Secrets of Staffing Success

In this episode of InSights, Brad Bialy sits down with David Searns to explore why selling staffing services has become harder and how firms must rethink their product, pricing, and messaging to compete in a changing market. About the Guest David Searns is the Co-CEO of Haley Marketing and one of the staffing industry’s most respected marketing strategists. With more than 25 years of experience helping staffing firms differentiate, position their services, and drive demand, David brings a deep understanding of how marketing, sales, and product strategy intersect to fuel growth. Key Takeaways Selling staffing hasn’t just gotten harder...the product itself may be outdated. Differentiation starts with defining a unique product, not louder promotion. The firms that control performance data will control the future of staffing. Value must be defined from the buyer’s perspective—not the recruiter’s. Specialization creates pricing power where commoditization destroys it. Timestamps [00:00] – Is staffing actually harder to sell today? [02:41] – Why staffing penetration dropped dramatically [05:24] – Rethinking staffing as project-based work [07:36] – The consulting model staffing can learn from [10:55] – Escaping the dangerous “markup conversation” [12:57] – Using AI as a strategic thought partner [15:21] – Why HR buyers are risk-averse [18:01] – The call center story that changed pricing [20:52] – Why A-players should cost dramatically more [24:29] – The power of owning performance data [30:41] – Stop selling to everyone: define the bullseye [32:08] – The four P’s of marketing staffing firms ignore About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we're offer 50% off of a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo. Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by FoxHire. If you’re looking for an Employer of Record partner that helps recruiters confidently grow contract placements and build recurring revenue without taking on extra risk, FoxHire is perfect for you. Learn more at FoxHire.com/Haley.

In this episode of Take the Stage, Brad Bialy sits down with Brett Cavanagh to explore why staffing firms must abandon the old transactional playbook, embrace a consultative mindset, and leverage technology like AI while doubling down on the human relationships that truly drive success. About the Guest Brett Cavanagh is the President of TempWorks Software and Lone Oak Payroll. With more than a decade of experience working directly inside staffing firms before moving into technology leadership, Brett now helps agencies scale through smarter systems, operational discipline, and deeper alignment between technology and the real-world demands of recruiting and staffing. Key Takeaways The old staffing playbook is breaking in a changing market. Talent inventory determines who wins in staffing. Commoditized staffing always becomes a race to the bottom. AI won’t replace recruiters—it will expose weak ones. The future belongs to consultative staffing firms. Timestamps [00:00] – Is selling staffing harder than ever? [01:40] – Why cold calling candidates is fading [04:05] – What winning staffing firms do differently [05:49] – The shift from transactional to consultative selling [08:24] – Why fear drives bad staffing decisions [10:58] – The danger of competing on price [16:03] – Building a true candidate-first experience [21:43] – The “sports agent” mindset for recruiters [24:45] – How AI will reshape staffing [32:23] – AI will expose average recruiters [37:14] – Where growth still exists in staffing [46:03] – Brett’s advice for the next generation About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we're offering 50% off a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo. Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 Benefits in a Card helps staffing firms offer meaningful benefits to their entire workforce through flexible, unbundled plans designed for high-turnover environments—making it easier to control costs, improve retention, and stay competitive. https://www.BenefitsInACard.com TRICOM partners with staffing firms as an asset-based lender and full-service back-office provider, helping owners scale confidently by reducing risk and easing the operational strain of payroll, cash flow, and administration. https://www.tricom.com

In this episode of InSights, Brad Bialy sits down with Hailey Birkner (Account Manager with Haley Marketing) to unpack why retention is built between deliverables and how intentional account management drives deeper relationships, stronger loyalty, and more revenue from the clients you already have. About the Guest Hailey Birkner is an Account Manager at Haley Marketing, where she helps staffing firms turn strategy into sustainable momentum. With a background in automation and client experience, she lives at the intersection of service, clarity, and trust—coaching clients toward consistent, long-term success. Key Takeaways Retention is earned between the wins. Consistency beats intensity—every time. Silence is not success; feedback fuels growth. Automation supports relationships, it doesn’t replace them. Authenticity is your only real competitive advantage. Timestamps [03:25] – “Retention is built between deliverables” reframed [04:12] – Why service alone is just table stakes [05:08] – Consistency over intensity in client relationships [06:25] – Scaling personalization without losing authenticity [08:09] – Coaching vs. transactional account management [09:52] – Quarterly touchpoints that create momentum [11:00] – Using automation to nurture at scale [13:42] – Plan your work, work your plan [15:05] – Why silence is not success [16:54] – Creative follow-ups that re-engage clients [18:58] – Writing emails people actually respond to [21:06] – Segmenting accounts for smarter growth   About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we're offer 50% off of a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo. Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by FoxHire. If you’re looking for an Employer of Record partner that helps recruiters confidently grow contract placements and build recurring revenue without taking on extra risk, FoxHire is perfect for you. Learn more at FoxHire.com/Haley

In this episode of Take the Stage, Brad Bialy sits down with Nicole Krensky to break down how AI is separating the leaders from the laggards in staffing and what firms must do now to stay competitive. About the Guest Nicole Krensky is Director of Product Marketing at Bullhorn, where she leads go-to-market strategy for Amplify, Automation, and Search & Match. With nearly a decade in tech marketing and deep exposure to AI adoption across staffing firms, Nicole works directly with companies navigating the shift toward AI-powered recruiting. Key Takeaways AI adoption is no longer optional—it’s operational. The pack is already separating. Automation amplifies recruiters; it doesn’t replace them. Database depth is a competitive weapon. Curiosity with action beats hesitation. Timestamps [00:39] – How AI is reshaping staffing firms [02:25] – The evolving role of the modern recruiter [05:12] – Leading AI adoption without team resistance [09:26] – Using AI to drive recruiting firm growth [12:10] – Why AI creates competitive advantage [13:11] – Best first step for AI in recruiting [16:10] – Eliminating the resume black hole with AI [18:30] – Improving candidate experience through automation [23:53] – Quick-win AI tools for recruiter productivity [28:35] – Increasing recruiter output with AI workflows [31:57] – Cleaning and leveraging your staffing database [35:44] – Advanced AI strategy for staffing leadership About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we're offering 50% off a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo. Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 Benefits in a Card helps staffing firms offer meaningful benefits to their entire workforce through flexible, unbundled plans designed for high-turnover environments—making it easier to control costs, improve retention, and stay competitive. https://www.BenefitsInACard.com TRICOM partners with staffing firms as an asset-based lender and full-service back-office provider, helping owners scale confidently by reducing risk and easing the operational strain of payroll, cash flow, and administration. https://www.tricom.com

In this episode of Take the Stage InSights, Brad Bialy sits down to interview ChatGPT (yes...the AI-powered LLM) to unpack the real state of staffing, the rise of AI, and what firms must do now to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting talent market. About the Guest For sake of this conversation, ChatGPT was primed to be an AI strategist and staffing industry analyst specializing in the intersection of talent markets, technology, and future disruption. With a data-driven lens and objective insights, ChatGPT explores how automation, workforce trends, and evolving recruiter roles are reshaping the future of staffing. Key Takeaways Transactional recruiting is dying; consultative partnership is winning. AI will eliminate tasks, not the need for trust. Specialization builds authority; dilution breeds confusion. Data is no longer optional—it’s your competitive edge. Speed matters, but humanity closes the deal. Timestamps [00:01] – Resetting the staffing narrative [01:52] – The uncomfortable truth about talent shortages [03:34] – Why recruiters must become career architects [06:32] – Specialize or slowly disappear [07:49] – Selling roles vs. solving business problems [08:22] – Designing candidate experience that actually wins [12:02] – When AI becomes a gatekeeper (and how to stop it) [14:26] – The legacy mindset killing growth [17:43] – The questions that elevate you to strategic partner [21:53] – What AI will automate first — and fast [25:48] – Fewer recruiters. Bigger results. Here’s why. [29:35] – The AI blind spot redefining success About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we're offer 50% off of a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo. Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by FoxHire. If you’re looking for an Employer of Record partner that helps recruiters confidently grow contract placements and build recurring revenue without taking on extra risk, FoxHire is perfect for you. Learn more at FoxHire.com/Haley

In this episode of Take the Stage, Brad Bialy sits down with Paul Petersen to unpack why the candidate black hole still exists in recruiting and how human-centered, tech-enabled recruiting can finally fix it. About the Guest Paul Petersen is a fractional CHRO and executive workforce strategist with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations modernize talent acquisition, HR technology, and workforce strategy across global enterprises. He’s known for blending deep HR tech expertise with a relentless focus on the human experience for both talent and hiring managers. Key Takeaways Speed without intention creates invisible talent. Screening out is easier than building trust—but far less effective. Communication is the real differentiator in modern recruiting. Technology should amplify recruiters, not replace them. Great recruiters act like agents, not gatekeepers. Timestamps [00:23] – Why the candidate black hole still exists [02:54] – Screening out versus screening in explained [05:16] – When “speed to hire” becomes the wrong metric [06:48] – The two personas that actually matter [08:35] – Can AI really fix the candidate experience? [10:33] – The Domino’s pizza tracker analogy for recruiting [14:02] – Why talent pools are massively underutilized [16:26] – Predicting talent needs before jobs open [20:53] – Paul’s 300-application job search story [25:11] – Why recruiters should think like sports agents [30:37] – The hiring manager’s missing voice in HR tech [35:27] – Integrity as a long-term recruiting advantage About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we're offering 50% off a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo. Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 Benefits in a Card helps staffing firms offer meaningful benefits to their entire workforce through flexible, unbundled plans designed for high-turnover environments—making it easier to control costs, improve retention, and stay competitive. https://www.BenefitsInACard.com TRICOM partners with staffing firms as an asset-based lender and full-service back-office provider, helping owners scale confidently by reducing risk and easing the operational strain of payroll, cash flow, and administration. https://www.tricom.com

In this episode of InSights, presented by Haley Marketing, Brad Bialy sits down with David Searns, Co-CEO of Haley Marketing, to unpack why staffing firms must build a true growth engine—one that aligns marketing, sales, and buyer enablement to win in a more skeptical, competitive market. About the Guest David Searns is the Co-CEO of Haley Marketing and one of the most experienced voices in staffing industry marketing. With more than 25 years helping firms clarify differentiation and drive demand, David brings a deep, practical understanding of what actually fuels sustainable growth. Key Takeaways Marketing is a sales advantage, not a creative expense. Buyers decide long before sales ever gets the call. Differentiation starts with customer problems, not company features. Nurturing beats chasing when markets tighten. If you don’t define your aisle, you compete on price. Timestamps [02:20] Why staffing penetration is collapsing [04:55] Buyers are skeptical, busy, and informed [06:45] The danger of selling without buyer enablement [09:20] The six-layer growth engine framework [13:15] Why most differentiators don’t actually differentiate [17:10] Escaping the “staffing aisle” trap [19:00] How owners should pressure-test their messaging [23:40] Making sales drop-bys actually work [27:25] Why nurturing is the most ignored lever [31:30] Buyer enablement without giving away secrets [34:20] Why fewer employers are using temps [35:50] Learning how to learn in a changing market About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we’re offering 50% off a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo. Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by FoxHire. If you’re looking for an Employer of Record partner that helps recruiters confidently grow contract placements and build recurring revenue without taking on extra risk, FoxHire is perfect for you. Learn more at https://www.FoxHire.com/Haley  

In this episode of Take the Stage, presented by Haley Marketing, Brad Bialy sits down with Noah Yosif to break down what staffing leaders must understand about today’s labor market and how economic uncertainty, AI, immigration, and policy shifts are reshaping opportunity for firms willing to adapt. About the Guest Noah Yosif is Chief Economist and Head of Research at the American Staffing Association, where he leads economic and policy research supporting staffing firms nationwide. A frequent voice in major financial media, Noah helps the industry translate complex economic signals into practical insight. Key Takeaways The labor market rewards preparation, not prediction. Uncertainty exposes who truly understands their niche. Staffing’s real superpower is insight, not inventory. AI changes tasks faster than it changes demand. Waiting for recovery is not a growth strategy. Timestamps [00:59] – Why orders are harder to win today [03:35] – When staffing demand still exists [06:15] – Blue-collar work’s unexpected comeback [08:56] – Staffing’s real competitive advantage [11:38] – Immigration’s hidden labor impact [13:36] – Do we have enough workers long-term? [16:29] – The four forces shaping hiring decisions [18:25] – What lower rates mean for staffing [19:24] – Why “wait and see” is a mistake [22:33] – New revenue models changing staffing [25:54] – The smartest 2026 focus for owners [30:32] – Early signs of a staffing recovery About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30

In this episode of InSights, presented by Haley Marketing, Brad Bialy sits down with Brad Smith to unpack why selling staffing services is harder than ever—and how tightly integrated sales, marketing, and AI-driven buyer enablement are becoming the real competitive advantage heading into 2026. About the Guest Brad Smith is Chief Strategy Officer at Haley Marketing, bringing more than 20 years of experience helping staffing firms turn digital marketing, technology, and strategy into predictable growth. A Certified Inbound Marketing professional, Brad is a frequent industry speaker and contributor to leading staffing publications. Key Takeaways Selling got harder—but avoidance won’t fix it. Activity beats hope when markets tighten. Buyer education now happens before sales conversations. Specialization creates leverage in crowded markets. AI amplifies systems—it doesn’t replace them. Timestamps [01:10] – Why sales feels harder than ever [02:35] – The real reason leaders avoid quotas [04:45] – When inbound stopped being enough [05:10] – The shocking truth about 72 touches [07:00] – Why reps quit before momentum starts [09:15] – Turning marketing into sales leverage [10:45] – How buyers decide before calling you [12:40] – What buyer enablement actually includes [15:10] – A $1.1M lesson in control and scale [18:05] – Why marketing can’t fix broken sales [21:00] – Focus beats doing everything for everyone [26:20] – How AI shifts from advantage to necessity About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: 👉 https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: 👉 https://bit.ly/Bialy30

In this episode of Take the Stage, Brad Bialy sits down with Ashley Andersen to reframe stress as a signal—not a setback—and explore how leaders can build mental strength, stay grounded in uncertainty, and keep showing up without burning out. About the Guest Ashley Andersen is the Founder & CEO of EzraSage, where she helps high-performing professionals and leadership teams build the mental strength to handle stress and pressure without burning out. With a clinical background in social work and psychology and experience as a certified executive coach and Dare to Lead™ facilitator, Ashley has worked with organizations ranging from family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Key Takeaways Stress is a signal, not a failure. Awareness comes before intention. Pause creates power. Purpose buffers pressure. Progress requires showing up. Timestamps [00:02] – Redefining stress beyond “good” and “bad” [02:10] – Why the brain defaults to danger mode [06:24] – The caveman brain at work meetings [08:04] – The invisible guest mindset shift [09:32] – Stop taking reactions personally [12:13] – The power of the pause [14:07] – Building accountability into team culture [17:37] – Alignment beats agreement [18:55] – Purpose as a stress buffer [23:18] – Finding purpose through lived experiences [28:09] – Why celebrating wins builds resilience [32:09] – Keep showing up when it’s hard About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: 👉 https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: 👉 https://bit.ly/Bialy30

In this highlight reel from 2025, we bring you the BEST moments from the first 11 episodes of Take the Stage. Topics Include: 1. Stress Management  2. How to Stop Chasing Prospects  3. How to Develop a Winning Sales Mindset 4. What High-Performing Sales Teams Do Differently 5. Staffing Industry Trends to Impact 2026 6. Can We Stop the Staffing Industry's Decline? 7. Why Culture is Your Competitive Advantage  8. Cold Calling Tips  9. How to Develop Strategic Partnerships 10. Go-to-Market Strategies for Staffing Firms  11. Proactive Strategies for Staffing Firms Learn from the following industry experts: Cathi WIlliams  Rochelle Carrington James Abraham Joey Frampus  Barry Asin Mike Cleland  Patrick Morin Dan Fisher  Kendra Cato Avner Baruch Martin Borosko  Michael Napolitano About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30

In this episode of Take the Stage, presented by Haley Marketing, Brad Bialy sits down with Julie Ann Bittner to unpack the truth about staffing funding: why it’s not a weakness, how the right partner fuels growth, and what smart owners must understand before cash gets tight. About the Guest Julie Ann Bittner is the President and CEO of TRICOM, a staffing-industry–specific funding and back-office partner with over 36 years of experience. Known for her high energy and deep industry insight, Julie Ann has spent decades helping staffing owners scale responsibly while navigating volatility, growth cycles, and uncertainty. Key Takeaways Funding is a strategic growth tool, not a sign of weakness. The right partner scales with your business—not against it. Waiting until cash is tight limits your best options. Industry-specific expertise beats generalist solutions. Proactive communication prevents reactive decisions. Timestamps [00:15] – Reframing funding as strength, not weakness [01:40] – Why banks struggle with staffing growth cycles [03:15] – Asset-based lending vs. factoring explained [05:16] – Funding realities for staffing startups [06:07] – Questions every owner must ask lenders [07:51] – The risk of client concentration [09:20] – Why waiting too long costs you options [11:14] – The danger of non-industry lenders [13:38] – Where staffing rebounds next year [16:02] – Industries quietly turning the corner [17:12] – AI’s real role in staffing today [23:53] – What true funding partnership looks like About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by MJA & Associates. For over 20 years, they’ve helped staffing firms save money by securing federal and state tax credits like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). With performance-based pricing, you only pay when you save—no setup costs, just real results. Learn more at https://mja-associates.com      

In this episode of Lunch with Haley,  Brad Bialy sits down to reflect on the biggest lessons, mindset shifts, and industry insights he gained from a transformative year in staffing, recruiting, leadership, and personal growth. About the Guest Brad Bialy is a senior marketing strategist at Haley Marketing and the host of both Take the Stage and InSights. With seven years of podcasting and thousands of conversations with staffing leaders, he brings a rare blend of industry expertise, curiosity, and real-world experience. Key Takeaways “The storm isn’t coming — it’s already here.” “Systems create repeatable wins.” “Happiness lives in the process, not the milestone.” “Curiosity builds relationships; pressure breaks them.” “Your service must live up to your story.” Timestamps [00:27] Warming up the room and the question that sparks reflection [02:14] Why 2025 was a “hell of a year” for staffing [05:13] Inside the threats creating a perfect storm for staffing [13:23] Competing with Amazon, DoorDash, and Spotify [18:44] The happiness trap and the marathon moment [24:58] Topical authority and why content density wins [28:41] Systems over goals: the Uber ride epiphany [31:37] Why you’re not reaching prospects nearly enough [36:29] Personalized automation and the GNC postcard lesson [38:31] Stop selling like the ’80s [41:09] Stay curious: winning the relationship, not the deal [55:21] The Gen Z wake-up call and the danger of declining satisfaction About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads.

In this episode of Take the Stage, Brad Bialy sits down with John Klymshyn to explore how sales professionals can reclaim humanity, curiosity, and authentic connection in an AI-driven staffing world. About the Guest John Klymshyn is a renowned speaker, coach, and author who has spent more than 27 years helping staffing organizations unlock creativity, sharpen their message, and elevate leadership through authentic communication. His work blends business practicality with creative play, empowering teams to sell with curiosity and conviction. Amazon Author Page Key Takeaways Authenticity is a competitive advantage. Curiosity moves conversations forward. Precision of language shapes outcomes. Consistency beats urgency. Practice makes prepared. Timestamps [00:34] – Why AI can’t replace human connection [02:14] – The mindset shift sellers must make [04:04] – Bringing your authentic self into sales [07:47] – Asking better questions that invite the next step [09:37] – How to remove “commission breath” [12:36] – Leading with curiosity instead of pressure [13:55] – Selling through down markets without fear [17:33] – The real math behind modern follow-up [21:24] – Why personalized video still disrupts [24:19] – Honor your commitments and keep showing up [29:23] – Practice makes prepared, not perfect [38:16] – A five-year mindset for new sales reps About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30

In this episode of InSights, Brad Bialy sits down with Steve Gipson to explore why great marketing must align with great service—and how modern staffing firms can blend both to win more business. About the Guest Steve Gipson is a 15-year recruiting industry veteran and the Director of Sales and Operations at Recruiters Websites. His team has helped more than 700 recruiting and staffing firms elevate their digital presence through modern websites, SEO, and marketing strategy. Key Takeaways Marketing can never exceed the quality of the service it promotes. Hype without delivery destroys trust faster than no marketing at all. Many firms avoid marketing because they’re unsure their product is strong enough. Sales and marketing work best as a unified system—not competing functions. Negative experiences travel fast in tight-knit recruiting communities. Strong marketing amplifies great salespeople by warming the path before contact. Timestamps [00:42] – When hype outpaces service delivery [03:11] – The danger of over-marketing an average product [05:55] – Why firms delay marketing until assets match reality [07:47] – Fixing the gap between leads and delivery [09:58] – How one bad experience can ripple through a niche [11:24] – Building a signature solution that stands apart [13:10] – Vegas, overpricing, and customer expectations [14:54] – Does great marketing replace the need for sales? [16:23] – Why service industries still require human closers [21:03] – Marketing’s real job: warming the conversation [23:52] – The unified system: sales and marketing [25:30] – How strong marketing amplifies a single salesperson About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by MJA & Associates. For over 20 years, they’ve helped staffing firms save money through federal and state tax credits like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). With performance-based pricing, you only pay when you save—no setup costs, just real results. Learn more at mja-associates.com.

In this episode of Take the Stage, Brad Bialy sits down with Lia Taniguchi to unpack Bullhorn’s 2025 Grid Talent Trends Report and explore how data, AI, and human connection are reshaping the candidate experience in staffing and recruiting. About the Guest Lia Taniguchi is the Senior Research Manager at Bullhorn, leading global market research that drives data-informed strategy for the staffing industry. With an MBA from Simmons College and a forthcoming MPH from Boston University, Lia brings a rare mix of analytical depth and human-centered insight to her work. Key Takeaways Only 26% of Gen Z candidates are actively using a recruiter—showing an urgent need for better engagement and support for younger talent. 54% of candidates stopped working with a recruiter due to slow or unclear communication, proving that speed and transparency are now table stakes. 88% of candidates rated their voice agent interview as as good as or better than speaking with a person, signaling growing comfort with AI-driven screening. Overall candidate satisfaction declined across every stage of the recruitment process in the past year, with speed and responsiveness dropping by 20%. Candidates want instant acknowledgment—most expect confirmation within minutes and status updates within one week, mirroring Amazon-style service expectations. Timestamps [00:45] – Introducing the Grid 2025 Talent Trends Report [03:20] – Why Gen Z is least satisfied with recruiters [06:30] – Setting higher expectations in a digital-native world [10:25] – The power of intergenerational mentorship in recruiting [13:40] – Can AI fix the application black hole? [17:10] – What candidates really mean by “speed and communication” [20:15] – Remembering the human impact behind every resume [24:00] – Using AI to give feedback to the “silver medalists” [28:15] – 88% of candidates rate voice agents as good as people [33:20] – Why candidate satisfaction is declining—and how to fix it [37:45] – Secret shopping your own candidate experience [46:20] – Specialization as the new superpower for staffing firms About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it—with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead-gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 For 30 years, Benefits in a Card has delivered benefit plans designed specifically for the staffing industry—over 140 unique options with immediate coverage, unique perks like FreeRx, and solutions that reduce turnover while improving ACA compliance. Give your workforce benefits they’ll actually use and give your staffing firm a competitive edge. Learn more at https://www.BenefitsInACard.com

In this episode of InSights, Brad Bialy sits down with Shaun Chojnacki to uncover the eight most common—and easily fixable—mistakes holding staffing and recruiting websites back from driving better visibility, engagement, and conversions. About the Guest Shaun Chojnacki is a Senior Marketing Strategist at Haley Marketing, specializing in SEO, paid media, and content strategy. With more than a decade of experience spanning SaaS and eCommerce, Shaun combines data-driven marketing with creative execution to help staffing firms turn their websites into high-performing lead generation engines. Key Takeaways Your website isn’t outdated—it’s underperforming. If your homepage talks to everyone, it converts no one. Fresh, relevant content is your new SEO currency. Trust signals aren’t vanity—they’re validation. Small website fixes can create massive marketing wins. Timestamps [00:35] – Why 50 staffing websites revealed the same hidden issues [02:34] – Outdated messaging: confusing visitors and search engines [05:11] – Creating clear client journeys for your ideal audience [07:34] – The power of service pages for SEO and conversions [09:21] – Location pages: how to win local search (and clients) [12:11] – Segmenting your blog for stronger topical authority [16:07] – Building trust through Google Business and external reviews [20:19] – Why weak calls-to-action kill great marketing [22:46] – Footers that actually convert: making the last scroll count [25:42] – Bonus #1: The secret structure behind great headers (H1–H3) [28:47] – Bonus #2: Internal linking—the forgotten SEO goldmine [29:58] – Rapid-fire recap: eight fixes to implement this week About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it—with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by MJA & Associates. For over 20 years, they’ve helped staffing firms save money by securing federal and state tax credits like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). With performance-based pricing, you only pay when you save—no setup costs, just real results. Learn more at mja-associates.com.

In this episode of Take the Stage, Brad Bialy sits down with Dr. Gustavo to unpack how culture—built on accountability, transparency, and intentional communication—drives consistent performance across in-office and remote teams. About the Guest Dr. Gustavo is a leading expert and keynote speaker on organizational culture, helping companies of all sizes engineer behavior change that lifts performance and profits. With 2,500+ presentations and two decades of consulting, he brings research-backed, practical frameworks in both English and Spanish. Key Takeaways Culture controls behavior more reliably than personality. Accountability means transparency, not punishment. Separate the problem from the person. Flexibility is earned through performance. Feedback is a gift—thank you or tell me more. Timestamps [00:01] – Defining culture as context that drives behavior [00:35] – Reframing accountability as transparency, not punishment [01:04] – Building momentum with “good → mediocre → bad” sharing [04:53] – Four pillars: beliefs, rules, traditions, rituals [06:12] – Leaders as chief gardeners of culture [07:22] – Coaching assertive communication across teams [08:19] – “Attack the problem, not the person” in practice [10:22] – Naming silos as culture’s biggest threat [12:53] – Creating “temporary Zoom rooms” for organic collaboration [16:24] – Future of work: flexibility over hybrid [18:58] – Using team KPIs to unlock autonomy [22:01] – Making feedback safe: “Thank you” or “Tell me more” About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 For 30 years, Benefits in a Card has delivered benefit plans designed specifically for the staffing industry—over 140 unique options with immediate coverage, unique perks like FreeRx, and solutions that reduce turnover while improving ACA compliance. Give your workforce benefits they’ll actually use and give your staffing firm a competitive edge. Learn more at https://www.BenefitsInACard.com.

“Goals are for people who care about winning once. Systems are for people who care about winning repeatedly.” - James Clear In this episode of Take the Stage, Brad Bialy sits down with Keely Flood to uncover how staffing leaders can replace random acts of selling with systems that drive predictable, repeatable growth. About the Guest Keely Flood is the founder of The Systematic Recruiter and author of The Honest Salesperson newsletter. He helps boutique recruiting agencies build scalable revenue engines by installing repeatable sales systems, sharpening positioning, and coaching teams to execute with clarity and consistency. Key Takeaways Systems create repeatable success where goals alone cannot. Success is hidden in the boring basics. Relevance beats personalization in modern sales. Always be conversing, not just closing. Great firms win with playbooks, not luck. Timestamps [00:56] – Systems vs. goals: why James Clear was right [02:13] – Nick Saban and trusting the process [05:09] – Why most sales teams resist building systems [07:36] – What top staffing firms are doing differently [09:11] – The trap of shiny new tools vs. core processes [12:44] – Always be conversing: redefining ABC in sales [14:41] – Outworking 90% of competitors with persistence [16:45] – Shifting focus from closing to understanding [19:46] – Relevance over personalization in prospecting [21:21] – Can cold calling still win in 2025? [23:26] – Lessons staffing leaders can steal from sports [25:50] – Why success lives in the boring basics About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Take the Stage is presented by Haley Marketing. The old way of selling staffing is dead. Let’s fix it – with smarter strategies and HUGE DISCOUNTS on modern lead gen tools: https://bit.ly/Bialy20 Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 For 30 years, Benefits in a Card has delivered benefit plans designed specifically for the staffing industry—over 140 unique options with immediate coverage, unique perks like FreeRx, and solutions that reduce turnover while improving ACA compliance. Give your workforce benefits they’ll actually use and give your staffing firm a competitive edge. Learn more at https://www.BenefitsInACard.com . #salesadvice #salestips #sales

In this episode of InSights, Brad Bialy sits down with Steve Gipson to explore how staffing firms can adapt in 2025 without overinvesting in tools, technology, or tactics. About the Guest Steve Gipson is the Director of Sales and Operations at Recruiters Websites, bringing over 15 years of recruiting and digital marketing experience. His team has helped more than 700 staffing firms strengthen their online presence through strategy, web development, and SEO. Key Takeaways Overinvesting often starts with underutilizing what you already have. Bad execution—not the channel itself—kills results. Adaptation sometimes means staying still and doubling down. Find trusted counsel, not just trendy advice. Courage comes from honest evaluation, not shiny objects. Timestamps [01:09] – Why Q4 brings pressure and opportunity [02:36] – The problem with chasing shiny objects [04:27] – Getting more from the tools you already own [05:20] – The screwdriver vs. hammer analogy for tech stacks [06:59] – When adapting means standing firm [08:02] – The AI echo chamber and decision-making traps [10:41] – Why every great firm finds a coach [12:27] – Cutting contracts vs. cutting people [17:18] – AI, outsourcing, and the future of staffing roles [18:02] – Is email dead—or just bad email? [25:58] – Sales as a series of small agreements About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He’s the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry’s leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors and Offers Heard Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by MJA & Associates. For over 20 years, they’ve helped staffing firms save money by securing federal and state tax credits like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). With performance-based pricing, you only pay when you save—no setup costs, just real results. Learn more at https://mja-associates.com