What do you do after a great message… and then silence? Most leaders lose momentum not because they don’t know who to call, but because they don’t know how to follow up when they don’t get a response.

In this episode of Recruiting Conversations, I break down my 7x7 follow-up framework, seven meaningful touches over seven weeks, and how to build a system that helps you stay consistent without ever feeling pushy. If you want to win at recruiting, you’ve got to stop chasing and start building trust over time.

Episode Breakdown

[00:00] Introduction – Why most recruiting efforts stall out after the first unanswered message. [01:00] Prospect Every Week – Block protected time to research and build your short list of 10–20 candidates. [02:00] Focus on Depth, Not Volume – Personalization wins. Transactional messages don’t. [03:00] The 7x7 Framework – One value-based touch per week for seven weeks:

• Week 1: Affirmation message

• Week 2: No-pressure email introduction

• Week 3: 60-second video with perspective

• Week 4: Share a valuable resource

• Week 5: Silent call (register as a missed call)

• Week 6: Friendly text follow-up

• Week 7: Creative personal touch (e.g. voice memo, handwritten note, small gift)

[06:00] Move to Nurture Mode – After week 7, slow the cadence but stay on the radar with light, regular touches. [07:00] Use a Tracking System – Don’t manage follow-up in your head. Use a CRM, spreadsheet, or board to keep cadence consistent. [08:00] Train the Right Mindset – Recruiting isn’t a sales cycle. It’s a trust cycle, and trust takes time.

Key Takeaways

• Follow-Up Is Where You Win – Great recruiting isn’t about who you reach out to first. It’s about how you show up after silence.

• Use a 7x7 Cadence – Seven weeks, seven touches, each adding value, not pressure.

• Be the Consistent One – When their world shifts, they’ll remember who stayed in front of them without selling.

• Build the System – Set it and stay with it. A tracker turns good intention into real execution.

• Lead Your Team Into This – Coach your recruiters to play the long game, not the instant results game.

The leaders who win at recruiting aren’t sending more messages. They’re sending better messages, on purpose, over time, with value.

Want help building a personalized recruiting follow-up system for you or your team? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or book a session at bookrichardnow.com. Let’s build your cadence, and your confidence.