The Elite Recruiter Podcast

🔥 JOIN THE 30-DAY BD CHALLENGE (KICKS OFF FEB 9TH) 2026 is the year of action. We are launching a 30-day challenge to help you crush your business development goals, build accountability, and implement the strategies from this podcast. Join The Elite Recruiter Community to participate: https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community In 2026, the transactional recruiter is extinct. If your value proposition stops at "I work hard" or "we're like a family," you are invisible in a market flooded with AI, automation, and noise. It’s time to adapt or die.  The era of surface-level recruiting is over. In this episode, we break down the "4 Tiers of Differentiation"—a brutally honest framework to strip away the fluff and uncover the deep, human value that actually wins business. If you want to survive the age of AI, you need to stop acting like a vendor and start operating like a partner who understands the cost of success.  You’ll Learn: The "Adapt or Die" Reality: Why the transactional model has officially collapsed in 2026 and what replaces it. The 4 Tiers of Differentiation: A step-by-step framework to move your candidates and client pitches from generic "Tier 1" definitions to "Tier 4" sacrifices. The "Family" Trap: Why telling clients "we're like a family" is killing your credibility (and the "secret tires" story that actually proves it). The "Cost" Question: The single most powerful question to ask a candidate to reveal if they are truly elite or just rehearsed. The Solopreneur Shift: How to transition from high-volume agency KPIs to a high-value, quality-obsessed desk. About the Guest: Jacob Stripling is a 10-year recruiting veteran, owner of Future State Careers, and the founder of Whole Story Me. After cutting his teeth in the high-volume world of TekSystems, he launched his own firm to focus on deep human connection and recently built a platform designed to showcase the "whole story" of a candidate beyond the resume. Why This Episode Matters: Imagine walking into a client meeting and knowing exactly why you are the only option, not just another vendor in the stack. By applying the Tier 4 mindset, you stop competing on price and speed and start winning on depth, trust, and shared sacrifice. This is how you build a recession-proof desk that thrives while others panic about AI. Stop blending in. Press play to unlock the framework that defines the future of recruiting.  Timestamp Highlights: [00:02:18] Adapt or Die: Why the transactional recruiter will disappear in 2026. [00:05:44] Leaving the "Blue Kool-Aid": Moving from big agency life to the freedom (and pressure) of solopreneurship. [00:16:15] The Resume Illusion: Why elite candidates are failing to get interviews in the modern market. The 4-Tier Framework: Moving from "I love people" (Tier 1) to "What did it cost you?" (Tier 4). [00:22:12] Tier 4 in Action: The candidate who trained their replacement to be their boss. [00:55:07] The Dark Days: How to handle the mental battle when you have zero jobs and zero candidates. Sponsors: 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com   🎯 2026 This is Your Year Recruiter Summit https://this-is-your-year-recruiter-summit.heysummit.com/  💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (all summits, replays, billers club + split space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Tools & Links Section Whole Story Me: https://wholestory.me Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/jXjse-r4i0w Follow Guest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-stripling-bb143594/ Benjamin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

Most recruiting firms never break $10M — not because of the market, but because the leader becomes the bottleneck. If you want to scale past $10M (or $25M) without chaos, burnout, or relying on one rainmaker, this episode is a must-listen.  30 Day BD Challenge Kicks off Feb 9th in the Elite Recruiter Community https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community  2. Why This Episode Matters Scaling a recruiting firm isn’t about working harder — it’s about building the right foundation. In this episode, you’ll learn the exact framework elite recruiting and staffing firms use to grow revenue, develop leaders, and scale sales in volatile markets. If your firm feels stuck at $5–10M, overly dependent on top billers, or constantly firefighting, this episode shows you why — and how to fix it.  3. What You’ll Learn The 4-part framework recruiting firms must master to scale past $10M intentionallyWhy most firms stall between $5M–$10M (and the hidden leadership mistake causing it)The exact reason top billers become dangerous bottlenecks — and how to fix itHow elite firms build repeatable sales systems instead of relying on hero performersThe mindset shift leaders must make to unlock team-wide growthHow to structure accountability so sales behavior actually sticksWhy slowing down strategically helps recruiting firms grow faster 4. About the Guest Shad Tidler is a senior sales consultant at Lucid (Lucian) and has spent over a decade helping recruiting, staffing, and professional services firms scale revenue through leadership, sales systems, and accountability. He works directly with owners and leadership teams navigating the jump from $5M to $25M+. 5. Extended Value Tease Imagine a recruiting firm where growth isn’t dependent on one or two rainmakers. Where leaders aren’t buried in admin. Where sales reps know exactly what to do, why it matters, and are held accountable without micromanagement. This episode shows you how elite firms create structure, clarity, and momentum — and why the best leaders learn to get out of the way. 6. Listen Now CTA If you want to scale your desk, your team, or your entire firm the right way — press play now. This episode will permanently change how you think about growth. 7. Timestamp Highlights 00:02 – The $10M ceiling most recruiting firms never break05:10 – How Shad accidentally entered the recruiting world14:35 – The 4 S’s framework: Strategy, Structure, Staff, Skills24:20 – Why leaders — not recruiters — are the growth bottleneck31:00 – The mindset shift elite firm owners make38:15 – How to plan the jump from $5M to $10M45:05 – Why training fails without accountability51:40 – The danger of relying on 1–2 top billers59:10 – How elite firms build sales systems that scale1:07:00 – What leaders must stop doing to grow faster1:14:30 – The most overlooked reason firms stall out1:20:45 – Why fundamentals beat “new tactics” every time1:28:10 – Shad’s book recommendation and mindset philosophy 8. Sponsors Section 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 9. Summit + Community Section 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community All summits, replays, Billers Club + Split Space https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links Section Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/aSXObS1bXEM Follow Shad Tidler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadtidler/ Host Benjamin Mena: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Benjamin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Most recruiters aren’t underperforming — they’re over-filtering. Chasing “perfect” candidates is quietly costing you deals, speed, and money.  🎧 Tricia Tamkin & Jason Thibeault on Why Perfect Candidates Cost Recruiters Money 1. Episode Hook Chasing “perfect” candidates feels responsible. It’s also the fastest way to kill deals, slow your desk, and lose fees. 2. Why This Episode Matters Most recruiters are unknowingly playing the wrong game. They wait. They hesitate. They protect “standards.” And while they do, other recruiters close the deal. This episode shows how elite recruiters actually think about candidate fit—and how a simple mindset shift can unlock faster placements, higher billings, and more control in an increasingly competitive, AI-driven recruiting market. 3. What You’ll Learn The 70–80% fit rule top billers use to place candidates fasterThe hidden mistake recruiters make when they treat job descriptions as “non-negotiable”The exact way to present an almost-fit candidate without losing credibilityWhy waiting for perfect profiles quietly destroys momentum and time-to-fillThe conversation shift that gets hiring managers to lean in instead of push backWhen submitting a stretch candidate is smart—and when it’s a costly mistakeHow this approach directly increases confidence, revenue, and client trust 4. About the Guests Tricia Tamkin and Jason Thibeault are two of the most respected voices in recruiter training, known for helping recruiters and firm owners break outdated rules, move faster, and consistently close more deals without burning out or playing it safe. 5. Extended Value Tease If your desk feels stuck, slow, or overly dependent on “perfect” candidates showing up—this episode will reset how you recruit. After listening, you’ll stop second-guessing strong candidates, present with conviction, and move faster than competitors who are still waiting for ideal profiles that rarely exist. This is how recruiters separate from the pack and scale their desk with confidence. 6. Listen Now CTA Don’t skip this one. Queue it up now and learn how top recruiters stop waiting—and start closing. 7. Timestamp Highlights [00:01] Why “perfect fit” recruiting quietly costs recruiters money [03:55] The 70–80% rule elite billers actually follow [07:20] Why job descriptions are aspirational—not real [10:45] The dating analogy that reframes candidate submissions [14:30] When almost-fit candidates get hired anyway [18:10] How to sell the gap instead of hiding it [22:05] What hiring managers really decide on [26:40] When NOT to submit a stretch candidate [30:15] The confidence shift that changes your desk [34:50] How this mindset increases long-term revenue 8. Sponsors Section 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 9. Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (All summits, replays, Billers Club + Split Space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Email List → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube Episode → https://youtu.be/tHWJiPxhIfs Guest LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciatamkin/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonthibeault/ 🎙 Hosted by Benjamin Mena http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

Most recruiters are stuck chasing clients, sending cold outreach, and grinding through business development just to stay afloat. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, Benjamin Mena sits down with Pinnacle Society top biller Michael Silverstein to unpack why elite recruiters stop chasing deals and how they build inbound client demand through relationships, trust, and positioning. This conversation breaks down the mindset, strategy, and long-term business development approach that allows top recruiters to scale their desk, close more deals, and build a recruiting practice that compounds over time, without cold selling. 🎯 Sales & BD Recruiter Summit (Near the Top) If this episode resonates, go deeper at the 2026 Sales & BD Recruiter Summit, where elite billers share what’s actually working right now in recruiting sales and business development. 👉 Register here: https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ Why This Episode Matters Recruiter burnout is rising—and traditional sales tactics aren’t working like they used to. This episode shows how top-performing recruiters replace outbound grind with inbound opportunity, improve close rates, and create predictable revenue in today’s relationship-driven recruiting market. What You’ll Learn Why chasing clients limits long-term recruiting revenueThe relationship-based business development strategy elite recruiters useHow to position yourself so clients seek you outThe biggest networking mistake recruiters make without realizing itHow trust and reputation outperform volume outreachThe mindset shift that separates high billers from average performersHow to build a recruiting practice that compounds year after year About the Guest Michael Silverstein is one of the highest-billing recruiters in the Pinnacle Society, known for building a scalable recruiting practice driven by trust, reputation, and long-term relationships rather than cold selling. Extended Value This episode isn’t about scripts or hacks. It’s about building a recruiting desk that attracts the right clients, creates inbound demand, and allows you to scale without burnout—even as the recruiting industry evolves with AI and changing buyer behavior. Listen Now If you want to close more deals, improve your business development strategy, and stop chasing clients, this episode is a must-listen. Press play and rethink how elite recruiters actually grow. Timestamp Highlights 00:00 Why elite recruiters stop chasing deals04:12 How deal-chasing quietly caps recruiting revenue09:30 Why relationship-based recruiting scales better14:45 The networking mistake hurting most recruiters19:10 What truly creates inbound client demand25:40 How trust compounds into long-term deal flow31:05 Reputation as a recruiting growth moat36:20 The mindset shift behind elite performance41:55 Positioning yourself as the obvious choice47:10 Building a recruiting business that lasts Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to build polished recruiter profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com Community + Resources 🎯 2026 Sales & BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Elite Recruiter Community (All summits, replays, Billers Club + Split Space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Tools & Links Pin (Free Trial): https://www.pin.com/ Email List: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/qIY9aj5OJ5g Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsilverstein123/ Host: Benjamin Mena Website: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

1. Episode Hook Recruiters don’t have a talent problem right now. They have a client acquisition problem—and most are fixing it the wrong way. 2. Why This Episode Matters The last 18–24 months forced recruiters back into real business development. In this episode, Sharon Bondurant breaks down the simple, overlooked strategies that consistently win clients—even in tough markets—without burning out or hiding behind tools. If you want more job orders, more control, and more predictable revenue in 2025 and beyond, this episode is required listening. 3. What You’ll Learn The “Bullseye Strategy” for finding clients closest to the money (without cold-call paralysis)Why most recruiters start BD in the worst possible place—and how to flip itHow to turn everyday recruiting activity into new job orders using “Rabbit Hole Recruiting”The missed-placement audit that can uncover hidden $20K–$30K fees you’re already owedWhen automation actually helps BD—and when it silently kills dealsThe mindset shift that can double your income without doubling your hoursHow consistency beats elite sales skills every time in modern recruiting 4. About the Guest Sharon Bondurant is a 30-year recruiting veteran, founder of The Finders, Inc. 5000 alum, and creator of a modern brokerage model for elite recruiters. Her firm has generated $45M+ in revenue and placed over 5,300 professionals. 5. Extended Value Tease After this episode, business development stops feeling random and exhausting. You’ll know exactly who to call, what to focus on, and how to create momentum fast—using assets and relationships you already have. This isn’t hype. It’s repeatable, proven recruiting strategy from someone who’s seen every market cycle. 6. Listen Now CTA If you want more clients, cleaner BD, and a smarter way to grow in 2026—press play now. 7. Timestamp Highlights 00:03 – Why BD feels harder now (and what’s actually changed)05:30 – The mindset prerequisite most recruiters skip10:45 – How BD can literally double your income21:10 – The Bullseye Strategy explained27:15 – Why cold calling strangers first kills momentum29:00 – Rabbit Hole Recruiting in action35:20 – The missed placement audit most firms never run39:10 – When to automate—and when not to42:00 – Why consistency beats sales talent45:30 – Final advice for winning in 2026 8. Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 9. Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (All summits, replays, Billers Club + split space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/l1WR9UFoYmg Follow Guest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonbondurant/ Host Benjamin Mena → http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ If business development has felt heavier lately, this episode shows you how to make it lighter—and far more profitable.

1. Episode Hook She was laid off five weeks postpartum… 23 months later, she crossed $1M in revenue building a recruiting firm her way. 2. Why This Episode Matters Most recruiters are grinding harder every year and getting less predictable results. This episode breaks that pattern—showing how to build revenue, clients, and freedom without burning out or chasing every shiny tactic. If you want to close more deals, build a durable pipeline, and think like a true agency CEO, this conversation is required listening. 3. What You’ll Learn The warm-lead strategy Julia used to land her first clients—without cold pitching or spammy outreachHow her LinkedIn content system turns posts into inbound sales conversationsThe exact Dripify + LinkedIn voice note combo driving response rates most recruiters never seeWhy only 3% of buyers are ready now—and how to stay top-of-mind until they areThe CEO mindset shift that allowed her to scale revenue while working ~30 hours a weekHow to balance sales execution + personal boundaries without stalling growthThe hidden reason most recruiters fail when they “know the tactics” but still don’t scale 4. About the Guest Julia Arpag is the Founder & CEO of Aligned Recruitment. In under two years, she built a seven-figure recruiting business, scaled a full internal team, and now coaches founders on sales, mindset, and sustainable growth—all as a first-time agency owner. 5. Extended Value Tease Imagine running your desk knowing exactly where your next clients are coming from. Your outreach feels natural, your content works for you, and sales no longer depend on motivation or hustle cycles. This episode isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things consistently, with clarity and confidence. The payoff isn’t just revenue—it’s control, leverage, and longevity in your recruiting career. 6. Listen Now CTA 🎧 Press play and learn how to build a recruiting firm that scales revenue and life—starting now. 7. Timestamp Highlights 00:02 – From zero to $1M: Julia’s origin story00:07 – Why warm leads outperform cold outreach00:10 – The LinkedIn post that triggered a client call00:12 – Reach vs. conversion content (and why you need both)00:16 – Dripify stats that shocked even seasoned recruiters00:18 – How LinkedIn voice notes actually convert00:20 – Daily KPI targets for sustainable sales execution00:22 – Why tactics fail without the right mindset00:24 – Affirmations, coaching, and mental conditioning00:27 – Physical routines that protect performance00:30 – Working 30 hours/week without stalling growth00:33 – Boundaries, burnout, and long-term leadership00:35 – Knowing your “why” as a recruiting founder 8. Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 9. Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (All summits, replays, Billers Club + split space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links Free Trial: PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial: Talin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Vl-isbZ_k8 Follow Guest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-arpag/ Host Benjamin Mena: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ 🔥 If you’re serious about recruiter training, business development, sales skills, and scaling a recruiting firm in the AI era—this episode belongs in your queue.

1. Episode Hook He walked into recruiting knowing nothing. Three years later, he’s staring down a $500K year — without fancy tech, shortcuts, or a safety net. 2. Why This Episode Matters Most recruiters fail in the first 36 months. This episode shows exactly why Isaac didn’t — and how you can shortcut years of trial and error. Whether you’re brand new, rebuilding momentum, or scaling toward your first $500K year, this conversation delivers real-world recruiting strategies that actually compound. 3. What You’ll Learn The exact daily structure Isaac used to go from zero experience to $500K in under 3 yearsWhy mastering candidate-side recruiting first accelerates long-term billingThe mental shift that turns cold calls into million-dollar client relationshipsHow to land your first 3 clients without sounding salesy or desperateThe biggest mistake new recruiters make when transitioning to full deskWhy Isaac built nearly $1M in production with nothing but LinkedIn Recruiter + spreadsheetsHow to survive (and win) through slumps, zeros, and momentum-killing months 4. About the Guest Isaac James is a top-performing recruiter at Carnegie Search who went from zero industry experience to nearly $500K in annual billings in just three years, specializing in technical sales and manufacturing recruitment. 5. Extended Value Tease This episode isn’t about hacks. It’s about falling in love with the grind, building unshakeable confidence, and playing the long game when most recruiters burn out. If you’ve ever questioned whether you can really make it in recruiting — this conversation might be the one that changes everything. 6. Listen Now CTA Hit play now and steal the exact playbook Isaac used to build a $500K desk from scratch. 7. Timestamp Highlights [00:00] Why most recruiters never survive their first 3 years[03:21] Isaac’s exact billing numbers year by year[06:26] The interview moment that changed his career[12:38] Why output beats talent early on[15:21] How long it really takes to close your first deal[18:56] Why starting candidate-side gave him an unfair advantage[27:51] How Isaac landed his first 3 clients[30:37] Overcoming fear on business development calls[33:18] The leap to full desk — and what almost broke him[49:25] Why mentorship determines who survives in recruiting[52:04] Handling zeros, slumps, and doubt without quitting[56:36] The shockingly simple tech stack behind $500K 8. Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 9. Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (all summits, replays, billers club + split space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links Free Trial: PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/1miUiwQQoXk Follow Guest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-james-416678256/ Host Benjamin Mena → http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

1. Episode Hook Most recruiters chase clients. Sarah Englade built a $1.5M firm by obsessing over candidates instead. Register now: 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 2. Why This Episode Matters If business development feels harder than ever, this episode flips the script. You’ll hear how a candidate-first strategy can unlock warmer clients, faster deals, and more predictable revenue—especially in a crowded, AI-driven recruiting market. 3. What You’ll Learn The exact mindset shift that helped Sarah go from $0 to $1.5M in 18 monthsWhy 60% candidate-focused BD outperforms traditional cold client outreachThe hidden mistake recruiters make when they ignore unemployed candidatesHow to niche down without killing momentum (and when not to pivot)The simple activity framework (5–3–1) Sarah uses to stay consistentHow personal branding on LinkedIn turns into inbound hiring conversationsThe money discipline rule that kept her firm alive during slow markets 4. About the Guest Sarah Englade is the founder of Monarch Talent Solutions, a boutique search firm specializing in senior accounting, finance, and HR roles in Houston. She’s built a reputation for disciplined execution, candidate-first recruiting, and sustainable growth—without hype or shortcuts. 5. Extended Value Tease Imagine your candidates becoming your best source of future clients. Picture a desk where trust compounds, referrals come back years later, and your pipeline doesn’t collapse during slow markets. This episode isn’t about hacks—it’s about building a recruiting business that actually lasts. 6. Listen Now CTA If you want to scale your desk without burning out or chasing every client, press play now. This is one every serious recruiter needs to hear. 7. Timestamp Highlights [03:45] Why niching down early accelerates trust and revenue[07:10] The fear most recruiters have about personal branding[10:20] How helping unemployed candidates created future clients[12:55] The $200K lesson from one former job seeker[15:30] Why candidate BD is the most overlooked growth lever[18:40] The tech stack Sarah actually uses (and what she skipped)[21:35] The 5–3–1 activity framework explained[24:10] “Aggressive patience” and why it matters[26:50] The danger of getting seduced by early success[30:15] How to survive tough markets without panic[33:20] Why reputation compounds faster than cold outreach 8. Sponsors Section 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 9. Summit + Community Section 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (all summits, replays, billers club + split space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links Section Free Trial: PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial: Talin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/Uv665HjdX2I Follow Sarah Englade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-englade/ Host Benjamin Mena: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

1. Episode Hook The old recruiting playbook is breaking. If your business development looks the same as it did 2–3 years ago, you’re already falling behind. 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 2. Why This Episode Matters AI is reshaping recruiting faster than most agencies are prepared for. In this episode, you’ll learn how elite recruiters are adapting their business development, positioning, and client strategy to win in 2026 — not just survive it. This is about closing better clients, building authority, and creating demand in an overcrowded market. 3. What You’ll Learn The biggest BD mistake recruiters are making in 2026 (and why it’s killing response rates)How AI is quietly eliminating commodity recruiters — and what to do insteadThe white-glove service shift that lets recruiters charge more and win exclusivityHow to build long-term client demand, not just short-term leadsThe mindset difference between recruiters who stay busy and those who dominateHow to use AI tools without sounding automated or inhumanWhy being “good at recruiting” is no longer enough to scale a firm 4. About the Guest David Stephen Patterson (DSP) is one of the most influential voices in recruiter sales and business development. With decades of experience as a recruiter, firm owner, and coach, he’s helped thousands of recruiters build stronger pipelines, better positioning, and scalable BD systems. 5. Extended Value Tease Imagine going into 2026 with consistent inbound interest, clients who see you as a strategic partner, and BD systems that work even when the market tightens. This episode breaks down how elite recruiters are becoming the “big fish in a small pond” — building authority, trust, and deal flow that compounds over time. 6. Listen Now CTA If you want to win clients in 2026 instead of fighting for scraps, this is a must-listen episode. Hit play and start upgrading how you sell, market, and position yourself as a recruiter. 7. Timestamp Highlights 00:06 – Why DSP keeps getting invited back (and what recruiters can learn from that)08:45 – Why “good recruiters” are being squeezed out of the market12:30 – The white-glove service model that changes client behavior16:40 – How to stop sounding like every other recruiter pitching the same thing21:10 – The KPI vs. Client mindset shift every recruiter needs27:00 – Why authority beats outreach volume in 202631:45 – The long-game BD strategy most recruiters never play36:20 – How elite recruiters use AI without losing the human edge41:05 – What recruiters should actually be learning beyond recruiting46:30 – The uncomfortable actions that separate elite recruiters from average ones52:10 – DSP’s favorite AI and sales tech tools right now58:40 – How to stop being the “world’s best-kept secret” 8. Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 9. Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (All summits, replays, Billers Club + split space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links Free Trial: PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Free Trial: Talin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/qVEJlvP0wmM Follow DSP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dspatterson/ Host Benjamin Mena: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Benjamin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Why Top Recruiters Win Clients Without Selling 1. Episode Hook The best recruiters don’t sell harder. They win clients by becoming the most trusted person in the market. 2. Why This Episode Matters Most recruiters struggle with business development because they approach it like sales. This episode shows how top billers win clients, close more searches, and scale their desk by turning everyday recruiting conversations into long-term revenue—without pitching or sales scripts. 3. What You’ll Learn The BD mindset shift that helps recruiters win clients without sellingWhy candidate conversations are the highest-converting BD channelThe hidden mistake recruiters make separating candidates from clientsHow elite recruiters create repeat searches and full-team buildsWhy thinking like a talent agent instantly increases credibilityThe ethical rule that protects referrals, reputation, and revenue 4. About the Guest Katharine Wilcox is a Pinnacle Society member, consistent top biller, and owner of Resource Mosaic. With 20+ years in executive search and a background in Hollywood talent agencies, she’s built a career on relationship-driven recruiting that consistently wins clients. 5. Extended Value Tease Imagine candidates calling you for advice—and later hiring you. Imagine clients trusting you to build entire leadership teams. No chasing. No pitching. Just becoming the obvious choice in your niche. 6. Listen Now CTA If you want more clients without selling harder, press play now. 7. Timestamp Highlights 00:03 – Why selling harder backfires in recruiting06:05 – From Hollywood talent agent to executive recruiter15:37 – “You’re buying the business” moment25:24 – Hustle vs. effectiveness for top billers31:29 – Why recruiting is business development37:26 – Flat fees, trust, and predictable revenue43:11 – Why recruiters should think like talent agents 8. Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles. 👉 https://recruitwithatlas.com 9. Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Elite Recruiter Community (all summits, replays, Billers Club + splits) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912dTalin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiterPin → https://www.pin.com/Email List → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/PruIBKFecGU Follow Guest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinewilcox/ Benjamin: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

LinkedIn Recruiting Secrets That Actually Drive Placements  🎙️ Episode Hook Most recruiters think LinkedIn “doesn’t really work.” She quietly proved them all wrong — and built a real hiring engine in the process. 🏆 Elite Recruiter Awards – Voting is Open Recognize the recruiters and leaders making a real impact. Vote now → https://benjaminmena.typeform.com/to/tK5kwRMe 🚀 Why This Episode Matters If you’re an agency recruiter or firm owner struggling with cold outreach, low response rates, or inconsistent pipelines, this episode will change how you look at LinkedIn. You’ll hear how one recruiter built a powerful community that drives inbound candidates, referrals, and placements — without spam, gimmicks, or chasing uninterested talent. This is about leverage, trust, and long-term recruiting advantage. 🧠 What You’ll Learn In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to turn LinkedIn into a daily inbound sourcing engine • The biggest mistake recruiters make when “building a brand” • Why top candidates watch your content before ever reaching out • The mindset shift that turns posts into real placements • Why community beats cold outreach for senior-level talent • What to post (and what NOT to post) to build instant trust • How recruiters can win without becoming “cringe influencers” 👤 About the Guest Stephanie Holman is a high-performing recruiter in the cleared and national security space who built a massive LinkedIn presence and a reputation-driven hiring pipeline by showing up consistently and delivering value. Her approach challenges traditional recruiter marketing — and it works. 🔥 Extended Value Tease Imagine candidates reaching out already informed, already trusting you, and already interested. This episode isn’t about hacks. It’s about building a recruiting business that compounds over time and makes every future placement easier. ▶️ Listen Now If you want to future-proof your desk and stop relying on cold outreach, this is a must-listen episode. Press play and take notes. ⏱️ Timestamp Highlights 00:02 – Why LinkedIn “doesn’t work” for most recruiters 05:10 – The ROI of community-first recruiting 09:45 – How ghost candidates really job search 14:30 – Why job posts don’t drive placements 19:20 – Trust as a recruiting growth lever 24:05 – Why consistency beats talent 29:40 – The confidence shift recruiters need 35:15 – What agency recruiters can steal 41:00 – Avoiding burnout while scaling 47:10 – Why this approach wins long-term 54:30 – Final advice for recruiters starting now 🤝 Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and builds AI-powered profiles. 👉 https://recruitwithatlas.com 🚀 Pin – AI Recruiting Assistant 24/7 AI for sourcing, outreach, scheduling, and screening. 👉 https://www.pin.com/ 🎯 Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales & BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (All summits, replays, Billers Club + Split Space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 🛠️ Tools & Links PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Talin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Subscribe → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube → https://youtu.be/2N4so9xKa0U Stephanie Holman → https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniejholman/ Benjamin Mena → http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

🎙️ Episode Title: How Recruiters Win Inbound Clients with AI Marketing 1. Episode Hook Your LinkedIn posts stopped working. Cold email is getting crushed by spam filters. So how are top recruiters actually generating inbound clients right now? 🏆 Elite Recruiter Awards – Voting is Open Recognize the recruiters and leaders making a real impact. Vote now → https://benjaminmena.typeform.com/to/tK5kwRMe 2. Why This Episode Matters Recruiter marketing has fundamentally changed — and most firms are still playing by 2021 rules. This episode breaks down what’s working now across SEO, LinkedIn, email, and AI so you can build predictable inbound business instead of chasing deals. 3. What You’ll Learn • The exact SEO strategy recruiters should focus on (and what’s a waste of time) • Why “ranking in ChatGPT” isn’t the silver bullet people think it is • The hidden reason cold emails are landing in spam • How many emails per day you can actually send without burning domains • The LinkedIn content mistake that attracts recruiters instead of clients • How contrarian takes can 10x reach without hurting credibility • Where to spend $500, $1K, $5K, or $10K for max BD ROI 4. About the Guest Zack Gallinger is the Founder of TalentHero Media, a digital marketing agency working exclusively with recruiting firms. With 10+ years in recruiter-focused marketing, he helps agencies scale through SEO, LinkedIn, email, and paid acquisition. 5. Extended Value Tease After this episode, you’ll stop guessing where to spend your time and money. You’ll know which channels compound long-term, which tactics are dying, and how to build credibility that brings clients to you. This is the shift from constant outbound grind to sustainable inbound flow. 6. Listen Now CTA If you want more inbound clients and fewer wasted marketing dollars, this is a must-listen. Hit play and take notes — this one’s tactical. 7. Timestamp Highlights • 00:03 Why recruiter marketing broke (and what replaced it) • 06:10 SEO for recruiters: what actually drives inbound • 09:45 Should recruiters try to rank in ChatGPT? • 12:30 Backlinks, paid links, and HARO explained • 18:05 How to show up in Google’s AI results • 24:30 Why cold email got harder in 2024 • 27:10 The real daily email limit before flags • 31:45 Spintax explained (and why copy-paste fails) • 35:10 LinkedIn content that attracts clients • 40:50 Why contrarian posts explode reach • 49:00 Where to spend $500 vs $10K • 56:30 The long-game mindset recruiters miss 8. Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🚀 Pin – AI Recruiting Assistant 24/7 AI for sourcing, outreach, scheduling, and screening across email, LinkedIn, and SMS. Start your free trial → https://www.pin.com/ 9. Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community (All summits, replays, Billers Club + Split Space) https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. Tools & Links Section 🔹 Free Trial: PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d 🔹 Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/ 🔹 Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/j90mlpykFGY 👤 Follow Guest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-gallinger/ 🌐 Host: Benjamin Mena → http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

How an Industry Insider Built a Recruiting Agency From Scratch (No Fancy Tools) 🏆 Elite Recruiter Awards – Voting is Open Recognize the recruiters and leaders making a real impact. Vote now → https://benjaminmena.typeform.com/to/tK5kwRMe Episode Hook He wasn’t a lifelong recruiter. He didn’t have a tech stack, automation, or AI hacks. Yet he built a profitable recruiting agency anyway — by doing what most recruiters avoid. 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to build polished candidate profiles and reports — so recruiters can focus on revenue. 👉 https://recruitwithatlas.com/ Why This Episode Matters Most recruiters think they need better tools, better scripts, or better tech to win. This episode proves that belief is holding you back. If you’ve ever wondered whether your industry background, relationships, and phone skills are enough to build a real recruiting business — this conversation will change how you see your potential. What You’ll Learn In this episode, you’ll learn: The exact mindset shift that allowed an industry professional to outperform career recruitersWhy old-school phone calls still beat automation for business developmentHow to use NPCs (Named Potential Candidates) to win clients before roles ever openThe hidden mistake new agency owners make when trying to scale too fastHow saving $1.5M in agency fees made him dangerous as a founderWhy recruiters fail when leaving industry — and how to avoid itHow to build a niche so strong clients trust you before the first call About the Guest Chance Wood is the founder of One Degree Agriculture, a recruiting firm built entirely on industry expertise, relationships, and execution. After transitioning from agency recruiting to in-house TA — where he saved his company over $1.5M — Chance launched his own firm and quickly surpassed six figures without relying on “fancy tools.” Extended Value Tease Imagine building a recruiting business where clients trust you because you’ve lived their world. Where business development feels natural instead of forced. Where your background becomes your unfair advantage. This episode is a blueprint for recruiters who want freedom, simplicity, and leverage — without chasing every new tool or trend. Listen Now If you want to grow your desk or agency using relationships, clarity, and execution — hit play. This is one of those episodes that changes how you approach recruiting. Timestamp Highlights 00:01 – Why industry professionals underestimate their recruiting power05:30 – What a “grain elevator” is and why lived experience matters09:45 – The recruiter experience that shaped his philosophy12:20 – Landing revenue in 18 days as a brand-new recruiter19:30 – Why going in-house made him a better founder22:00 – Saving $1.5M by running TA like an agency27:00 – The moment he knew it was time to go solo29:45 – What he did in his first week as a founder34:00 – Why NPCs beat job orders for BD36:30 – His exact “one-two punch” outreach approach40:00 – Why AI won’t save weak business development44:00 – The biggest scaling mistake he made49:00 – Advice for industry professionals considering recruiting52:00 – The family conversation every founder must get right Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales & BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Elite Recruiter Community All summits, replays, Billers Club + split opportunities https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Tools & Links 🔹 Pin → https://www.pin.com/ 🔹 Email List → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe ▶️ YouTube: 👤 Chance Wood → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chancetywood/ 🌐 Benjamin Mena → http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

🔥 SHOW NOTES — The Elite Recruiter Podcast Episode Title: How a One-Man Recruiter Closed 22 Executive Searches by Doing What Others Won’t 1. EPISODE HOOK Most recruiters overcomplicate this business. Craig Picken built a multi-seven-figure executive search practice by doing the opposite—and he did it as a one-man army. This episode reveals how. 2. WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS If you're tired of inconsistent billings, weak client relationships, or low-margin searches, this conversation will change how you operate. Craig shares the simple—but uncomfortable—moves that helped him win 22 retained searches and become the go-to recruiter in his niche. 3. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • The niche strategy Craig used to dominate aviation & aerospace • How he wins CEO/COO/CFO searches without going through HR • His “dartboard framework” for mapping decision-makers • The mindset shift that fixes most BD problems • The one move that closes more searches: “get on the plane” • How podcasting attracts PE firms + high-value clients • The truth about counteroffers, burnout, and why simple beats sophisticated 4. ABOUT THE GUEST Craig Picken is a leading executive recruiter in aviation & aerospace. As a one-man boutique firm, he's built a reputation for elite placements and is trusted by CEOs and private equity leaders across the industry. 5. EXTENDED VALUE TEASE Imagine knowing exactly who to call, how to speak their language, and how to position yourself as the only recruiter worth hiring. Imagine landing higher-margin searches, working directly with decision-makers, and becoming the recognized expert in your niche. That’s the transformation this episode delivers. 6. LISTEN NOW CTA Want to become the recruiter clients seek out—not the one begging for job orders? Hit play. 7. TIMESTAMP HIGHLIGHTS 00:03:03 — From Navy aviator → elite recruiter 00:07:04 — The moment that pushed him into search 00:12:24 — Punching above your weight early 00:15:04 — What to decline and why it matters 00:16:48 — How writing + podcasting built authority 00:21:16 — Turning podcast episodes into placements 00:24:12 — Craig’s “dartboard” org-mapping system 00:28:29 — Conference strategy that fuels his pipeline 00:29:52 — Why flying out closes more searches 00:37:40 — The Saturday that cost six figures 00:41:37 — Why recruiters overcomplicate everything 00:43:46 — How he structures retained fees 00:52:15 — The question recruiters should ask 01:02:46 — If you're afraid to call CEOs, this isn’t your business 8. SPONSORS 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🌐 Recruiters Websites (10% off) Mention Elite Recruiter Podcast → https://recruiterswebsites.com/ 9. SUMMIT + COMMUNITY 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 10. TOOLS & LINKS PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Talin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Email list → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube → https://youtu.be/RaLZYpvQRkM Craig on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpicken/ Host: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Ben LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Ben Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

EPISODE SHOW NOTES — The Outbound & Discovery Playbook: How Elite Recruiters Close More Deals (with Conor Kline) (The Elite Recruiter Podcast with Benjamin Mena) 1. EPISODE HOOK Most recruiters think their problem is lead generation. Conor Kline reveals the truth: your real bottleneck is your sales process — and it’s costing you clients, deals, and revenue. 🔹 SPONSORS 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Try it free → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🌐 Recruiters Websites (10% off) Mention Elite Recruiter Podcast → https://recruiterswebsites.com/ 2. WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS This episode rewires how you approach BD. Learn the exact outbound, discovery, and closing frameworks top SaaS sales teams use — adapted for recruiters. Use them to increase reply rates, win better clients, and grow revenue fast. 3. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why 90% of recruiters fail at outbound • How to build a high-converting ICP + targeting strategy • The 12–15 touch sequence Conor recommends • The discovery question that reveals real client pain • Why closing becomes easy when discovery is right • How MEDIC uncovers budget, decision makers & urgency • The AI workflow that got Ben a remarkable candidate reply 4. ABOUT THE GUEST Conor Kline, Head of Revenue at PIN.com, is a top sales operator in the recruiting tech space. Formerly with Interseller, he’s trained thousands of recruiters to improve outbound, discovery, and closing performance. 5. EXTENDED VALUE TEASE Imagine a desk with warm leads, clients who respect your process, and a pipeline full of searches you actually want. This episode gives you the systems, clarity, and structure to operate like a top 1% recruiter. 6. LISTEN NOW CTA Hit play — your 2026 billings will thank you. 7. TIMESTAMP HIGHLIGHTS 00:03 — Why recruiters are the hardest buyers 05:08 — What makes PIN different 07:57 — The #1 thing recruiters lack 10:31 — Building a laser-focused ICP 13:55 — The 20-target rule 17:45 — Why messaging fails 18:48 — The outbound stack 20:18 — AI vs. human personalization 22:19 — The 12–15 touch sequence 24:33 — Discovery explained 27:18 — MEDIC for recruiters 34:15 — Why closing should feel easy 41:02 — The future of recruiting tech 45:21 — Why point solutions win 49:26 — Ben’s AI outbound story 53:55 — The question Conor wishes recruiters asked 56:00 — Curiosity = elite performance 8. SUMMIT + COMMUNITY 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community All summits, replays, billers club + split space https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 9. TOOLS & LINKS PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Talin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Pin → https://www.pin.com/ Email List → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/yG93v54M2Fk Conor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorkline/ Host: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Ben LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Advanced Closing Mastery: Steve Finkel’s Framework to Triple Your Placements From His Latest Book: Closing For Recruiters   Recruiters: Part 2 is where the real closing mastery begins. If Part 1 showed why closing matters, this episode gives you the exact frameworks, closes, and psychological triggers used by the top 1% of recruiters to turn hesitation into yes—and offers into revenue. Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🌐 Recruiters Websites (10% off) High-performance websites for recruiting agencies. Mention Elite Recruiter Podcast for 10% off → https://recruiterswebsites.com/ Why This Episode Matters Most recruiters rely on instinct when closing. Elite billers rely on structure. Steve Finkel breaks down the exact multi-step sequences that convert great interviews into signed offers, protect your fees, and dramatically increase long-term production—especially in a world where AI and internal teams can find candidates but cannot close them.  What You’ll Learn • How to structure a closing call for maximum influence • Why major closes require combinations—not one-liners • The “College Professor Close” (full breakdown & psychology) • How to overcome a candidate’s fear of change • How to position yourself as a long-term career strategist • When to use logic vs. emotion—and how to blend the two • How to analyze your own calls using After Action Reviews About the Guest Steve Finkel is one of the most respected recruiter trainers in the world. His closing frameworks, sales psychology, and training systems have increased production for thousands of recruiters and reshaped entire search firms globally. Extended Value Tease Imagine knowing exactly which close to use, when to use it, how to pivot in real time, and how to guide hesitant candidates toward the right decision. These methods help you run stronger searches, protect fees, and build repeat client relationships that compound for years. If you want to add 30–50% more billing, this is the blueprint. Listen Now Hit play—this is advanced-level closing strategy every high-level recruiter should master. Timestamp Highlights 04:15 – The critical prep work before any closing call 08:05 – Why closing starts with selecting the right assignment 12:45 – Logic-first vs emotion-first closing strategies 17:20 – Full breakdown: The College Professor Close 21:40 – Fear-of-Change Close: easing candidate anxiety 26:00 – Becoming a “career strategist,” not a recruiter 29:50 – Recording your calls and doing After Action Reviews 34:10 – Why most recruiters train on the wrong parts of the job 38:45 – The skill gap holding back even experienced billers 40:07 – Why focusing only on sourcing is a losing strategy 45:12 – How Steve helped firms boost revenue 30–50% with closing Sponsors Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com Recruiters Websites (10% off) Mention Elite Recruiter Podcast for 10% off → https://recruiterswebsites.com/ Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales & BD Recruiter Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Elite Recruiter Community: All summits, replays, billers club + split space https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Tools & Links PeopleGPT Free Trial → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Pin Free Trial → https://www.pin.com/ Subscribe → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Follow Steve Finkel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-finkel-9b4ba37/ Steve Finkel’s Website: https://www.stevefinkel.com/ Host: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

The Art of Closing: Steve Finkel Reveals Why Most Recruiters Lose Offers Recruiters: You’re not paid for sourcing—you’re paid for closing. And the hidden skill separating top billers from everyone else is the one most recruiters never train: what happens after the first interview. Why This Episode Matters If you’ve ever lost an offer after weeks of work, watched a great candidate vanish, or seen a deal collapse at the finish line—this episode changes everything. Steve Finkel reveals the true science (and art) of closing so you boost placements, win more clients, and outperform even the most tech-enabled internal teams. What You’ll Learn • The hidden closing mistakes that quietly destroy fees • Why “doing everything right up front” still isn’t enough • The two-step debrief method that triples placement ratios • Industry-specific closing tactics beyond outdated trial closes • The “College Professor Close” and how it reshapes decisions • Language patterns that dissolve fear and resistance • How elite recruiters role-play and analyze to increase billings 30–50% About the Guest Steve Finkel is one of the most influential recruiter trainers in the world. His books and frameworks have shaped thousands of top billers and helped entire firms scale production for decades. Extended Value Tease Imagine fewer turndowns, more second interviews, higher acceptance rates, and clients who trust you with every critical hire. That’s what happens when you master closing. This isn’t about filling jobs—it’s about becoming the rainmaker who consistently brings deals across the line. Listen Now Stop leaving deals—and money—on the table. Hit play and let Steve rewire how you close forever. Timestamp Highlights 00:27 – Why recruiters get paid for what happens after the first interview 02:16 – The #1 skill that separates elite from average 04:01 – The insight from developer Larry Nobles 05:38 – Why “doing everything right” doesn’t guarantee placements 07:07 – The fatal dependence on “automatic closes” 09:39 – Why many recruiters can’t break the 75% offer-accept ceiling 11:01 – When “never losing a deal” means you’re playing too safe 13:04 – The two-sided debrief form that multiplies live candidates 15:29 – Extracting value from “dead” candidates 18:39 – The slip-and-sidestep tactic for reframing negatives 20:39 – The language tweak that boosts agreement by 50% 25:27 – Why “time in the chair” doesn’t build real skill 32:30 – How to choose the right close for the scenario 44:21 – Ending the closing call strong 48:14 – How recruiters add 30–50% more billing Sponsors 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🌐 Recruiters Websites (10% off) High-performance websites for recruiting agencies. Mention Elite Recruiter Podcast for 10% off → https://recruiterswebsites.com/ Summit + Community 🎯 2026 Sales & BD Recruiter Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 💼 Elite Recruiter Community: All summits, replays, billers club + split space https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Tools & Links PeopleGPT Free Trial → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Talin AI Free Trial → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Pin Free Trial → https://www.pin.com/ Subscribe → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: Coming Soon Follow Steve Finkel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-finkel-9b4ba37/ Host: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ Benjamin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Benjamin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

The Pro Athlete Mindset That Creates World-Class Recruiters What happens when a former professional athlete brings elite discipline, visualization, and competitive fire into recruiting? You get a recruiter who treats the desk like a sport—and builds a fast-growing search firm in record time. In this episode of The Elite Recruiter Podcast, former pro athlete Jared Watts, founder of Next Play Search Group, reveals how the athlete DNA that took him from youth national teams to the professional level translates directly into high-performance recruiting. From reviewing “game tape,” embracing pressure, and tracking everything like a scoreboard to building trust with PE/VC firms, Jared breaks down the exact mindset and systems behind his rapid rise. He shares how he structured an in-house role to mimic agency upside, launched his firm intentionally, and built a relationship engine where candidates often become future clients. If you’re looking to grow your desk, strengthen your business development, or operate with more precision and confidence, this conversation will push you to level up. If you want to: • Stop guessing and start tracking the right KPIs • Build a repeatable client engine • Improve your negotiation and influence skills • Create a personal operating system that compounds • Develop the self-belief and discipline of a pro athlete… This episode will change how you work. Key Takeaways • Elite recruiters track like athletes. Jared reverse-engineers every goal using metrics, patterns, and daily habits. • Relationships scale revenue. Giving without expectation—introductions, notes, referrals—creates a pipeline of repeat PE/VC clients. • Visualization drives performance. Confidence comes from preparation and treating every conversation like a high-stakes moment. • Do things that don’t scale. Personal touchpoints create leverage automation can’t match. • Protect your time. BD, candidates, and high-value conversations come first—everything else waits. Listen, subscribe, share, and connect with us!   SPONSORS & LINKS 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com 🌐 Recruiters Websites (10% off for listeners) High-performance websites built for recruiting agencies. Mention Elite Recruiter Podcast for 10% off → https://recruiterswebsites.com/ 💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community — Only $49/month Access ALL Summit Replays, live roundtables, Billers’ Club, and our split space. Join → https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 🧠 Free Trials: PeopleGPT → https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Talin AI → https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Pin → https://www.pin.com/ 📬 Newsletter Signup: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe ▶️ YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/CPI43bV5cgI 🔗 Connect with Jared Watts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-watts-1799339b/ 👤 With Host Benjamin Mena (Select Source Solutions): http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

In this powerful episode, million-dollar biller Emily Audibert breaks down how she went from six months without a single placement to becoming one of the most sought-after recruiters in the go-to-market tech space. Her turning point wasn’t a new tool or technique—it was understanding the balance between masculine and feminine energy in selling, sourcing, influence, and relationship-building. 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in one AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. Centralized outreach, reporting, and analytics keep you fast and efficient. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com Running a recruiting firm is already a full-time job. Managing your website, SEO, paid ads, and online strategy shouldn’t be. Recruiters Websites builds beautiful, high-performance websites designed specifically for recruiting and staffing agencies—complete with SEO, branding, automation, lead generation, and ongoing marketing support. If you want a website that actually attracts clients and candidates (not just looks good), they’re the go-to partner for top recruiters. Mention Elite Recruiter Podcast for 10% off any new service. 👉 https://recruiterswebsites.com/ Emily also reveals how she landed multiple RPO engagements, scaled predictable revenue, and built a thriving agency while raising a family—all without sacrificing authenticity or burning out. If you're a recruiter, agency owner, or talent acquisition leader trying to get better results with less friction, this episode gives you the mindset, strategy, and real-world examples you can apply today. In this episode: • Use feminine and masculine energy strategically to build trust, reduce resistance, and create more natural conversations with candidates and clients. • Structure and sell RPO engagements—even if you’ve never done one before—so you can secure recurring revenue and deepen client partnerships. • Adopt the million-dollar biller mindset by mastering consistency, reframing rejection, and developing a personal operating system that creates long-term success. • Build a recruiting business around your strengths instead of forcing outdated playbooks that no longer match modern hiring. • Use visualization, goal-setting, and self-awareness to accelerate your growth and scale your agency intentionally.  Key Takeaways: • Energy matters more than scripts—learn to lead with your natural strengths. • RPOs can transform your revenue and make you indispensable to clients. • Consistency + mindset beat “hustle” every time. • You don’t need to be aggressive to win—you need to be aligned. • The fastest path to growth is becoming the recruiter only you can be. 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in one AI-powered platform. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com Get a modern, high-performing recruiting website built to drive clients and candidates. Mention Elite Recruiter Podcast for 10% off. https://recruiterswebsites.com/ 🤝 Join the Elite Recruiter Community Get ALL Summit Replays, live roundtables, our Billers’ Club, a split space, and the most collaborative recruiting network out there. Only $49/month. https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community 🧠 Free Trials of AI Tools: PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Pin: https://www.pin.com/ Subscribe: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe ▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/6w5ReZqBFRQ 🔗 Follow Emily Audibert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyaudibert/ 🎙 Host: Benjamin Mena — Select Source Solutions https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

Is your recruiting desk—or your entire firm—running on chaos instead of systems? You’re not alone. Most recruiters feel the turbulence daily… but the top-performing firms operate differently. They run on an Operating System that eliminates chaos, drives consistent billings, and creates scalable growth. In this episode, Ben sits down with Kelsey Boyd, a transformational operator who helped overhaul a multi-brand recruiting organization—rebuilding systems, rewriting processes, revamping tech, and implementing EOS to create genuine business momentum. This conversation is a masterclass in turning recruiting chaos into predictable success.   🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in one AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. Centralized outreach, reporting, and analytics keep you fast and efficient. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com  Kelsey shares insider lessons from leading rebrands, digital transformations, and full operational restructures inside recruiting and staffing companies. Whether you’re a solo recruiter, a growing agency, or a leader scaling toward multi-million-dollar years, you’ll learn exactly how high-performing firms create clarity, consistency, and accountability. No fluff—just real frameworks you can apply today.   You’ll walk away knowing: • How to identify the bottlenecks killing your productivity • The exact scorecard metrics top recruiters use to grow revenue • Why EOS and operating systems work so well in recruiting • How to create predictability in a business defined by unpredictability • How to fix the “right people, wrong seat” problem that silently stalls firms • And—most importantly—how to get out of the chaos and scale with confidence If you want to grow your desk, double your billings, or build a real recruiting business—not just a job—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.   Listen now and learn the operating system behind every high-performing recruiting firm. Then hit Subscribe, leave us a review, and connect with Ben and Kelsey using the links below.  Key Takeaways Chaos isn’t a strategy—systems create scalable revenueScorecards and KPIs reveal what’s actually working (and what’s not)EOS frameworks give recruiters structure, accountability, and clarityThe right people in the right seats change everythingExpect turbulence: every business transformation gets messy before it gets better 🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit: https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ 🚀 Sponsorship: Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM Atlas combines your ATS and CRM in one AI-powered platform. It automates tagging and admin, syncs resumes and emails, and uses AI to create polished profiles and reports—so you can focus on relationships, not data entry. Centralized outreach, reporting, and analytics keep you fast and efficient. Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com Join the Elite Recruiter Community Get access to ALL Summit Replays, live roundtables, our Billers’ Club, and a split space to partner on roles. Collaboration accelerates your career. Membership is just $49/month and you can cancel any time. Join today: https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community Free Tools for Recruiters PeopleGPT: https://juicebox.ai/?via=b6912d Talin AI: https://app.talin.ai/signup?via=recruiter Pin: https://www.pin.com/ Signup for future emails: https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe YouTube: https://youtu.be/JB81D81E8cI Follow Kelsey Boyd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-boyd-day1/ Host: Benjamin Mena — Select Source Solutions Website: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/