Business Development Episodes

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, join hosts Somer Hackley and Benjamin Mena as they explore "The Power of Empathy and Relationships in Launching an Executive Search Firm" with Somer's inspiring journey. Listen in as Somer reveals the intense pressures and health challenges she faced while working in recruitment, which led her to transition to working independently. Discover how she built successful partnerships, self-published a transformative book, and leveraged personal networking to launch her own executive search firm. From her early days in contingency search to the sophisticated world of executive recruitment, Somer shares invaluable lessons on adaptability, empathy, and the power of genuine relationships. She discusses her hands-on approach to client interactions, the significance of maintaining long-term connections, and how listening and curiosity can lead to business success. Plus, gain insights into the effective tools and strategies she swears…

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have an exceptionally talented guest with us—Chris Schwenk. In this episode, we delve deep into the art of content creation within the recruiting industry. Chris emphasizes the power of building niche relationships, leveraging AI tools like Video AI, and maintaining high-quality content to attract and secure branded deals. Together, we explore the unpredictability of content creation, the importance of urgency and efficiency, and the invaluable insights Chris has gained from his extensive experience in the field. You'll hear about Chris's journey from posting financial content for job seekers to successfully monetizing his industry-focused podcast. We'll also discuss the practical tech tools he uses, the influence of motivational quotes, and his strategies for client outreach. Whether you're a new recruiter or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable tips a…

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have a spectacular episode lined up for you. Joining us is the insightful and experienced Mike Ames, a returning guest who will guide us on how to find and retain your apex clients—those top-tier clients who contribute significantly to your revenue. In this episode, we delve into a plethora of valuable insights. Mike emphasizes the importance of aligning mission, values, and culture in recruitment, taking a leaf out of Steve Jobs' book. He also discusses the critical transition from a recruiter mindset to that of a business owner, focusing on strategic rather than tactical business development. You'll hear about the powerful “Dream 100” strategy for targeting high-value clients, the impactful Ada approach to conversations, and the importance of both quality and personalized recruitment solutions. Mike also recommends reading "Deep Work" by Cal Newport to boost focus and pr…

Welcome to another exciting episode of **The Elite Recruiter Podcast**! I'm your host James Dyson, and today we're diving deep into the world of cleared recruiting with my co-host, Benjamin Mena. In this episode, we uncover the secrets to attracting and retaining top talent in the Govcon space, focusing on why being mission-driven and displaying clear value is crucial for organizations. We also discuss the unique benefits that set companies apart, the importance of vetting potential employers for job stability, and why clear, upfront communication from recruiters is essential in this highly competitive field. We'll explore innovative strategies like leveraging AI tools and building a personal network to find highly cleared professionals, whose unique security clearances make them exceptionally sought-after. Stay tuned as Benjamin and I share insights on how to navigate the complexities of government contracting, the impact of job instability due to contract rebids, and tips for …

Join us for an insightful episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast as we sit down with the exceptional Dandan Zhu, a revered name in agency recruitment. With a career that began in the competitive UK market and soared to remarkable heights in the US, Dandan brings a unique perspective on the nuances of the industry. From discussing the intense work ethic instilled by her family to sharing her "seven seven seven" rule for success, Dandan dives deep into the strategies that propelled her to the top. Exploring the differences in recruitment business models and compensation plans, she offers a candid look at the challenges and rewards of the field. As she emphasizes the value of human interaction over technology in recruiting, Dandan's insights on personal development and career choices are truly enlightening. For practical advice on navigating the agency recruitment world and insights into building a successful career, tune in to this engaging episode with Dandan Zhu on The Elite Recruiter…

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of **The Elite Recruiter Podcast**! Today, we're diving deep into the world of recruiting with a special episode titled, "Grow, Build, and Scale Your Recruiting Firm," featuring our distinguished guest, Jonathan Bartos. Join host Benjamin Mena as he and Jonathan Bartos explore the evolving roles in the recruiting industry, emphasizing the critical importance of appointment setters and their contributions to professionalizing the sales process. Jonathan delves into his unique approach to understanding client needs and addressing gaps in hiring processes, offering valuable insights on delegating tasks, setting expectations, and the importance of coaching and continuous learning for both new and seasoned recruiters. In this episode, discover how the right metrics, tools, and business development activities can significantly boost your recruiting firm's effectiveness and revenue. Jonathan also shares practical tips on managing and training o…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we dive deep into the secrets of staffing sales with none other than Neil Lebovits, the founder of Boss, who joins us to unravel the challenge of mastering staffing sales without the hurdle of cash flow constraints. Today, we'll learn how Neil transitioned from a CPA to a powerhouse in the recruiting world, focusing on the transformative role of temp staffing in the industry. Get ready as Neil shares his unique back office staffing solutions, freeing you from financial burdens by handling payrolling and automating the process. Hosts Neil Lebovits and Benjamin Mena discuss strategies to stand out in the competitive recruiting business, leveraging technology, and tapping into multiple revenue streams to maximize your agency's potential. Neil advises on selling both permanent and temporary staffing solutions, crafting separate, temporary job order negotiations, and the importance of not compromising service quality fo…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where each episode is a new journey into the strategies that make recruitment a transformative career. I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today, we're delving deep into the nuances of recruitment relationships and brand-building in the medical industry. Joining me is a master of the craft, Kevin Kirkpatrick, whose journey from a call center recruiter to a sought-after name in medical and tech recruiting is nothing short of inspiring. Kevin shakes up conventional practices, emphasizing the importance of over-communication and the power of relationships—not just in recruitment but across all professional interactions. In this episode, “Mastering Recruitment Relationships with Kevin Kirkpatrick,” we explore Kevin's transition into the medical field, his strategies for nurturing long-term relationships, and how a mix of patience and expertise paved the way for his successful career shifts within healthcare. Kevin is also pulling back the cur…

Are you a recruiter navigating the murky world of taxes, unsure how you can maximize your savings and invest smartly? Get the insider scoop on tax strategies that could revolutionize your finance game! Taxes can feel like a labyrinth, especially when your focus is on recruiting top talent and growing your business. Understanding the tax impact on your income, investments, and lifestyle is not just beneficial—it's essential. This episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast is your torch in the tax la...

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we delve into the fast-paced world of recruitment and staffing. I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we're thrilled to have Jason Bivins, president of Great Hire, join us to unravel the complexities of growing a successful staffing agency. In this episode, titled "Staffing Simplified: From the Kitchen Table to Inc. 5000 with Jason Bivins," we'll learn how Jason's serendipitous detour from the mortgage industry to recruiting led him to co-found a business that not only hit the Inc. 5000 list twice but also weathered the storm of the pandemic. Jason will reveal his journey from managing bank teams to starting his own staffing endeavor, the challenges along the way, and the pivotal role his friend and business partner played during their first year. We'll also uncover the nitty-gritty of business operations, from the significance of receivables partners to the simplicity of staffing industry entry, as well as the financial structu…

In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Louise Archer, the founder of a leading retained search firm. She's here to peel back the curtain on the secrets of retained search and share with us how embracing this approach can transform your recruiting business. Louise will recount her personal journey in the recruiting world, a path seemingly destined by family ties, and will enlighten us on what retained search really means—a financial commitment from the client paving the way for a more substantial and discerning search process. We'll delve into why retained search isn't just for executive positions and how it can elevate the work of boutique agencies. She'll explain the significant impact of carrying out a retained search, detailing the stages of payment, the challenges of various models, and the undeniable benefits of forging deeper client and candidate relationships. Moreover, we'll touch upon the wisdom Louise has gained throughout her career: the value of being au…

Welcome back to another episode of "The Elite Recruiter Podcast." I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we’re diving into a critical aspect of the recruiting industry – productivity. We are joined by a special guest, Brad Wolff, a seasoned recruiter with a background in accounting and sales, who has made his mark not just on the recruiting front but also as a coach and advisor to recruiting firms. Brad is here to share his insights on how to bolster recruiter productivity, take on the emotional rollercoaster of the industry, and stay focused despite constant distractions. From emotional resilience to the pitfalls of social media addiction, we’ll be exploring the strategies that keep top billers ahead of the game. Get ready to unpack the myths of constant accessibility, the impact of brain science on productivity, and the importance of developing powerful habits. Brad will give us a peek into adapting, learning, and renewing the processes that drive success in this ever-evolvin…

Welcome to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we dive into the triumphs and tribulations of the recruitment world. I’m your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we have a powerhouse episode for all aspiring agency owners out there. Get ready for some incredible insights as we sit down with Diane Prince, a legend in recruiting and staffing who transformed her expertise into a staggering $28 million exit in just six years. With over three decades of experience, Diane knows a thing or two about scaling a business, and she's here to share her wealth of knowledge. From humble beginnings and strategic choices like temp staffing to navigating the world of factoring and acquisition, Diane's journey is one to marvel at. She'll be shedding light on the critical importance of good management, building an exceptional team, and the relentless pursuit of recurring revenue. From labor during a business call to scaling and selling a company, Diane's personal anecdotes are as inv…

In this episode, "Mastering the Long Game: Deep Dive into Relationship-Driven Recruiting," I'm thrilled to have a conversation with a titan in the field, Brandon Glyck, CEO of Quantum Search Partners. Brandon will open up about his inspiring journey in recruiting—a path that began with influences from his father and evolved into leading a firm that partners with Fortune 500 companies. We're going to unpack the profound importance of building long-term relationships with both candidates and clients, and how it's been a cornerstone of his success. We'll delve into Brandon's initial reluctance to cold calling and his eventual recognition of its value when paired with a genuine relationship-driven approach. Plus, we're going to touch on the role of feedback, the satisfying impact of aiding others in their career pursuits, and the skills necessary to become a truly elite recruiter. Brandon will share invaluable advice for up-and-coming recruiters, emphasizing patience, the develop…

Welcome back to another empowering episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! I'm your host, Benjamin Mena, and today we dive into the intricate world of building high-performance teams with the exceptional Mike Lejeune. In this enlightening conversation, Mike shares the significance of resilience, clarity in leadership, and company culture in scouting and nurturing top-tier talent. He recounts captivating personal stories, including the challenging digitization of a top producer's workflow to enhance scalability. Mike also pulls back the curtain on the leadership books that shape his philosophy, such as Max Dupree's "Leadership is an Art" and David Schwartz's "The Magic of Thinking Big", shedding light on how effective leadership is about creating an environment where people are inspired to follow. For Mike, the essence of success is faith, recognizing purpose, and the growth that stems from embracing discomfort—even sharing how personal challenges have reshaped his outlook. With an u…

Benjamin Mena: Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we unlock the secrets of the recruiting world and help you become the master of your craft. In this episode, titled "Mastering Government Contracts: Recruiting Secrets by Kim Henderson," we're diving deep into the lucrative and intricate realm of government contracting recruitment. For those on the hunt for state or federal contracts or looking to scale their staffing agencies, our guest Kim Henderson, a seasoned expert from Cobalt Compass Solutions, is here to guide you through this terrain. Kim will share her experiences in navigating government contracts, from the relative simplicity of securing state agreements in Florida and Virginia to the complexities of federal work. She’s a testament to the power of networking, strategic partnerships, and the importance of local and state contracts as stepping stones to federal success. Stay tuned as Kim unpacks the essential strategies for building relationships in gover…

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena welcomes guest Krista Tan to discuss "The Power of Community in Recruiting." Krista shares her experience at Premier, emphasizing the value of building strong relationships with colleagues and how this community contributed to her learning and psychological safety. She also explains the purpose of Talent Collective, a group for women in recruiting, offering professional development and community building opportunities. The episode covers the importance of such communities in personal and professional growth, including their impact on the evolving world of recruiting. Additionally, Krista delves into the concept of fractional recruiting and its potential significance in the industry, providing valuable insights for both experienced and new recruiters. Join in as they explore the benefits of community in the recruiting realm and gain valuable advice for career growth in the industry.

🎙️ Welcome back to The Elite Recruiter Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of winning in the recruiting game. In today's episode, "Mastering Sales for Recruiters: Insights from Keely Flood," our host, Benjamin Mena, is joined by the exceptional Keely Flood, founder of The Honest Salesperson. Together, they unearth invaluable strategies and tactics for recruiters to excel in the challenging realm of sales and business development. Keely Flood shares her journey, starting in the recruiting industry and navigating the transition into sales, where she emerged as a top producer despite initial obstacles. With a focus on building brand new territories and embracing the power of structure and systems, Keely has paved a path to success and now brings her expertise to our listeners. Tune in as Keely delves into her tips on setting up sales processes, the significance of having a structured approach to success, and the pivotal role of mentorship in her career. From the practical use of…

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In today's episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Madison Loomis, who transitioned from corporate recruiting to launching her own successful recruitment firm. Join your host, Benjamin Mena, as he uncovers Madison's road to independence and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. From surviving layoffs to building a thriving business, Madison shares her insights on relationship-driven recruitment, mentorship, and the importance of staying true to personal values. Get ready to be inspired and gain valuable tips for your own career journey as we explore the road to independence with Madison Loomis.

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, host Benjamin Mena dives into the fascinating topic of pricing to win in recruitment with special guest Jon Brooks. As a pricing expert and founder of a niche pricing consultancy, Jon shares valuable insights on understanding and promoting the value of recruiting services, finding a niche, and confidently asserting pricing to avoid devaluing expertise. They discuss different pricing models, the importance of differentiation, and the pros and cons of contingent and retained recruitment. Get ready to gain a fresh perspective on pricing strategies that can help recruiters stand out and win in the industry.

Welcome to The Elite Recruiter Podcast! In this episode, our host, Benjamin Mena, sits down with the amazing Justin Wade to discuss how to upgrade from recruiter to business partner. With a wealth of experience and insights, Justin shares his journey in the recruiting industry, evolving from a recruiter to a true business partner. From the importance of understanding business needs and providing solutions to leveraging technology and storytelling as a superpower, Justin offers invaluable advice for both new and experienced recruiters. Discover how he utilizes tech tools, manages stakeholder relationships, and implements strategic sourcing to enhance the recruiting process. Join us for a deep dive into the world of recruiting and leveling up your career with Justin Wade on The Elite Recruiter Podcast!

On this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, our host Benjamin Mena welcomes Dom Crosson as they discuss the importance of investing in masterminds, groups, and resources to save time and accelerate success in the recruiting world. Dom shares insights from their diverse leadership experience and how it complements their goals and core values. They also delve into the value of serving others, making career shifts, continuous learning, and the impact of AI in the recruiting space. Stay tuned as they announce the launch of the elite recruiter community and exciting upcoming events. Let's dive into this insightful conversation aof The Elite Recruiter Podcast!

In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, join host Benjamin Mena as he welcomes guest speaker Matt Parkin, a branding expert, to discuss how recruiters can increase their brand visibility and easily be found by clients and candidates. They dive into the power of posting content on platforms like LinkedIn and share valuable insights on building a personal brand. Discover the importance of staying top of mind, connecting with relevant people, and creating engaging content. Tune in to learn practical strategies to enhance your social media presence and attract potential job seekers and clients. Get ready to take your recruiting game to the next level with this engaging and informative episode.

Welcome back to another episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast! On today's episode, we have a very special guest, James Aiken, who is going to share his insights on thinking outside of the box for new business. James emphasizes the importance of specializing in a specific niche and geography, allowing for deeper understanding and more effective communication with clients. He also provides valuable tips on building a matrix, prioritizing live conversations, and demonstrating expertise to gain the confidence of prospects. James also shares his journey of becoming an independent recruiter and the positive experience he's had with his business, Frederick Fox. Tune in to learn about James' innovative approach to job advertising, his strategies for success, and the importance of networking and learning from other recruiters. So grab your headphones and get ready for another enlightening episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast!