies and smaller privately held businesses, ensuring a sound match for both parties.   Alec on Linkedin BGC Search website link Recruitment CPA website link   People and Resources Mentioned Asana Loom Trello   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters. 

As the recruitment industry rapidly evolves, it is crucial to stay on top of the trends shaping its future. In this episode, we talk with Trinette Cunningham and Teresa Delibert about shifts in candidate engagement, social media strategies, and the growing importance of wellness in hiring.   Trinette is the President of NAPS, the National Association of Personnel Services. She has held that office for 9 years and has been with NAPS for 23 years.    Teresa is on the board of NAPS, and she's here to add her perspective as a recruitment business owner with over 20 years of experience in the industry.    I'm keen to get Trinette and Teresa's perspective on the recruitment industry from her vantage point as the president of the oldest recruiting association in the United States.  Working with their membership of thousands of recruiters, want to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities they're seeing in the market.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [01:39] Trinette shared an overview of NAPS. [07:23] Teresa's role within NAPS and how she started in the recruiting industry. [14:41] Discussion on the current economic and recruitment climate and how NAPS supports its members. [21:01] Enabling diversity, equity, and inclusion.  [25:26] The size of NAPS membership and the value of their certification process. [29:06] Emerging trends of opportunities and challenges in the recruitment industry. [42:53] Shifting from a candidate-driven to a client-driven market. [45:20] Know about the upcoming NAPS conference.   Emerging Trends - Opportunities and Challenges in the Recruitment Industry   Being with NAPS for 23 years, Trinette's insight into emerging trends in the recruitment industry is invaluable. As a recruitment leader or business owner, do you want to focus on capturing upcoming opportunities or mitigating future challenges? Below are some takeaways on the emerging trends that Trinette and Teresa shared:   AI Integration: AI significantly improves recruitment by automating tasks like job description writing, reducing unconscious bias, and aiding in candidate screening and interviews. AI helps recruiters become more efficient and data-driven, allowing faster decision-making.   Automation and Asynchronous Video: Automation is streamlining recruitment processes, particularly through technologies like asynchronous video interviews.    Data-Driven Strategies: With immediate access to metrics, recruiters can be more strategic and proactive, leveraging data to enhance decision-making and performance with artificial intelligence.   Passive Candidates: Building long-term relationships with passive candidates (those not actively looking for jobs) is becoming increasingly important across various job levels, not just for executive roles.   Social Media Shift: Recruitment is moving beyond LinkedIn. Companies use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even Snapchat to attract younger candidates, particularly Gen Z, reflecting changing social media habits.   Wellness and Mental Health Benefits: Post-COVID, companies are expanding their benefits packages to include mental health and wellness programs, responding to a growing emphasis on holistic employee wellbeing.   Enabling Equity and Inclusion   Trinette and Teresa also shared how they enable equity and inclusion by working with WBC (Women Business Collaborative).    NAPS and Trinette support DEI by fostering collaboration with industry groups focused on addressing gender inequality and promoting women in the recruitment industry. They actively engage in partnerships to provide opportunities for women, including initiatives like pairing women seeking capital with potential investors. NAPS conducts surveys and research across its membership base, sharing valuable insights on workplace diversity and DEI issues within the staffing and recruiting industry. They also work to raise awareness of gender pay disparity and the underrepresentation of women in C-suite roles, while advocating for progressive changes in the industry.   This has been an important topic for me and many of this podcast's guests. Fostering DEI and advocating equity not only brings about more talent and growth options but is also the direction most progressive organizations take.   How NAPS Supports Their Members in a Challenging Business Climate   The National Association of Personnel Services has existed since 1961 and enjoys the reputation as the oldest industry association. I wanted to hear from Trinette and Teresa how NAPS can support its members, especially in some industries where recruiters encounter challenges.    Trinette emphasized the importance of obtaining their certification programs. “So to give specifics on what NAPS can do, we're here to help you navigate that ever-changing landscape. We do offer, like I said, the certification program. That is an in-depth program. And I encourage everybody, everyone who's listening, if you do not have your certification, get it 'cause it will pay in dividends.” Both Trinette and Teresa shared their personal experience in obtaining these certifications and how shocked they were by how much there is to know about the industry.   They also mentioned another benefit of being a NAPS member: keeping them updated through different resources, ATS, and research partners.    In this call, Trinette also shared a conference they will hold next month. She outlined the speakers, topics, and other things attendees can look forward to.   Trinette Cunningham Bio and Contact Info   Trinette is a non-profit & event management professional with more than twenty-five years of combined association development, event operations, and sales experience. In 2005, after a six-year tenure as the Executive Director of the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), Trinette founded the non-profit and event management consulting company, TR2 Consulting.   Trinette specializes in financial management, membership/attendance growth, social media marketing communications, exhibit/sponsorship sales, and event logistics.   Through her leadership, NAPS has grown our membership, expanded our member benefits, and streamlined management operations.   She is a member of the Pennsylvania chapter of MPI, The American Society of Association Executives, ASAE, and was recently appointed to the Advisory Council of the Women's Business Collaborative Alliance based in Washington D.C.     Her proudest accomplishment though is raising her 21-year-old daughter, Maggie, who starts med school next month!   Trinette on LinkedIn National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) website link   Teresa Delibert Bio and Contact Info   Since 1998 Teresa has been recruiting in Rochester, New York for businesses of all sizes and industries such as; Insurance, Financial Services, Mortgage Services, Real Estate, Human Resources, Auto Dealers, and Medical. Currently, she partners with small to mid-sized businesses in the Rochester area to add to their bottom line through customized recruiting solutions. Although recruiting is her second career, she has been responsible for hiring and retaining talent for 20+ years. Her first career as a Merchandise Manager for a large corporate retailer taught her how to run a business and prepared her for her career in recruiting and business ownership. She is a native of Rochester, NY, and has strong ties to the community. She has a BS in Business Management from RIT.   Teresa on LinkedIn Delibert Employment website link Delibert Employment on Facebook   People and Resources Mentioned   Recruiter's Ultimate Guide to Maximize Billings with AI  Helen McGuire on LinkedIn Jon Krohn on LinkedIn Danny Cahill on LinkedIn Matt Walsh on LinkedIn   Related Podcasts You Might Enjoy   TRR#153 Meet The Recruiter Who Survived And Thrived Through Four Recessions, with Gail Audibert TRR#220 How Purpose-Driven Business Models Help a Female Founder Achieve Acquisition Success, with Helen McGuire   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

“We spend 50% of our lives working… What is crazy is that 8 out of 10 people in today's workforce say they don't even feel a connection to their jobs or their employer. Which means that most of us are probably half of our lives feeling disengaged and maybe feeling unfulfilled.”   This is how Charlie Saffro opened her TEDx talk on prioritizing people in your business. As the CEO of a recruiting firm, she gives insightful takes on how a people-first culture can positively impact you and your client's retention and long-term revenue.   Charlie is the CEO of CS Recruiting, which specializes in the Supply Chain, Logistics, and Transportation industries. The company is based in Chicago and recruits nationally. Charlie founded CS Recruiting over a decade ago and has built it from the ground up into a multi-million dollar organization.   She leads a team of 28 talented recruiters, emphasizing a people-first culture.    Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:55] How Charlie fell into recruiting and eventually put up her recruitment firm. [10:46] Winning and completing a project involving hiring 50 people in the first year of business. [14:32] Milestones within the 10-year journey as a founder and CEO. [21:41] Fostering a People-First Culture and its long-term benefits to retention and revenue. [33:58] The four magnets in building a people-first culture. [36:25] Transitioning to and embracing the full CEO role by learning to delegate. [43:47] Keys to developing a strong brand. [53:33] Charlie's perspective on the current market environment and how she responds as a leader.   The Four Magnets in Building a People-First Culture   From a business point of view, a people-focused culture benefits employees and contributes to the organization's long-term success and resilience. Charlie gave very specific and pragmatic initiatives that they implement to engage with their employees. What strategies can you implement to foster a people-first culture in your recruitment firm?    Charlie explains that culture acts like a magnet in attracting the right talent while repelling those who don't align with the company's values. She breaks down this concept into four key "talent magnets":   Walk the Talk: The company should live its values daily, celebrating employees who embody these values, like recognizing "value winners" quarterly. Beyond the Paycheck: This magnet offers more than just a salary; it offers flexibility, benefits, and other tangible and intangible perks. Intentional Connection: This is about fostering genuine relationships within the team, getting to know them beyond their work roles, and maintaining regular check-ins to gauge team happiness. Growth Takes Two: This emphasizes collaboration between employees and leadership on career development, ensuring promotions align with employees' personal goals and conducting "evolution meetings" to discuss future aspirations.   Charlie believes that these magnets help attract and retain the right talent while ensuring a strong and aligned company culture.   Practical Steps to Enhance People Engagement   What steps do you currently take to enhance your team's engagement? Does it need a big budget? I wanted to know the actual actions that Charlie implements from a leadership perspective to further a people-centric environment.  A notable takeaway is how Charlie initiates small, personal gestures of appreciation, like handwritten notes or small gifts, regardless of whether there is no budget allocation for these gestures. These small acts of recognition made a significant impact on employee morale and engagement. Over time, this evolved into a formal appreciation and recognition program within her organization. The program includes a budget for recognizing milestones such as new hires, promotions, anniversaries, and personal achievements like buying a house or having a baby. There's also a "petty cash" fund for impromptu recognition, where any team member can submit a form to acknowledge a colleague who might need a pick-me-up, whether it's sending a gift card, treating them to lunch, or something as simple as giving them their favorite candy (a part of their onboarding process is asking members to share favorite foods or places). These small, thoughtful gestures cost very little and can significantly boost employee morale and foster a strong, people-centered culture. She advocates for sharing these practices with clients, especially those in small businesses, to help them retain their talent by showing genuine appreciation for their employees. Would you apply the same for your team?   How to Develop a Strong Brand While the topic of an engaging culture is certainly most interesting, I also wanted to pick Charlie's brains on building a strong brand and online presence. Charlie is excellent at leveraging her voice through social media and building her brand. She became a recruiter back when LinkedIn was not yet a thing, and she is now utilizing various platforms to build her brand.   You may find the following action items helpful when building your brand:   Start Posting Consistently: Initially, Charlie used LinkedIn like many recruiters—sourcing candidates and building projects without much focus on content creation. However, she began posting content regularly, even though her early posts were generic and received little engagement. Experiment with Content: After years of posting expected content, such as interview tips and salary negotiation advice, Charlie noticed that her posts weren't resonating with her audience. Inspired by a viral TikTok video her son created, she experimented with more personal and relatable content. This shift in approach proved to be a game-changer. Share Personal Stories: The viral success of a family-related post gave Charlie the confidence to open up more about her personal life, including her experiences as a mother and leader. This authenticity helped her connect with her audience on a deeper level and drove business opportunities in unexpected ways. Engage with Your Audience: Charlie found that sharing personal content led to increased engagement, with people reaching out to her with business inquiries and personal messages. This interaction helped her build a community and strengthened her brand's presence. Post Regularly and Stay Inspired: Charlie developed a routine of posting five days a week, always looking for inspiration in her daily life that she could share with her audience. She emphasized the importance of staying consistent and adapting content based on what resonates with her followers.   Charlie Saffro Bio and Contact Info Meet Charlie, a recruitment expert with a passion for human leadership, talent acquisition, employee engagement, company culture, and retention. She founded CS Recruiting over a decade ago and has built it from the ground up, managing a multi-million dollar organization and leading a team of talented recruiters with an emphasis on a people-first culture.   As CEO and Founder, Charlie's mission is to create meaningful connections that empower others to discover their full potential. She is a recognized expert in the Supply Chain, Logistics, and Transportation industry and her firm has worked with a diverse range of clients nationwide.   Charlie's goal is to develop long-lasting relationships with clients and candidates, making appropriate and timely career matches for all levels of positions. Beyond her work, Charlie is also a dedicated yogi and encourages her clients and team to practice mindfulness in the workplace and beyond. She believes that personal development and self-care are crucial to achieving success and fulfillment in all areas of life. Charlie is also a proud mother of three teenage boys and actively volunteers with local organizations to support and empower women in the workforce.   Charlie on LinkedIn CS Recruiting website link Charlie's TEDx talk: Business IS Personal - Prioritizing People Pays Off | Charlie Saffro | TEDxWilmette   People and Resources Mentioned   Amy Cuddy TED Talk - Fake it Till You Make it   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

When he started his search firm, Vince was told that you would make 100 grand in year one if you're lucky. In his first year, he did more than $600k in revenue! Was that just a lucky year? Definitely not. He would not even consider his 12 years in business his best year. What are Vince's key strategies in achieving this phenomenal result? In this episode, he shares two things: his belief system and his hard work.   Vince Dunne is the President of Dunne Search Group, an executive search firm based in South Carolina. For the last 12 years, he's specialized in recruiting salespeople for the biotech industry and has helped build some of the most important companies in cancer testing.   Episode Outline and Highlights [01:56] How Vince got into recruiting and how he was able to shorten his learning curve. [10:26] Transitioning from a top recruiter to a recruitment business owner. [14:27] Overcoming the scarcity mindset: would you be friends with a close competitor? [16:34] Pulling off $600k in his first year of business.  [25:51] How Vince set up 210 interviews to land 70 monthly placements. [35:10] Discussion on Retain vs Contingent? [36:53] Vince reveals his team size and structure. [42:10] How to pitch an exclusive search arrangement with your client. [45:25] Topic on tech stack and approach to reaching out to clients and candidates. [56:03] How to “make a name for yourself.” [59:12] The biggest adversity Vince faced in his career.   Pulling off $600k Revenue in His First Year Vince and I talked about his motivation to transition from being a top recruiter to launching his search group. “But I noticed I was getting my clients. Nothing was handed to me, and I thought it was because ‘Vince will figure it out. You know, he's. He's doing well. He's rookie of the year.' I'm hitting all my numbers every quarter… So I was getting my clients anyway. So why am I splitting my business? And so I felt like I was ready. I've got enough clients out there of people that want to do business with me.” Knowing that he was ready, he took on the challenge of becoming a recruitment business owner, leveraging the skills he learned and the relationships he built over the years. Remarkably, he was able to make more than $600k in revenue in his first year!   I wanted to dive deep into the causal factors of this phenomenal success. Vince believed that he was just lucky. But you will find out as we continue our conversation that there are two main ingredients for his secret sauce: his belief system & hard work. Vince was really competitive and strictly adhered to his no-fail mindset. He would reach out to ten people before 9:00 AM daily to generate leads. These traits enabled him to shorten his learning curve when he was just a rookie and surely contributed to his success as a business owner.   How to “Make a Name” For Yourself Another topic that resonates with me is Vince's emphasis on building a reputation and making a name for yourself. Vince's niche is in the Biotech industry, a very competitive circle, which means that your reputation is a huge deal. Vince shared insights on how he makes a name for himself and that people know him within the sales biotech world.   Reputation Through Results: Vince builds a strong reputation by consistently delivering results, making successful placements, and ensuring client satisfaction. Client Focus: He emphasizes the importance of caring for his clients, going above and beyond, and even working late hours to meet their needs. Referrals: Vince actively asks for referrals during and after a project to expand his network and connect with more potential clients and managers. LinkedIn Recommendations: He sometimes asks clients for LinkedIn recommendations to build credibility and visibility. Personal Connections: Vince maintains relationships by sending personalized gestures, like Christmas gifts, and ensuring that he remains in his clients' minds for future opportunities.   Building Relationships is Always Better in the Long Run   Vince shared an insightful take on building relationships versus burning bridges. If you have been unfairly treated by a client before, you will most likely relate to his story. I asked Vince about the biggest adversity in his career, and he shared that it was learning not to burn bridges.  His aggressive, competitive nature sometimes led to conflicts with clients, particularly when he felt he wasn't fairly compensated or recognized for his work.   Vince acknowledges that, in hindsight, there were times he should have taken the high road instead of standing his ground, which ultimately damaged relationships with some clients. He overcame this challenge by realizing the importance of choosing his battles wisely and maintaining long-term relationships, even if it meant compromising on smaller issues. He now prioritizes staying loyal to clients who treat him well, even if it means turning down business from competitors.    A key takeaway is that maintaining a positive image and strong relationships is crucial in the long run. Vince balances his competitive nature with a more strategic approach, focusing on clients who value and respect him while still holding onto the principles that have made him successful.   Vince Dunne Bio and Contact Info A graduate of the Coles College of Business, Vince Dunne brings his keen business acumen and 12 years of accomplished biotech search experience placing the most qualified candidates in both established corporations and start-up companies. Vince utilizes his proven, unique business model to conduct his search to locate and refer the ideal candidate(s) to meet the tailored, strategic needs of an organization, conserving their company resources and increasing corporate efficiencies.   Vince has helped build out some of the most important companies in cancer testing.   Having focused on many areas in biotech, the oncology and women's health space is where we spend most of our time.   We pride ourselves on being very well-known and trusted in the market.     Vince on LinkedIn Dunne Search Group website link People and Resources Mentioned Craig Picken on LinkedIn Rich Rosen on LinkedIn Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

How did a Certified Public Accountant launch and scale his recruitment business from the ground up? In this episode, you will hear about Troy's journey in starting and growing his search business! Troy shares the hurdles he faced and his strategies to overcome them and thrive.   Troy is the President of Benchmark Search Group in Dallas. He founded the company in 2018 after working at one of the Big Four accounting firms and more than a decade with one of the largest national recruiting firms.    Troy has built Benchmark's reputation as a trusted advisor for sourcing and recommending the right accounting talent, specializing in direct hire placement, executive search, and temporary staffing for accounting and finance professionals.    Episode Outline and Highlights [02:02] How Troy got into recruiting and was almost fired in his first 90 days. [08:00] Winning Best Place to Work for Working Parents. [11:57] Key challenges in Troy's journey of building his own business. [21:44] Time tracking exercise to improve efficiency while focusing on value-adding activities. [24:00] Hiring a VA and fostering an environment where your team members are proactive. [33:09] Doing things differently to improve the training component. [42:40] Troy shares insights on what he had learned while running his search firm. [50:01] Troy's three most important metrics in running a search firm.   Overcoming Showstoppers When Launching a Search Firm   How a successful search firm owner started his journey is always interesting. Most often, launching your recruitment business can be extremely challenging! Even if you are an excellent recruiter, running your own business is a different ball game; nothing can fully prepare you for it. Troy shared his journey from being a solo entrepreneur to building his own team. Below are the takeaways from the challenges he had, and I am sure you will be able to relate if you are already running your own recruitment business:   Starting as a solo entrepreneur: Troy knew he needed to hire, but it took him nine months to hire his first employee. Slow initial growth: His hiring process was slow, which resulted in impediments. However, Troy focused on hiring top producers from other firms who were looking for a better culture fit, enabling him to build a core team over time. Lack of infrastructure or processes in place: When he started to scale, Troy realized he didn't have enough infrastructure or processes to support his growth. He established SOPs and initiated training programs to create a more scalable structure. Trying to do everything: Troy became a bottleneck as he felt he needed to get involved in everything. He struggled with the need to control all aspects of the business. He eventually learned to delegate and focus on higher-level activities.   Fostering a Proactive Team Environment for Virtual Team Members   A good sign of a great team is when your members come to you and ask to take stuff off your plate rather than you having to reach out and delegate the tasks. This behavior describes Troy's team, especially his virtual assistants. How do you foster a proactive team environment with a virtual team?    Troy fosters a proactive team environment, even with onboarding virtual assistants, by treating them as integral members of the team rather than just freelancers. He emphasizes the importance of full integration, where the VAs are not just completing tasks but are actively involved in the business. An example is when his first VA quickly took on leadership responsibilities and even helped onboard a new marketing VA while he was away, demonstrating trust and empowerment.   Another approach is to ensure that the VAs are involved in the company's operations and goals, which fosters a sense of ownership and commitment. This approach allows them to proactively take on tasks and support the team, contributing to a strong and cohesive work environment despite the physical distance and different time zones.   Troy's Top Three Metrics in Running a Search Firm Metrics and KPIs are not there to micro-manage your team but rather guide them in ensuring that they are prioritizing tasks that contribute to your organization's bigger objectives. I wanted to know Troy's take on the three most important metrics to measure his team's success. He gave a straightforward response: “Recruiters have to have at least, ten interview screens... And then six client interviews in a week... If you end up with three a week, you're going to end up with one to two placements a month. And so there's a scaling factor to that. Then, on the client side, there are at least two meetings with clients every single week. And then that will be five to eight also interviews a week.”   Troy Ashby Bio and Contact Info Troy Ashby, President and Founder of Benchmark Search Group, founded the company in 2018 after working at one of the Big Four accounting firms, in addition to more than a decade of experience working with one of the largest national recruiting firms. With more than 20 years of professional service experience, Troy has built Benchmark's reputation as a trusted advisor for sourcing and recommending the right accounting talent, specializing in direct hire placement, executive search, and temporary staffing for accounting and finance professionals. Troy is responsible for overseeing business development and talent acquisition along with P&L responsibility, marketing, and operations.   Troy's greatest joy comes from encouraging and helping others, personally and professionally. He has a genuine passion for people, developing long-term relationships while working to make a lasting impact in the Dallas Fort Worth community – Troy takes a servant leader attitude to heart and delivers excellence every day. He has a proven track record of building teams, creating culture, and empowering associates, clients, and candidates to win!   He has a passion for developing long-term relationships in both business and his community. He has been actively involved in various professional and civic organizations around DFW chairing committees or serving on boards including the Richardson Family YMCA, The Family Place, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of Leadership Dallas and Leadership Richardson and has also been an active volunteer in March of Dimes, Genesis Women's Shelter, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He has been a guest speaker for multiple professional associations including the Risk Management Association (RMA) Young Risk Management Association (YRMA) and the Dallas Society of CPAs. Troy has also been cited in industry publications such as the Journal of Accountancy as an expert source   Troy received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Oklahoma State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and previously worked in public accounting at Ernst & Young, Arthur Andersen, and Whitley Penn. He and his wife Cayce have two children, Owen and Claire. Troy places a strong emphasis on family which is why he has built a strong internal corporate culture for his employees, centered around a workplace that has been designated as a Best Place to Work for Working Parents for multiple years.   Troy on LinkedIn Benchmark Search Group website link Benchmark Search on Facebook Benchmark Search on X (Formerly Twitter) Benchmark Search on Instagram Benchmark Search on YouTube   People and Resources Mentioned Clockify Asana The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

“You can't manage people and lead them at the same time… You're managing a task. You're leading people”   Do you apply the same principles when running your recruitment firm? How do you develop leaders and managers to establish a succession plan when you are scaling it?   My special guest, Trey Hugley, shares his insights on fostering an environment in his recruitment business that not only grew his team in numbers but professionally as well. Trey is the President of Genesis Resources based in Dallas Forth Worth. Trey is a leader in executive search for the insurance industry, with over 28 years of experience.   Having launched and sold a recruiting firm, Trey founded Genesis Resources in 2004 with a commitment to bringing a consultative approach to recruitment. Trey also founded a sister business, Genesis Industries, in 2014, expanding consultancy practices into the Manufacturing, Engineering, Accounting & Finance, and Healthcare sectors.    Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:21] Trey's story from being a recruiter to starting his firm. [06:45] Sharing perspectives on how commitment and exclusivity work with client relationships. [19:54] Milestones in building an organization - how Trey built his team to 27 people. [33:09] How do you decide when you have to part ways with a team member? [46:56] Planning your brakes rather than it creeping up on you. [51:13] Developing business leaders and managers.   Scaling His Recruitment Firm Successfully A key achievement of Trey that I wanted to pick his brains on is how he progressed in building his business from just him to having 27 team members. “I could have made a lot more money over the last 15 years if I was just doing it on my own. Mine is an end game. If I build it, I think my mentality is a little different. I enjoy the concept of building. I like the idea of growing something.”   Trey shared his practices when looking for someone to join his team. He mentioned hiring competitive individuals, often with a background in team sports, who can thrive in a competitive environment. He stressed the importance of training and creating an environment where his staff can support and learn from each other. We covered two focus areas when scaling: taking responsibility and ownership for hiring decisions and training to ensure that the right people are in the right roles.    Deciding When to Let Go of a Team Member It can be challenging to let go of team members. A recruitment business owner could have invested so much time and resources in hiring and training, and the relationship built over time can make it difficult to let go.    Although difficult, Trey explained that it is part of scaling your business effectively, especially if the overall fit of your recruiter is not aligned with your organizational goals. He outlined the following objective factors that can help you decide when it is time to transition your team member to a new career:   1. If they're not meeting their metrics, like having consistent candidate or client conversations, it's a red flag.  2. Their ability to generate revenue is crucial; it's a concern if they're not producing at least $20,000 a month (in the case of Trey's organization).  3. Assessing their pending deals and interview activities can predict future performance; if these numbers are low, they indicate potential issues.  4. If they lack the drive and initiative to meet basic expectations consistently, it may be time to let go.   Trey ended it by saying,  “We'll, you know, we'll call it a career transition is what we call it. We're gonna transition you. If you can't succeed here, we don't think you're gonna be able to succeed in recruiting.”   Developing Leaders Engaging your staff and making them leaders is another achievement that Trey is proud of. He has not only grown his team in size, but he grew them professionally into team leaders and managers. He described his approach and mindset well, “There's a certain humility that comes with managing and, leadership, and I think those are two different, two completely different things. Management is the day-to-day, task-oriented. Have you met your numbers? Leading is, how do I make someone better? … But the concept is, you can't manage people and lead them at the same time. Right? You're managing a task. You're leading people, at least in my mind.”   One thing that Trey shared is fostering an environment where asking questions and continuous learning are supported. He said, “I think the biggest piece is that there is no dumb question. And those who are most inquisitive tend to grow quicker than the others in nurturing a lot of that.”   He also shared an integrated approach (egalitarian versus a top-down model), where his staff can always approach him for ideas, scenarios, and proposals. This is except for metrics and numbers, for which clear expectations are in place.   Aside from very competitive compensation, Trey also shared their setup for working onsite and working from home, which offers practical benefits to his employees.   Trey Hugley Bio and Contact Info   An Executive Leader in the Insurance Recruiting Field for over 28 years. Trey Hugley launched and sold a recruiting firm and then began building Genesis Resources in 2004 as the premier example of partnership in the industry. Launched as an Executive Search firm, Genesis quickly moved to a full-service recruiting organization focused on the recruitment of passive candidates for several of its premier clients in the insurance industry.     Trey graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 with a Bachelor's Degree in English. Upon graduating, he began his career in Recruitment with a boutique recruiting firm out of college and a focus on multiple disciplines. Soon after, he joined his partner in a start-up dedicated solely to the property & casualty insurance industry. After 8 years, Trey sold to his partner to start a more consultative approach to recruitment; one that was more dedicated toward executive search methodologies with an overall consultative approach that highlighted his passion for successful recruitment and the improvement of individual careers.  In 2004, with a focus on “new beginnings” as the name Genesis implies, Trey launched his new company – Genesis Resources. Trey focused on integrating true consultation efforts into recruitment and building relationships with every professional with whom he interacted. Genesis Resources today focuses on passive candidate recruitment while staying at the forefront of the insurance industry.   Trey's career includes over twenty-nine years of furthering the careers of others. He has developed a variety of leaders and helped them grow to their full potential in the insurance industry. Not only has he achieved this externally, but his current employees have followed in his footsteps, and within a span of the last ten years, Genesis Resources now has several leaders and Executive Recruiters who elevate the careers of all those with whom they come in contact.   In 2014, several of Trey's HR leadership relationships moved outside the industry. Together, they built a recruitment offering that would highlight the best practices of Genesis Resources while focusing on several new industries; Genesis Industries was born. From a national project to building out an internal recruiting team, revamping an entire sales organization, and multiple other leadership placements along the way, Genesis Industries has become its own “go-to” consultative and recruiting firm with its staff of experts. Genesis Industries has a primary focus on Manufacturing, Engineering, Accounting & Finance, and Healthcare.   Trey on LinkedIn Genesis Resources website link Genesis Resources on Facebook   People and Resources Mentioned   Gail Audibert on LinkedIn Gerald Legrove on LinkedIn Joel Slenning on LinkedIn Chris DiNaso on LinkedIn   Related Podcast You Might Enjoy   TRR#171 4 Essential Skills that All Recruitment Business Owners Need to Be Successful, with Chris Dinaso Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Already exploring AI but unsure how to maximize its potential to elevate your recruitment business?   In this episode, our coach and Client Services Director, Julie McGrath, shares how you can further embrace AI when creating content specific to your niche market. Julie shares insights on how you can use AI to drive sustainable growth for your recruitment business.    Julie is a highly experienced coach with 15 years of experience in the recruitment industry, including 8 years as a solo recruiter specializing in Tech and Executive recruitment. Before her career in recruitment, Julie worked in large-scale operations and managed 200 people.    You will also get a preview of an AI Program she designed explicitly for Recruiters and recruitment business owners, including a Training program for recruiters to help with Business Development, account management, and candidate sourcing.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:31] From a graphic designer to a recruitment business owner - how Julie got into recruitment. [09:57] Retrospect: things Julie would have done differently when starting her business. [16:02] Developing programs to assist young job seekers. [26:30] Running a successful RPO model. [31:03] Common qualities of successful recruitment business owners. [41:09] Leveraging AI to improve your recruitment business. [51:31] Creating content specific to your client and candidates' needs through AI. [1:01:30] Testing ChatGPT 4.0.   Common Success Qualities of Recruiters and Recruitment Business Owners   Julie's experience as a recruiter, business owner, and recruitment coach puts her in a position to work with some top-performing recruiters and business owners. She shared great insights and observations on the most common challenges and critical success factors.    “I'm very fortunate to be in this position where I get a peek behind the curtain of the top-performing recruiters. And then also those that are maybe new to the industry that are just starting and trying to define their feet, like we all did it at one point or another in our career.”   Here are the critical success factors that she shared:   Consistency in actions and routines is foundational to success in business and personal growth. Implementation and Action - Top performers build consistent work routines and stay focused on both immediate tasks and long-term goals. Work on and in the Business - Balancing working "in" the business (daily operations) and "on" the business (strategic growth) is crucial. Goal Setting - Setting specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely (SMART) goals is essential. Accountability ensures continuous progress and the ability to navigate setbacks. Business Building vs. Job Creation  - Successful recruitment business owners understand the difference between creating a business and creating a job for themselves. Resilience - This involves self-awareness, flexibility, and adaptability. Self-Awareness and Adaptability - Adapting to changes and being open to new approaches can lead to sustained success.   Julie believes these key factors can help business owners achieve high performance, build sustainable businesses, and effectively navigate industry challenges.   Leveraging AI to Enhance Your Recruitment Business   During our Live Summit in Edinburgh last year, Julie delivered a fascinating session on leveraging AI to improve recruitment businesses. ChatGPT was pretty new at that time, and she was able to provide an amazing take on why the recruitment community needs to embrace AI.    The world will look so different in the next 3-5 years, and I think that understanding AI as early as now can enable recruiters to contribute a more profound impact to their industries. Julie and I discussed her passion for AI, and how it can help recruiters and business owners further engage with their clients and candidates.    Julie pointed out that AI isn't a new player on the field; it's just that Generative AI, ChatGPT, and OpenAI have recently brought it into the limelight. She explained that while AI has been used for decades, primarily in automation, it's now becoming more accessible to individuals and small businesses.    Julie's passion for AI is driven by its potential to revolutionize the recruitment industry, and she believes that getting ahead of the curve will have a more positive impact. Julie underscored that even small businesses can compete effectively by creating targeted content and using AI to understand and meet the needs of their clients and candidates.   If you want to know more about how we can integrate AI into our recruitment process, you may check the link below for a free training session developed by Juli and our colleague Leanne.    Creating AI Content That Is Specific to Your Client and Candidate Needs    Julie also touched upon creating content with AI while focusing on providing a great experience for your clients and candidates. This is how she puts it: “And if you can spend your time and your skills more focused on providing a great experience for your clients and your candidate, using the emotional intelligence side of things that can't be replaced by AI just yet, and being able to use AI as a crutch to make you work faster and smarter with the data-driven insights and information that it can give you, I can only see this being a positive change in our world and the world of recruiting overall.”   She outlined a straightforward process when creating AI content with a human touch:   Create your brand guidelines and support your content creation through data and insights. Understanding your clients - what they look for and what they want to consume will enable you to make data-driven decisions. Based on these data and insights, you are creating content for a specific person, nation, and target audience, instead of creating content for ‘everybody. Julie McGrath Bio and Contact Info   Julie McGrath is a highly experienced coach and conducts our 1-2-1 monthly calls with members. She has 15 years of experience in the recruitment industry both in large-scale operations and running a solopreneur agency specializing in Tech and Executive recruitment.   She is an active STEM ambassador and panel judge for various socio-economic and diversity initiatives. She currently manages her own digital skills agency that supports businesses to embrace new technological processes and upskill staff for the new digital world of work.   Julie is also an NLP practitioner and this means she can help business owners break through mental and physical barriers so they can live a life of abundance and release the restrictions of mediocrity. Julie is well versed in helping recruitment business owners with business burnout, stress, loss of purpose and direction, and also those business owners who are doing well and want to continue achieving and attracting success into their lives.   Julie on LinkedIn Access to Free Training on AI: Recruitmentcoach.com/AI Comprehensive Program on How to Recruit Smarter with AI People and Resources Mentioned   ChatGPT Fireflies Otter Google Gemini Recruitment Coach Live Summit in Florida   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and rewards of managing enterprise clients. Drawing from over two decades of experience in the Recruitment & Executive Search Industry, Gina Matteson shares her learnings from handling large-scale clients effectively.  Gina and I discussed strategies for effective stakeholder management, navigating complex challenges, and delivering exceptional value.   Gina is the Founder & CEO of GemTek Recruiting. They strategically partner with clients in  Connective Intelligence is our groundbreaking recruitment solution that combines the power of advanced AI with a reliable commitment to genuine human interaction.   With over two decades of hands-on sales & recruiting experience in Canada & the US, Gina's passionate approach to work is underscored by an unwavering commitment to prioritizing relationships above all else.    Episode Outline and Highlights   [01:35] How Gina found her way into the recruiting world. [03:38] What led Gina to start her own business? [05:18] Enterprise Insights: Valuable lessons Gina learned from working with big clients. [16:14] How Gina tackled a major challenge—a 15% pay rate cut. [23:06] GemTek's Rollercoaster Ride: The highs and lows of launching Gemtek. [26:36] Gina's unique recruitment strategy, blends AI with a personal touch. [34:26] A dive into Gina's book and the toughest battles she faced.   $25 Million Annual Billings for a Single Enterprise Client    Gina's diverse experience working with enterprises like American Express, Honeywell, and Google puts her in a great position to offer perspectives and strategies when working with large clients. She highlighted her experience working for a $2B organization, American Express. She shared what led to her success, which includes annually bringing in $25m in revenue for the client.    One key component is bringing people together, communicating, and bridging the gap between large organizations within the organization. Gina said, “Bringing those groups together and kind of bridging that gap, regular meetings, I would often bring different stakeholders together and actually host a meeting within the organization because one group could be asking for something and then another group, it doesn't work with them.”    You will also hear about the biggest challenges she faced when she had to undergo an audit stating that she owed $10m from her client and how she dealt with a 15% pay cut that also affected her subcontractors. Her stories are not only inspiring but also reminders of the importance of thinking on your feet, being organized, and transparent stakeholder management.    AI Meets Empathy: Extensively Utilizing AI Without Sacrificing the Human Element   A GemTek methodology is pragmatically utilizing AI. Gina shared how AI helps in initial resume sifting, and narrowing down candidates for interviews. They also shared their tools, such as ChatGPT and other ATS (Applicants Tracking System). They balance technology use by advocating the importance of the human element. During in-depth interviews, personality, and technical assessments, Gina believes that “in recruiting, the human element for me and for my organization can never take a backseat to anything.”   Do you have the same approach when it comes to AI?    A Dive into Gina's Book and Her Story of Resilience   It is not directly related to recruitment, but we also touched upon Gina's story of resilience and the most significant adversities that she had to navigate. She shared what inspired her to write her semi-autobiographical novel, A Thousand Masks. Aside from professional challenges, Gina also opened up about a deeply personal story of resilience that has shaped her life and her business. Listening to her journey can remind us that we can turn adversity into strength and use our experiences to help others.   Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   Gina Matteson Bio and Contact Info   Gina Matteson is a seasoned thought leader celebrated for her triumphs in sales and recruiting within the Recruitment & Executive Search Industry. With over two decades of hands-on experience in Canada and the US, Gina's passionate approach to work is underscored by an unwavering commitment to prioritizing relationships. Her consultative methodology ensures clients, candidates, and employees receive the respect they deserve while collaboratively crafting tailored solutions. As the Founder & CEO of GemTek, she leads a professional services and recruitment firm with a rich legacy on both sides of the border, known for its transparent and partnership-driven approach. Beyond her professional achievements, Gina is an inspiring entrepreneur and acclaimed #1 International Best Selling author, advocating for personal growth and resilience through her novel, "A Thousand Masks." With remarkable tenacity and creative vision, Gina Matteson is a force making a lasting impact in both the business and literary worlds.   Gina on LinkedIn Gina's website link GemTek website link GemTek on Facebook GemTek on Instagram   People and Resources Mentioned   A Thousand Masks, by Gina Matteson Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Working 100+ hours a week nearly burned Gregg out. If running your recruitment business is stressing you out, Gregg's story may be able to help you. I am pleased to be joined by Gregg Salkovitch. Gregg is intentionally growing his recruitment firm to become a lifestyle business. Along the way, he learned a lot of things to achieve his goal while gaining more lifestyle freedom. You will hear insightful strategies on how Gregg is building his team and delegating tasks. We also discussed why it is critical to hire a COO to help you in scaling your business. After a career as a top sales performer for 3 consecutive companies, Gregg co-founded a sales recruitment agency to combine the 2 things he loves most in business: sales and helping people. In 6 years, Gregg grew his company organically with no outside funding to 60 employees, reaching the Inc. 5000 for fastest growing companies 3 consecutive times.  He then started a separate recruiting company, Right Choice Resources, which specifically focuses on the placement of salespeople, executives, marketing, account management, and customer success. Episode Outline and Highlights [01:38] Gregg's journey of how he got into recruiting. [04:30] When being laid off is a blessing in disguise. [10:18] Transitioning from individual contributor to a recruitment business owner: Gregg shares the challenges that they overcame. [14:51] Scaling team to 60 people in six years. [17:07] Gregg reveals his key success factors. [20:06] Character over resume: hiring strategies to get the right people. [35:11] Discussion on growth strategies for a lifestyle business. [37:02] When to hire a COO role to scale your business. [42:49] Make less money in the short term to get long-term benefits. [48:04] Transferrable skills from sales to recruiting. [52:57] What is next for Gregg and his business?

Have you ever wondered how a top-performing recruiter becomes a firm owner? Katharine Wilcox, President of Resource Mosaic, shares her journey. After joining the firm in 2011, Katharine took over the business in 2022. In this episode, she discusses her transition from director to owner, her challenges and the strategies that drove her success in executive search. Whether you're a recruiter considering firm ownership or looking to boost your performance, Katharine's insights on building trust, hustling, and executing in the competitive world of accounting and finance recruitment are not to be missed.  With a background in entertainment and accounting, Katharine boasts a proven track record of connecting top talent with growth opportunities. Katharine is a member of the Pinnacle Society, a fantastic group of recruiters who are among the top producers in the United States. Episode Outline and Highlights   [01:58] Katharine's background in a talent agency and how she went into recruiting. [06:47] Discussion on how Katharine transitioned from being a director to becoming a business owner. [19:43] Building teams that drive company growth. [25:36] What is the secret to building trust with your clients and candidates? [32:25] Why Katharine loves MPC marketing and her process. [39:54] Initiating conversations with hard-to-reach roles. [47:04] What a support team looks like for big billers. [50:11] Quick Q&A on Katharine's operational structure and business model. [52:55] Katharine reveals the biggest challenges she had to face as a recruiter.   Three Key Elements When Building Effective Teams to Drive Company Growth   One key highlight in my conversation with Katharine is how she builds trust with clients and candidates when building teams in key projects. She fondly recalls how her first hires eventually became CEO and CFO, which makes her extremely proud. “So if I get a certain number, hey, we're looking for these, I just have to go find that soft skills, that personality, that desire, that career drive, whatever it is that they're looking for that will help drive the company's growth and change and hopefully last for a really long time.”   Katharine shared three critical elements when building an effective team that drives the company's growth:    Building trust - she emphasized the importance of understanding client needs and having honest conversations. Hustle - Katharine encourages showing up every day and committing to the craft.. Delivery & Execution - Katharine values getting the job done quickly and efficiently.   She concluded, “ But, yeah, it's, that combination of trust and hustle, delivery and execution is just such an important piece to what we do on a daily basis.”   Initiating Conversations with Hard-to-Reach Roles   Some recruiters struggle to reach hard-to-reach roles, such as CEOs and portfolio owners. This may only sometimes be the case for Katharine. When we discussed her approach to MPC Marketing, I learned that it enables her to connect with key roles like board members and CEOs. She shared a few tips on how she does this.   She shared that the caliber of talent will always get you the conversation. She thinks working with good talent (MPC) is important as it will likely get people interested. But this is not enough; you also need to get creative in getting your talent information across. She shared her conversation style to build trust, including using her personality and being genuine.    The other thing is the mindset. As we all know, doing campaigns is also a volume game. Katharine is very much aware of this: “A lot of people are never going to answer my phone or answer my calls. And I don't take offense to it. Some people are just not going to like me. Right. They're not going to want to work with me. I'm okay with that. So. But I'm going to keep trying. And you never know. Maybe I'll break through at some point.”   Katharine Reveals Her Biggest Challenge   I love stories of resilient recruiters, so I had to hear about Katharine's biggest challenges in her career. Most successful recruiters face the biggest challenges, and we can pick up nuggets of wisdom from their experience.   She shared how they were knocked out during COVID-19, but that did not stop her from working. She kept on talking to people, marketing candidates, and positioning herself. “So that was, you know, getting. Having the ability to continue to make those calls and show up, even though you're hearing no for six, seven, eight months? It was hard.”   What motivated her to stay in the game and keep pushing? “It was simple. I just knew any day could be the day to make that break. Eventually. I knew the dam was going to break. Right. I knew that people had hiring needs. I knew that people were looking for jobs or were not happy in their current roles. And I just knew that if I showed up every single day and did what I do, that at some point it was going to pay off.”   Our Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   Katharine Wilcox Bio and Contact Info   Katharine Wilcox, President of Resource Mosaic, brings a unique blend of expertise and leadership to the world of executive search. With a background spanning from entertainment to accounting and finance, Katharine has a proven track record of connecting top talent with opportunities for growth.   Katharine joined Resource Mosaic in 2011 after 6 years with the Lucas Group as a Senior Partner on the accounting/finance executive search team in Atlanta. In 2022, she took on additional responsibilities and ownership of the firm as President.   At Resource Mosaic, Katharine specializes in recruiting exceptional accounting and finance professionals across the Southeast, while also supporting clients' leadership needs in various functions, including HR, operations, legal, and sales/marketing. Her approach is rooted in navigating complex challenges, identifying hard-to-find talent, and aligning leadership with business objectives. She is passionate about connecting talent and driving growth for companies in Atlanta and across the Southeast.   Beyond her professional achievements, Katharine can be found chasing around her 6-year old twins and serves on the Board of the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, working to create a more connected and vibrant city. Originally from San Diego, she graduated from UCLA in 1999 with a degree in communication studies.   Katharine on LinkedIn Resource Mosaic website link   People and Resources Mentioned Monte Merz on LinkedIn Nate Zimmerman on LinkedIn Jen Meyer on LinkedIn The Pinnacle Society Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Multi-hire team-build projects can be profitable if strategized clearly and executed effectively. Where do you find opportunities to engage in multi-hire team-build projects? What should be your main areas of focus for successfully implementing? Our guest, Paul Press, is here to give insights!    Paul is the Managing Partner and Founder of Press & Associates, a leading executive search firm specializing in recruiting top technology talent for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Before founding Press & Associates, Paul Press built a well-rounded career with experience in an executive search firm and an in-house talent acquisition position.   In this episode, you will hear valuable insights into leveraging experience as an in-house recruiter, applying MPC marketing strategies, and successfully navigating the complexities of multi-hire team-build projects.   Episode Outline and Highlights   03:25 Paul's recruiting backstory and how he launched his own firm. 06:37 Learnings from working in-house translating to running his own agency. 12:30 When to consider hiring a third-party recruiter from an in-house recruitment perspective. 18:35 Transitioning to Private Equity expertise. 23:11 Two main areas on winning multi-hire team build projects. 35:59 The risks of handling large-sized projects and how to mitigate them. 40:15 Paul shares the story of his $450k fee and MPC strategy discussion. 51:47 What Paul's MPC marketing strategy looks like. 58:04 Upcoming exciting times for Paul and Press Associates acquisition.   Leveraging Experience as an In-House Recruiter   Before founding Press & Associates, Paul built a well-rounded career in an executive search firm and an in-house talent acquisition position. He has always aspired to set up his own agency, and this experience was a stepping stone that gave him a complete perspective on what a successful search firm should look like.   Paul gave his insights and compared the approach from an in-house to an agency perspective. He emphasized the value of building and nurturing relationships on the in-house side while investing heavily in business development on the other. From an in-house perspective, I also wanted to know the primary considerations when hiring a third-party recruiter. Who are the most successful ones? What companies really did poorly? Paul gave his answer:    “I would say the biggest thing is the ones who took the time to be personalized, to make a very human approach and connection, and who were very empathetic; those were the ones that really stood out. It's amazing how transparent people's approaches are and how easy it is to tell when there's an email sequencing campaign going on, with an email coming out to you every kind of two or three … So it is very easy to tell kind of what's being automated, what's actual human touch and who are people that want to be in it for the long run versus, hey, I've got my monthly targets to hear.”   Two Areas of Focus to Win Multi-Hire Team Build Projects    A key topic Paul and I discussed is his success in doing multi-hire team-build projects. The main takeaway is this: multi-hire team build results from placing a key executive. By ensuring that great relationships are built and the best experience for the executive is provided, a potential opportunity to then build out the team underneath them will likely happen.   This idea came about based on Paul's previous in-house experience. “I'd say it kind of goes back to lessons learned when I went in-house and was building those relationships and understanding the big picture behind those hires and what those companies were trying to achieve. And that, combined with the private equity space, really kind of mesh well together.”   Paul shared two main areas of focus to be successful in this approach:   Communication - “It's certainly a communication game. In multi-hire campaigns, there are usually multiple hiring managers. So you got to figure out each individual style of communication, building relationships with those people.” Project Management - making sure you're implementing your standard procedures in terms of market mapping, talent pipelining, and going through your own internal processes.   Paul also shared the most common challenges you will experience in multi-hire team-build projects and the steps they took to mitigate them.   MPC Strategy Resulting to a $450k Fee   An achievement Paul shared with me is how he was able to make a placement with a $450k fee. He made a placement using the MPC (Most Placeable Candidate) marketing approach. Many recruiters will find this part of our conversation relatable because although this may be familiar to many recruiters, some will tell you that you can't apply MPC marketing to executive recruitment.    We discussed Paul's mindset on this strategy, and he shared how he executes it. We discussed proactive candidate representation and effective KPIs, such as making 5 introductions daily.  We also agreed on this critical point: the goal is not to place the candidate. The goal is primarily to get your foot in the door to start a conversation, demonstrate the caliber of your network and the people you represent, and come to them with interesting ideas that could bring value to their business.   Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   Paul Press Bio and Contact Info   Paul is the Managing Partner and Founder of Press & Associates. Paul started Press & Associates in 2016 with the goal of building the number one search firm hiring technology talent for Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies. Since its inception, Paul has built close and long-lasting partnerships with numerous globally renowned private equity firms, helping them make key hires in their value creation team and numerous c-suite appointments across their portfolio companies - all within the technology function.   Prior to founding Press & Associates, Paul built a well-rounded career in executive search working for a boutique search firm (Mackinnon Bruce), one of the largest talent acquisition firms in the world (Hays), as well as an in-house talent acquisition position with Murphy Oil looking after hiring key positions across North America.   Paul has a BA (Hons) in Managing Performance from the University of Leeds and is accredited by the Institute of Retrained Search.   Paul on LinkedIn Press and Associates website link Press and Associates on YouTube Press and Associates on X (Twitter) Press and Associates on Facebook Press and Associates on Instagram   People and Resources Mentioned   How Clients Buy, by Tom McMakin & Doug Fletcher Loxo  Dripify Rob White of Tempting Talent on LinkedIn   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Multi-hire team-build projects can be profitable if strategized clearly and executed effectively. Where do you find opportunities to engage in multi-hire team-build projects? What should be your main areas of focus for successfully implementing? Our guest, Paul Press, is here to give insights!    Paul is the Managing Partner and Founder of Press & Associates, a leading executive search firm specializing in recruiting top technology talent for private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Before founding Press & Associates, Paul Press built a well-rounded career with experience in an executive search firm and an in-house talent acquisition position.   In this episode, you will hear valuable insights into leveraging experience as an in-house recruiter, applying MPC marketing strategies, and successfully navigating the complexities of multi-hire team-build projects.   Episode Outline and Highlights   03:25 Paul's recruiting backstory and how he launched his own firm. 06:37 Learnings from working in-house translating to running his own agency. 12:30 When to consider hiring a third-party recruiter from an in-house recruitment perspective. 18:35 Transitioning to Private Equity expertise. 23:11 Two main areas on winning multi-hire team build projects. 35:59 The risks of handling large-sized projects and how to mitigate them. 40:15 Paul shares the story of his $450k fee and MPC strategy discussion. 51:47 What Paul's MPC marketing strategy looks like. 58:04 Upcoming exciting times for Paul and Press Associates acquisition.   Leveraging Experience as an In-House Recruiter   Before founding Press & Associates, Paul built a well-rounded career in an executive search firm and an in-house talent acquisition position. He has always aspired to set up his own agency, and this experience was a stepping stone that gave him a complete perspective on what a successful search firm should look like.   Paul gave his insights and compared the approach from an in-house to an agency perspective. He emphasized the value of building and nurturing relationships on the in-house side while investing heavily in business development on the other. From an in-house perspective, I also wanted to know the primary considerations when hiring a third-party recruiter. Who are the most successful ones? What companies really did poorly? Paul gave his answer:    “I would say the biggest thing is the ones who took the time to be personalized, to make a very human approach and connection, and who were very empathetic; those were the ones that really stood out. It's amazing how transparent people's approaches are and how easy it is to tell when there's an email sequencing campaign going on, with an email coming out to you every kind of two or three … So it is very easy to tell kind of what's being automated, what's actual human touch and who are people that want to be in it for the long run versus, hey, I've got my monthly targets to hear.”   Two Areas of Focus to Win Multi-Hire Team Build Projects    A key topic Paul and I discussed is his success in doing multi-hire team-build projects. The main takeaway is this: multi-hire team build results from placing a key executive. By ensuring that great relationships are built and the best experience for the executive is provided, a potential opportunity to then build out the team underneath them will likely happen.   This idea came about based on Paul's previous in-house experience. “I'd say it kind of goes back to lessons learned when I went in-house and was building those relationships and understanding the big picture behind those hires and what those companies were trying to achieve. And that, combined with the private equity space, really kind of mesh well together.”   Paul shared two main areas of focus to be successful in this approach:   Communication - “It's certainly a communication game. In multi-hire campaigns, there are usually multiple hiring managers. So you got to figure out each individual style of communication, building relationships with those people.” Project Management - making sure you're implementing your standard procedures in terms of market mapping, talent pipelining, and going through your own internal processes.   Paul also shared the most common challenges you will experience in multi-hire team-build projects and the steps they took to mitigate them.   MPC Strategy Resulting to a $450k Fee   An achievement Paul shared with me is how he was able to make a placement with a $450k fee. He made a placement using the MPC (Most Placeable Candidate) marketing approach. Many recruiters will find this part of our conversation relatable because although this may be familiar to many recruiters, some will tell you that you can't apply MPC marketing to executive recruitment.    We discussed Paul's mindset on this strategy, and he shared how he executes it. We discussed proactive candidate representation and effective KPIs, such as making 5 introductions daily.  We also agreed on this critical point: the goal is not to place the candidate. The goal is primarily to get your foot in the door to start a conversation, demonstrate the caliber of your network and the people you represent, and come to them with interesting ideas that could bring value to their business.   Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   Paul Press Bio and Contact Info   Paul is the Managing Partner and Founder of Press & Associates. Paul started Press & Associates in 2016 with the goal of building the number one search firm hiring technology talent for Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies. Since its inception, Paul has built close and long-lasting partnerships with numerous globally renowned private equity firms, helping them make key hires in their value creation team and numerous c-suite appointments across their portfolio companies - all within the technology function.   Prior to founding Press & Associates, Paul built a well-rounded career in executive search working for a boutique search firm (Mackinnon Bruce), one of the largest talent acquisition firms in the world (Hays), as well as an in-house talent acquisition position with Murphy Oil looking after hiring key positions across North America.   Paul has a BA (Hons) in Managing Performance from the University of Leeds and is accredited by the Institute of Retrained Search.   Paul on LinkedIn Press and Associates website link Press and Associates on YouTube Press and Associates on X (Twitter) Press and Associates on Facebook Press and Associates on Instagram   People and Resources Mentioned   How Clients Buy, by Tom McMakin & Doug Fletcher Loxo  Dripify Rob White of Tempting Talent on LinkedIn   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Helen joined us three years ago to share how to attract 70% more diverse talent by leveraging DEI - diversity, equity and inclusion. This time, she returns as a special guest to share an amazing feat - the platform she co-founded, Diversely.io, has just been recently acquired. This means more sourcing and recruitment firms can now access the platform, meaning more recruiters and sourcing firms can embed DEI in their hiring process. What fascinates me more is Helen's strategies and lessons learned from exiting Diversely.io. She shared strategies and things she would have done differently, which I am sure many of us will also learn from. Overall, Helen believes that the key to success is following a purpose-driven business model. Helen McGuire is an exited founder, author, advisor, mother, podcast host and DEI changemaker.  Helen is a leading figure in DEI and business strategy and is renowned for her impactful initiatives. She founded Hopscotch. work, the first women's careers platform in the Middle East and Asia, and her journey led to the creation of Diversely.io, a groundbreaking AI platform acquired by The Access Group in 2023.   As the host of The D&Igest podcast and author of the upcoming book  'The Female Scale', Helen's expertise extends to coaching female founders and advocating for purposeful businesses globally.    Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:50] Helen shares updates on Diversely.io's acquisition by the Access Group. [08:54] What barriers do entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds face when starting a business? [13:00] Encouraging more women to take the entrepreneurial leap. [17:33] Walkthrough on Diversely.io's exit process and how a purpose-driven business model made it happen. [30:00] Things that Helen would have done differently when undergoing acquisition. [38:31] Teaser on Helen's new book, The Female Scale.   Embedding DEI Into the Business Strategy   Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical in the hiring process. This is essential because it is the right thing to do and a strategic business decision that can lead to more innovative and successful organizations.   I had Helen as a guest three years ago, and I am fascinated by her current position on championing DEI in the recruitment industry. She is a great example of an astounding business leader who advocates equity and opportunity for lesser-represented groups.  As a female founder, you will hear insightful perspectives on how underrepresentation affects certain groups and how to empower more women to launch their own businesses.   She is about to finish a new book, The Female Scale, which will provide insights on this issue. “It's not written specifically for women, but it's written with a very female lens. You know, the challenges that you encounter as a woman setting up a business, and there are, you know, so many female-led businesses, startups, smaller businesses out there.”   In this episode, Helen shared an astounding feat: They could exit Diversely.io, an end-to-end hiring platform that uses tech to reduce bias in businesses' hiring processes. By being acquired, she believes this platform will be more accessible to a much larger audience of sourcing and recruitment firms.   Learnings on Being Acquired and Exit Strategies   As a business owner, you may relate with me if you are also fascinated with stories of how exits and acquisitions work. I wanted Helen to walk me through what was involved in their acquisition process. She shared detailed stories of how it started, what was expected, and what happened. She also shared curve balls and how their expertise and networks played major roles in making the exit happen.   In hindsight, here are some learnings that Helen shared if you ever plan to exit or scale your business:   Be more prepared for the level of due diligence you must go through. Be well-organized: ensuring all relevant agreements and data sheets are in one place. Invest in good lawyers and accountants - they are absolute lifesavers.   What resonated with me the most was Helen's idea of the exit. It has always been purpose-driven.   “And you have to kind of, so when you're thinking about selling your business, it's not just about what I need from it as a dollar value. What can I also achieve off the back of that? What does that give me as a founder, as someone who's going on this journey?”   Building a Purpose-Driven Business Model   Building a business, especially focusing on recruiting and sourcing, is not always profit-focused. The vision and mission statements need to be clear, as the impact we can have on people can be life-changing.    This aligns with what Helen believes when creating a purpose-driven business model. This is how she described it:    “And it wasn't all about the dollar value. I think when you set up a purpose-driven business, it's very important to keep profit and profitability in mind because it's hard to create impact without that. It's not sustainable as a business or as an idea. But equally, you've got to balance it with, you know, what am I doing here to solve this problem, and how can I solve this problem? And we would have taken another god knows how many years to try and get to the scale that…”   When Helen co-founded Diversely.io, it was to solve her own frustrations as a female in a male-dominated industry. Her purpose was clear from the start - to help women and under-represented groups gain fair opportunities. This purpose-driven business model contributes well to her current successes and future aspirations.   Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   Helen McGuire Bio and Contact Info   Founded the first women's careers platform in the Middle East and Asia—Hopscotch.work—in  2015, Helen has won numerous industry awards for her work and led part of UN Women's efforts to increase gender representation in the UAE.    To scale the impact of her mission beyond gender, Helen joined the tech start-up accelerator Antler in January 2020 with a vision to conquer the issues around DEI in the workplace through the use of technology.  Diversely.io was that solution; a multi-awarded global AI-driven platform built alongside her co-founder,  Hayley Bakker, and with the support of industry investors over four years. One of the world's leading software companies, The Access Group, acquired the platform for an undisclosed amount in 2023 and continues to be integrated across its portfolio.    As host of The D&Igest podcast, Helen now utilises her formidable communications skills to give those who are making a difference in the global DEI space a voice. Professionally, she focuses on ensuring DEI is at the forefront of business strategy and coaches female founders on holistic business strategy. Her first book - ‘The Female Scale' - is due in 2024, and she speaks and advises globally on the topic of DEI and creating purposeful businesses.    A communications professional of twenty years, Helen began her career in London, achieving her dream  role at BBC Radio 1 in her early twenties, going on to produce, DJ and present for the music industry in over    Helen on LinkedIn The D&Igest Podcast link   People and Resources Mentioned   The Access Group website link  Justin McGuire on LinkedIn   Related Podcast You Might Enjoy   TRR#57 Diversity as a Differentiator – How Recruiters Can Attract 70% More Diverse Talent, with Helen McGuire   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Measuring your company's economic influence drives self-motivation and is a powerful tool for marketing and business development. Jennifer Meyer of Govig Executive Search joins us in this episode to give insight on using specific metrics to measure your economic impact and how you can communicate it with potential clients.   Jen has a lifetime cash-in of $20M over her 26 years in the industry. She's the SVP of Strategic Partnerships at Govig & Associates, where she's at the helm of business development. She leads the overall team of 27 recruiters, actively front-facing with clients and playing a significant role in surpassing $14M in results.   Jen's recruitment efforts have been vital in assisting small to mid-size firms, particularly those under private equity, to double in size. Jen's placements have contributed to an economic impact exceeding $1B.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [01:51] Jen's start in the recruitment industry as a college intern. [10:09] Differentiating techniques in communication and business development. [19:06] “Speak to them in their language” [28:02] Training your team to apply the TSI (Targeted Sales Information) approach. [40:00] How to quantify your economic impact. [50:41] A boutique recruitment firm's differentiators against the bigger organizations. [54:53] Discussion on team development strategies. [59:18] Jen's take on work and life harmony.   Quantifying the Economic Impact of Your Recruitment Business   Measuring your company's economic impact can be significantly beneficial for at least two reasons. The first one is self-motivation; knowing how you contribute to the broader economy can positively impact and fulfill. The second one is on the marketing and business development side. It can help potential clients understand the bigger value you will bring to their organization.    Jen shared how she is able to track her placement's economic contribution using specific metrics. Her placements overall have contributed to more than $1B in economic impact. She shared their formula: “We always talk about the size of our billings or our business in relation to what were invoicing or what our split was in relation to cash in. But we really should be talking about the salaries of the people that we place, you know, if you were going to relate it that way…Yeah, it does go beyond that, though, where you are at the, you know, again, at the basic level, you are affecting the person, and you're affecting the hiring manager. So that could be a times two, right?”   Here is a takeaway: Start trying to calculate the individual impact you're having in the world, particularly the positive impact you're having for your clients, and try to quantify that. If you have the appetite, even go back in history and try to work it out. But even just starting right now, try and figure out what difference you're making because that's really motivating!   Differentiating in the Business Development Side   A key topic I wanted to discuss with Jen is how she is able to differentiate, especially on the client acquisition and business development side of things. Jen has always been consistently recognized as a top performer in her career. I wanted to pick her brains on her approach when it comes to communicating with potential leads and candidates, and she surely did not disappoint. Jen revealed specific tips and verbiage that you may want also to use. Here are some key takeaways:   Focus on authenticity and listening more by asking curious questions. Avoid typical questions like “Can I help you?” or “How are you doing?” Use power phrases such as “Are you in a place where you can talk confidentially?” or “I've only got a minute” instead of “Have you got a minute?” The effective use of body language.   She explained, “Whether you're 30 minutes into the business or you're 30 years into the business, everybody is saying the same thing and overcoming objections in the same way. So what can you do that just sounds different? You know what I mean? And I think if you think about it from a perspective of what that person is going to hear based on their world helps you...And so if you speak to them in their language, they get it.”   You will also hear Jen's insights on developing her team to elevate their levels on the business development side, which is quite similar to the TSI (Targeted Sales Information) approach.   Team Development Strategies as a Billing Manager   A billing manager is a critical and challenging role in a recruitment firm. The role entails ensuring individual profitability while leading your team to do the same. Jen has been passionate about mentoring and developing her people, so I wanted to hear her methods in helping her team be successful. Jen elaborated on the following topics:   Consistent deskside training. Real-time feedback and call reviews. The importance of teaching structure. Listening for opportunities in candidate interviews. Using a checklist.   Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   Jennifer Meyer Bio and Contact Info   Over the past 26 years, Jen has been a guiding force, significantly influencing numerous organizations and professionals. She has generated over $20M in cumulative cash-in, contributing to an economic impact exceeding $1B. This remarkable achievement includes the highest fee, which is over $300k. Currently serving as the SVP of Strategic Partnerships at Govig & Associates, Jen plays a crucial role in propelling the company forward. She's at the helm of business development and leads the overall team of 27 recruiters, actively front-facing with clients and playing a significant role in surpassing $14M in results.   Jen's professional journey began with a 6-year tenure at an MRI office, where she consistently ranked in the top 10% among approximately 5000 recruiters at that time. She then co-founded North Coast ExecuSearch, Inc., where she served as a billing manager for 14 years, maintaining a position in the top 50 out of 750 offices worldwide. Jen's recruitment efforts have been vital in assisting small to mid-size firms, particularly those under private equity, to not only meet but also exceed their growth objectives, with several doubling in size and achieving revenues over $1 billion.   Jen's work ethic is not driven by the desire for accolades but by a deep-seated passion for mentorship and forging lasting relationships. She believes in the collective improvement of the industry, emphasizing the importance of recognizing recruiters as valuable consultants and ensuring they are compensated fairly for their expertise. Her remarkable career is enhanced with numerous accolades, including her 24-time recognition as a "Pacesetter" Award Winner, her induction into the Hall of Fame and The Ring of Honor within the MRINetwork, and receiving the prestigious Alan R. Schonberg Lifetime Achievement Award for her revenue contributions and character and her acceptance to the Pinnacle Society over a year ago.  Not to mention she is very active in a commitment to community service, most recently acting as the President of the MRINetwork Charitable Foundation, where she led the board to raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children.   As Jennifer shares her insights, her quiet confidence, impressive achievements, and unwavering dedication to talent development serve as a powerful reminder of the influence we can all have in shaping the futures of many.   Jen on LinkedIn Govig Executive Search website link Govig on Facebook   People and Resources Mentioned   Katherine Jerald on LinkedIn Brent Orsuga on LinkedIn Crelate   Related Podcast You Might Enjoy   TRR#178 Top Producing Recruiter Reveals How to Win and Develop Key Accounts, with Katherine Jerald TRR#218 How Grit and Determination Fueled a $2M Recruitment Firm's Success, with Brent Orsuga   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

Starting a recruitment business from scratch demands dedication, planning, and an aggressive approach to networking and client acquisition. You will also need a massive differentiator - and our special guest in this episode shared his approach to how he grew his search firm to more than $2M from scratch!    We are joined by Brent Orsuga. In this episode, Brent highlighted the importance of deep client relationships, strategic matchmaking, and staying motivated by setting high goals and continuously driving growth.   Brent Orsuga is the Founder of Pinnacle Growth Advisors, a headhunting and talent advisory firm solely dedicated to the Supply Chain and Logistics industry.  Brent comes from 22 years of recruiting and 15 solely in Logistics. Brent helps companies, from startups to Billion-dollar companies, find the best people possible. Pinnacle Growth Advisors has won numerous awards over the past 10 years, including the INC 5000 fastest-growing companies.    Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:09] How Brent got into recruiting 22 years ago. [04:48] Why does Brent consider himself a Talent Advisor rather than a Recruiter? [08:43] How to “know the best seat in the house” - understanding your client via face-to-face visits. [16:04] Brent's story of building networks of relationships when he was only starting in the business. [24:57] Mindset and Motivation: How having a chip on your shoulder pushes Brent forward. [30:48] Daily routine discussion - Why Brent wakes up at 3:30 am to start his day [37:00] Brent shares insights on the outputs and inputs that matter. [40:33] How Brent used visualization techniques to lead his company to the Inc. 5000. [46:30] The reason behind Brent's passion for Supply Chain and Logistics. [51:49] Brent shares excellent advice on not spreading yourself too thin and other success factors. How Brent Started from Zero and Won the Confidence of Clients   Brent shared a fascinating story of how he got into the recruitment business and started his firm with no plan B or option of failing. He was initially a candidate who transitioned to becoming a recruiter, and making the most of his training eventually led him to be a successful search firm founder. As much as his origin story can be relatable to many recruiters who aspire to become business owners, one key topic that will resonate with many of our listeners is building relationships.  Brent strongly believes that building relationships is one of their business priorities. One of the biggest challenges he had to overcome was starting from zero and having no clients, candidates, or relationships to leverage. How he figured it out can be summarized on the following pointers: Performance / Numbers - “The best testimonial is results.” Brent emphasized how results speak for themselves. “Go up the elevator and pay your dues.” Brent elaborated on his analogy of how showing results leads to more confidence. Mindset and Grit—His desire to win and his inspiration from his wife and kid pushed him to deliver results, eventually creating more business relationships.   Applying the Talent Advisor Approach as a Recruiter   On the topic of being a partner rather than a vendor, Brent shared insightful ways in which he is able to build relationships with clients and candidates. “One of the biggest pet peeves that I have in recruiting is I feel like a lot of people are selling or pitching without knowing enough about the person or the company,” he explained.   Brent places high value on knowing clients and candidates on a deep level. He recommends visiting client offices in person to understand the layout, environment, and how the workplace generally feels. In his analogy, you can only describe how great a restaurant is after eating there. In his words, “So it allows me to come from a completely different lens and angle so that when I'm putting you in front of a company, it's not random, it's strategic.”   This approach enables him to be a talent advisor rather than a generic recruitment firm. It gives him the advantage of painting a really clear picture of what his candidates are walking into, which is a massive separator from his competitors.   Mindset and Grit - Brent Shares His Key to Success   Overall, what really fascinates me in this conversation with Brent is his grit, mindset, and daily routines. He has a very competitive mindset—to the point where he is even able to use a chip on his shoulder as a driver for success. He wakes up every day at 3:30 a.m., goes to the gym at 4, prepares breakfast for his kids at 6, and goes to the office at 7!   To start his day, he would listen to a 13-minute clip by Les Brown:”What I'm doing is I'm getting my mindset into a very positive motivated state. Intentionally. This is not random.” He then shared how his days look when it comes to making every day intentional and purposeful.   Brent also shared how he measures inputs and outputs, how he leads his team, and what culture he fosters for Pinnacle Growth. His consistent actions led to remarkable milestones for his firm, including being included in INC 5000's Fastest Growing Companies.   Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   Brent Orsuga Bio and Contact Info   Brent is the Founder of Pinnacle Growth Advisors, a headhunting and talent advisory firm solely dedicated to the Supply Chain and Logistics industry. Brent comes from 22 years of recruiting and 15 solely in the Logistics space. Brent helps companies from startups to Billion dollar companies find the best people possible.  Pinnacle Growth Advisors has won numerous awards over the past 10 years including the INC 5000 for fastest growing companies.   Brent on LinkedIn Pinnacle Growth Advisors website link Pinnacle Growth on Facebook Pinnacle Growth on Instagram   People and Resources Mentioned   Jeremy Jenson on LinkedIn   Related Podcast You Might Enjoy   TRR#217 How to Elevate Your Recruitment Firm to $12M with Effective Lead Generation, with Jeremy Jenson   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Top-of-the-funnel lead-generation activities are a critical ingredient for a successful recruitment business. How do you strategize your lead generation to stand out in this age where all your competitors are probably doing the same thing you are doing?  We are really lucky to be joined in this episode by Jeremy Jensen, the founder and CEO of Encore Search Partners, the largest privately owned executive search firm based in Houston, Texas. Before starting his recruitment firm, Jeremy used to run a lead generation company for different businesses such as recruitment and search firms. You will hear Jeremy's insights and strategy on lead generation activities and how he transitioned into becoming the recruitment business owner of a $12M search firm.  Episode Outline and Highlights [01:50] How Jeremy got into recruiting. [05:36] Business milestones - Overcoming adversity, rebranding, and hiring someone with more technical expertise. [13:02] Why recruitment business owners should hire and do things with others. [25:49] How EOS (Entrepreneur Operating System) can impact your business. [35:25] Jeremy's insights on Lead Generation as a core strength. [45:10] Encore Search's seven core values. [53:38] What made Encore Search win Best Place to Work in the Houston Business Journal?   From a Lead Generation Firm to a Recruitment Business - Jeremy's Story   Jeremy's story on what led him to the recruitment industry is fascinating. He started a lead generation company in 2010 - and upon realizing that more than half of his client base was sourcing and staffing businesses, he transitioned into putting up his recruitment business. His claim to fame was in lead generation, where he was the main lead generator, regularly feeding senior recruiters with leads.    His business grew and was billing a million in the third year when market and economic difficulty struck. He had to make a pivotal decision whether to shut his business and be a full-time employee or to keep on going. You will hear how his decision to stay in business paid off, and how implementing strategies to go national and hiring other senior leaders contributed to their growth.    I think many of our listeners can relate to what Jeremy went through. Starting your own recruitment business is not easy - you can get to the point where you are making 100k to zero in a month. Jeremy's inspiring thought process and decision-making can inspire our recruitment firm owners who are going through the same ordeal.   The Pillars of Lead Generation   Jeremy's transition from a lead-generation specialist to a recruitment business owner shows us the critical role of top-of-the-funnel lead-generation activities in business success. He shared insights on what makes lead generation his key strength. Here are the two pillars:   Content - he emphasized the importance of proper story-telling. “Because if you can induce an emotion from your audience, that creates resonance. I don't think that our audience wants to see five tips on how to make your resume more marketable.” Email Marketing - he shared why it is important to utilize new tools and platforms to reach as many as possible. “And so we try to constantly look for new, innovative ways to steal market share.”   Digital Marketing - Hiring a digital marketing coordinator to enhance brand loyalty and utilizing various platforms can significantly increase community engagement and brand building.   Having Structure in Place Means Sustainable Growth   Jeremy is a subject matter expert on EOS - Entrepreneurial Operating System. We discussed how a clear and consistent structure contributed to their business growth. He also touched upon the value of embedding core values to overcome big challenges they had to face by the time their business was growing.    He shared how excellence, resilience, gratitude, professionalism, coachable attitude, meticulousness, and competitiveness are deeply ingrained in daily operations, fostering culture through practices like core value spotlights during meetings. He also talked about transparency, and how it made their company a Best Place to Work award recipient in the Houston Business Journal.    Our Sponsor   This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro    i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained.   Jeremy Jensen Bio and Contact Info   Jeremy Jenson is the Founder & CEO of Encore Search Partners. Jeremy is a subject matter expert on The Entrepreneurial Operating System and prides himself on building Houston's largest privately-held Executive Search firm on the back of his seven Core Values: Excellence, Resilience, Gratitude, Professionalism, Coachable, Meticulous, and Competitive. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends & his 3 sons. He is also a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization, a global co-op of over 17,000 entrepreneurs, worldwide.   Jeremy on LinkedIn Encore Search Partners website link Jeremy on Instagram Path to Success podcast link   People and Resources Mentioned   Who Not How, by Dan Sullivan Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman Rocket Fuel, by Gino Wickman   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

Being a high biller requires a combination of hard work, skills, and strategies. But what does it really take? My special guest, David Bradley, is a 29-year veteran who averaged $750k in annual billings his entire career! In this episode, David shares the strategies and mindset that make him a very effective recruiter! On top of that, David also manages high-volume accounts with a team of 60 headhunters. If you are a recruitment leader like David, you will find insightful takes on how he manages KPIs and how they drive a culture that is geared towards performance. In 2009, David helped start Movement. He is a partner with Movement and has been an instrumental part in helping the firm grow from 3 to 65 plus headhunters over the past 14 years. Movement has 5 brick and mortar offices across the United States. Episode Outline and Highlights [02:29] How David got into the recruiting business. [07:14] Top recruiter secrets & grinding on a 10-5-2 formula. [10:32] Structuring daily activities & time management best practices. [17:52] You need to get three critical pieces of information when speaking with a candidate. [24:26] The foundation of what makes David a successful recruiter. [26:50] Movement's culture and mission. [34:30] Striking the balance when managing your team's KPI. [37:40] Retaining the momentum in 2024 - key to continuous growth and eight-figure billings. [45:20] How Movement's owners play different roles? [52:29] David's future growth plans.   What it Takes to Be a Top Recruiter What does it take to become a top recruiter? It certainly involves grind and hard work. David's 29-year experience provides him with a credible perspective on what it takes to be successful. This also gives him an advantage as a recruitment leader - his capabilities are a testament to how his team has been performing. Below are the critical topics that David and I discussed:   10-5-2 Formula Being cognizant of your time Planning ahead of your phone time Mindset   If you are listening, as a recruiter or recruitment leader, David's insights are inspiring!   The Foundation of Being a Successful Recruiter   Being consistently successful in a long time requires more than hard work. There is something else and David generously shared his secret sauce:   “So I think having that gratitude, understanding that we get to talk to people for a living and have just an incredible life, incredible income opportunity, incredible balance, we can manage our life any way we want it… And I think that fuels getting up in the morning and saying, you know what? This is gonna be another great day. It's gonna be a great year. It's gonna be a great month. Well, if it's not been a great month, next month's gonna be great. So having that sort of mindset, I think, is really, and factor a lot of fun into this.”   This fantastic mindset is an invisible but highly influential factor that determines your success as a recruiter or recruitment business owner. Possessing a positive mindset enables us to navigate the favorable and unfavorable changes we encounter with resilience.   The Keys to Continuous Growth and Eight-Figure BIllings   David shares how Movement produced $20M in billings around 2022-23. It was a great year for them post-Covid, and the systems and frameworks they had at the time enabled them to retain the momentum even when things appear to slow down in 2024. I wanted to pick David's brains on the culture and systems they have in place, given that not many recruiting firms get above 8 figures.    My takeaway is how they emphasise creating and enabling a culture geared towards high performance.  They have annual trips for the top 10% of producers, on top of regular social activities and loyalty bonus programs. They also have annual meetings where they fly everyone in, including their staff's spouses. Doing so contributes to relationship-building and as David said, “an essential part of the culture.”   David also discussed their profit-sharing scheme. What I also loved was his insights on managing KPIs while not micromanaging everything. Our Sponsor This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro  i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Their technology and methodology allow recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees, and increase their billings. Their software combined with world-class training enables you to transition from transactional, contingency recruiter to consultative, retained recruiter. Instead of being perceived as a “me too” vendor, you'll be positioned as a “me only” solutions provider. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: https://recruitmentcoach.com/retained   David Bradley Bio and Contact Info   David is a 29-year veteran of the headhunting business. David stumbled into the business in 1995 when he was working with a headhunter to help him find a sales job. The tables got turned and David actually got hired as a headhunter. He spent the next 16 years working for Spherion. He enjoyed success right from the beginning. He billed $175K in year 1 and the following year billed close to $400K and he never looked back from there.   In 2009, he left Spherion (later known as Ranstad) to help start Movement. He is a partner with Movement and has been an instrumental part in helping the firm grow from 3 to 65 plus headhunters over the past 14 years. Movement has 5 brick and mortar offices across the United States.   * He has been a leading producer at Movement with 750+ placements since 2009 with the most placements in the firm's history (Personal billings of $1.3M in 2023, $1.1M in 2022, and averaged $750K+ in billings throughout his career) * He manages high-volume accounts with a team of 60 headhunters * He has helped mentor aspiring headhunters into the business. * He has completed over 2500 placements throughout his career. * Member of Pinnacle Society since 2023. * David holds an MBA from Franciscan University.   David has been married to his lovely wife for 32 years and has 5 grown children (ages 17 to 31) He is an avid hockey player and resides with his family in Clarkston, MI.   David on LinkedIn David on Facebook David on X (Twitter) @jdavidbradley David on YouTube Movement Search website link   People and Resources Mentioned   Pinnacle Society website link   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter   If you've been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.