We’ve all been there: the first meeting goes great, the recruit leans in, there’s chemistry... then silence. Suddenly, every follow-up feels like you’re annoying them. In this episode of Recruiting Conversations, I break down how to pre-frame your follow-ups with value, so you stop chasing and start leading.

When done right, follow-up isn’t a disruption, it’s a service. I’ll show you how to turn that awkward “just checking in” into a trusted leadership moment that builds momentum and creates future hires.

Episode Breakdown

[00:00] Introduction – The recruiting tension we’ve all felt: great meeting, then ghosted. [01:00] Why Follow-Ups Fall Flat – You didn’t set the stage. No frame = no permission. [01:30] Pre-Framing the Follow-Up – Plant the seed during the first conversation. Ask if you can share something valuable in the weeks ahead. [02:30] Asset #1: Books – Send a thoughtful book with a handwritten note that matches their challenge. [03:30] Asset #2: Event Invites – Pre-frame exclusive invites to leadership calls, masterminds, or town halls. [04:00] Asset #3: Custom Content – Send a podcast, quote, or framework tied to their specific pain point. [04:30] Asset #4: Pure Gratitude – A thank-you note that affirms their leadership plants powerful seeds. [05:00] Build a Value Library – Create a system to store and deploy assets: books, podcasts, events, insights. [06:00] Final Challenge – Stop winging follow-up. Lead with intentionality, and watch your pipeline warm up fast.

Key Takeaways

• Pre-Frame the Next Touchpoint – Get permission early so follow-up feels like service, not pursuit.

• Lead With Value – Use books, events, and content that reinforce your leadership and build trust.

• Customize Your Follow-Up – Reference real pain points from the conversation. Show them you listened.

• Systematize It – Keep a library of resources so you’re never scrambling for the next move.

• You’re Not a Nuisance – When your follow-up is relevant and intentional, it becomes a leadership moment.

The best recruiters aren’t chasing. They’re investing. Start pre-framing your follow-ups, and you’ll stop feeling like a salesperson and start being seen as a trusted guide.

Want help building your follow-up rhythm? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or book a strategy session at bookrichardnow.com. Let’s turn your follow-ups into future hires.