In this episode, I share a proven framework for crafting emails that close deals with hesitant recruits. Using a real-world success story, I reveal how moving from abstract promises to concrete specifics can make the difference between a signed offer and a lost opportunity.

• [00:00] Introduction - The challenge of closing recruits when competitors enter the picture and how communication plays a critical role.
• [01:30] The Hail Mary Email - A coaching client’s experience with a recruit who was at the finish line but started to ghost.
• [03:00] The Problem with Abstract Messaging - Examples of vague language, like "additional support," and why it fails to resonate.
• [05:30] Coaching for Clarity - Strategies to turn abstract ideas into tangible, actionable specifics:
  • Clearly define the support you offer.
  • Differentiate your value from competitors.
  • Specify how your leadership will tangibly impact the recruit’s success.
• [07:30] Why Clarity Wins - People gravitate toward specific, well-defined opportunities, not vague promises.
• [09:00] Tools for Refinement - Tips on simplifying and improving email clarity:
  • Use Hemingway App to keep readability at a fifth-grade level or below.
  • Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to refine and adjust messaging.
• [10:30] The Results - How the refined email helped secure the recruit and why specificity was the deciding factor.

1. Clarity Drives Action - Replace abstract statements with specific, detailed examples of the value you bring.
2. Specifics Create Influence - Defined, concrete promises inspire confidence and encourage recruits to move forward.
3. Simplify for Impact - Make your message easy to read and actionable using tools like Hemingway App.
4. Invest Time in Tailoring - A well-thought-out email can make or break a recruit’s decision.
5. Certainty Wins Deals - Recruits want leaders and organizations they can trust to deliver on clear commitments.

Closing recruits often comes down to how effectively you communicate your value. By refining your messaging to include concrete specifics and simplifying your language, you can influence hesitant recruits to take action. Use this framework to write emails that not only resonate but close deals with confidence.

If this episode inspired you, share it with your team and leave a review. For personalized coaching or help refining your recruiting system, schedule a session at bookrichardnow.com. Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com for more insights and strategies.

In this special year-end episode, I challenge Recruiting Leaders to approach 2025 differently by rethinking how they manage their time. Drawing inspiration from unconventional success stories, like Rick Barry’s legendary underhand free throws, I encourage you to break free from cultural norms, focus on what truly matters, and double down on efforts that yield exponential results.

• [00:00] Introduction - Reflecting on the past year and preparing for a breakthrough 2025.

• [02:30] The Lead Dog Principle - As a leader, your team will only go as fast as you lead them. Vision casting is key to long-term success.

• [05:30] The Rick Barry Analogy - Why breaking from the norm can lead to extraordinary outcomes, and how Rick Barry’s unconventional free throw style offers lessons in leadership.

• [09:00] Time Management Realities - Sobering statistics on how much time Americans spend on TV, social media, and radio, and the opportunity cost of these habits.

• [12:30] Reclaiming Time for Growth - Strategies to repurpose “lost” hours into productive activities like reading, skill-building, and leadership branding.

• [15:00] Doubling Down on What Works - How focusing efforts on platforms like LinkedIn has transformed my leadership brand and can do the same for you.

• [17:30] The Power of Intentionality - How being intentional with your time can create exponential results in recruiting and leadership.

1. Challenge the Status Quo - Don’t settle for normal results. Be willing to take unconventional steps for extraordinary success.

2. Reclaim Your Time - Analyze where your time goes and redirect it toward activities that drive growth and influence.

3. Double Down on Impact - Focus on high-return efforts like building your leadership brand and engaging with recruits intentionally.

4. Cast a Bold Vision - Great leaders plan far ahead and align daily actions with long-term goals.

5. Live with Purpose - Every hour spent intentionally can move you closer to becoming the leader you’re meant to be.

2025 is your opportunity to get “weird” with how you manage your time and approach leadership. By breaking away from cultural norms and focusing on what truly matters, you can create exponential results in your career and life. Let this be the year you stretch yourself, reclaim lost time, and lead with vision and purpose.

If this episode inspired you, please leave a review and share it with others. Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com, or book a free hour of value at bookrichardnow.com to build a custom recruiting system that drives results.

In this episode, I share a game-changing framework for recruiting leaders to transform "no shows" into enthusiastic new hires. By leveraging extravagant and ascending value, you can speed up the hiring process and build stronger connections with potential recruits. This strategy is ideal for leaders looking to make 2025 their best recruiting year yet.

• [00:00] Introduction - The challenge of recruiting in a noisy, competitive landscape.
• [02:00] The Problem with Typical Follow-Ups - Why "just checking in" doesn’t work and how it leads to disengagement.
• [05:00] Extravagant Value - The importance of offering recruits unreasonable value early in the relationship to stand out.
• [08:30] Ascending Value - Building on the initial extravagant value with continuous, increasing contributions.
• [12:00] Leveraging AI for Value Creation - How tools like ChatGPT can create custom blueprints, templates, and frameworks tailored to your recruits’ needs.
• [16:30] Real-World Application - A success story of a leader who used this framework to attract and hire 18 recruits in three months.
• [20:00] Why Leaders Are the Product - Demonstrating value as a leader to attract talent by reflecting what life on your team will look like.
• [23:00] Closing the Gap - The importance of showcasing your value digitally and making 2025 your best recruiting year yet.

1. Start with Extravagant Value - Offer recruits something unexpected and meaningful to capture their attention.
2. Add Ascending Value - Build on initial value with consistent, tailored contributions over time.
3. Leverage AI for Efficiency - Use tools like ChatGPT to create resources, frameworks, and content to share with recruits.
4. Lead by Example - Your recruiting efforts should reflect the leadership experience recruits will have on your team.
5. Consistency Matters - Bringing value consistently shortens the hiring cycle and increases success rates.

Recruiting in today’s market demands creativity and value-driven strategies. By using this framework of extravagant and ascending value, you’ll position yourself as the leader recruits want to join. 2025 can be your best year yet if you adopt these principles and commit to showing recruits that more is available through you.

Need help implementing this recruiting framework? Sign up for my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com, or book a session with me at bookrichardnow.com to create your unique recruiting system.

In this episode, I explore the "day one mindset" and why it’s essential for recruiting leaders to remain dynamic in a fast-changing world. By staying curious, adaptable, and committed to growth, you can position yourself as a leader who thrives in any environment. I share practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable steps to help you embrace this mindset and elevate your recruiting efforts.

• [00:00] Introduction - What is the "day one mindset," and why does it matter for leaders today?
• [02:00] The Accelerating Pace of Change - How shifts in technology, consumer behavior, and industry norms demand dynamic leadership.
• [05:00] Real-World Examples - Insights from DoorDash, Amazon, and the rise of convenience-driven businesses post-COVID.
• [08:30] Defining the Day One Mindset - Approaching every task with the energy, curiosity, and focus of a beginner.
• [11:00] The Three Agreements of Day One Leaders
  • Acknowledge what you don’t know and commit to learning.
  • Accept that effort won’t always produce immediate results.
  • Be willing to invest time, money, and energy regardless of the cost.
• [15:30] The Role of Personal Branding - Why your micro-brand as a leader has greater influence than your company’s macro-brand.
• [19:00] Leveraging AI and Technology - How tools like ChatGPT and AI-driven content creation are reshaping recruiting strategies.
• [22:00] The Constants Amidst Change - Your reputation, commitment to excellence, and micro-economy mindset are evergreen assets.

1. Adopt the Day One Mindset - Stay curious, adaptable, and hungry for growth to remain relevant in your industry.
2. Commit to Continuous Learning - Embrace new technologies, industry trends, and innovative strategies to stay ahead.
3. Leverage Your Micro-Brand - Your personal reputation as a leader is your greatest recruiting tool in today’s digital world.
4. Be a Dynamic Leader - The best leaders are those who evolve with the times while staying grounded in unchanging principles.
5. Think Long-Term - While the pace of change accelerates, focusing on reputation and excellence ensures sustained success.

The day one mindset isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of leading that keeps you dynamic, relevant, and successful in a world of constant change. Whether you’re just starting or decades into your career, this mindset can help you grow and thrive as a recruiting leader. Remember, the best always win, and your reputation will always matter.

If you found this episode valuable, share it with fellow leaders and subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com. Ready to create a dynamic recruiting system? Schedule a session with me at bookrichardnow.com.

In this episode, I share practical strategies for recruiting leaders to create a winning plan for the year ahead. From setting a vision to defining daily actions, I provide a framework to align goals with measurable outcomes. This episode will help you focus on personal growth, innovation, and accountability to elevate your recruiting efforts in the coming year.

• [00:00] Introduction - The importance of crafting a detailed recruiting plan tied to a larger vision.
• [02:00] Vision vs. Goals - Why a vision with a roadmap is more effective than standalone goals.
• [05:00] Reflecting and Adjusting - How to evaluate past results and adapt plans to unforeseen circumstances.
• [08:30] The 10-Year Vision - Using a long-term vision to drive innovation and personal growth year after year.
• [11:30] The Pillars of Success
  • Influence: Building your presence through social media, industry events, and content creation.
  • Daily Activities: Prioritizing consistent outreach via calls, LinkedIn, emails, and follow-ups.
  • Internal Engagement: Strengthening alignment and collaboration within your team.
  • Innovation: Exploring unique strategies that set you apart from competitors.
• [18:00] The Role of Accountability - Why tracking and reporting progress is critical for sustained success.
• [21:00] Building an Actionable Plan - Mapping quarterly, monthly, and weekly activities to support your vision and goals.

1. Vision Drives Action - A clear, long-term vision provides direction and helps prioritize annual and daily activities.
2. Growth is Non-Negotiable - To achieve your goals, you must grow personally and professionally by learning new skills and adopting innovative practices.
3. Accountability Multiplies Results - What you measure and report improves exponentially, making accountability essential for achieving success.
4. Plan in Pillars - Divide your plan into actionable categories like influence, activities, internal engagement, and innovation to stay organized and focused.
5. Think Beyond the Basics - Don’t just set goals; align them with measurable actions and hold yourself accountable.

A recruiting plan isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about creating a vision supported by intentional actions and accountability. As you plan for the upcoming year, reflect on where you’ve been, where you’re going, and what you need to do differently to succeed. With a strong foundation, innovative ideas, and the right accountability, you’ll set yourself apart as a top recruiting leader.

Need help refining your recruiting plan? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or book a session with me at bookrichardnow.com to create a customized plan for success.

In this episode, I dive into the essentials of building your leadership brand through social media content. As a recruiting leader, your ability to attract talent starts with how you represent yourself online. I share actionable tips, proven tools, and a content framework to help you create engaging daily posts that will establish you as a trusted and attractive leader in your industry.

• [00:00] Introduction - Why social media content is a non-negotiable tool for modern recruiting leaders.
• [02:00] The Attractive Leader - What it means to be a leader with clear vision, values, and alignment—and how that translates to your online presence.
• [03:00] The Social Shift in Recruiting - The decline of phone-based recruiting and the rise of digital engagement, with 91% of people ignoring unrecognized calls.
• [05:00] The Case for Daily Content - Data-driven insights on why only 1% of LinkedIn users post consistently and how doing so can set you apart.
• [07:00] Writing Powerful Content - The value of short-form written content on LinkedIn and why it generates 400-500% more engagement compared to other formats.
• [08:30] Essential Writing Tools
  • Hemingway App: Simplify content to a 3rd-6th grade reading level for maximum engagement.
  • Grammarly: Optimize tone, grammar, and readability with advanced editing features.
• [13:00] Structuring Effective Content - How to ensure your content is clear, conversational, and impactful using readability tools and real-time feedback.
• [16:00] Using Hashtags Effectively - The three-hashtag rule:
  • One personal/brand hashtag (e.g., #RichardNugget).
  • One organization-specific hashtag.
  • One theme-based hashtag relevant to the content.
• [18:30] The Engagement Advantage - How consistent, quality content positions you as an industry influencer and attracts top talent organically.

1. Consistency Wins - Posting daily on platforms like LinkedIn sets you apart as a recruiting leader.
2. Simplify to Amplify - Use tools like Hemingway and Grammarly to create clear, readable, and engaging content.
3. Leverage Hashtags Strategically - Stick to three targeted hashtags to maximize reach and visibility.
4. Be the Attractive Leader - Show your values and vision through content that resonates with your audience.
5. Engagement Is Key - Social media isn’t just about visibility—it’s about building relationships and trust.

Building a leadership brand on social media isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for recruiting leaders who want to succeed in today’s digital-first world. By using the tools and strategies I shared, you can create content that attracts talent and grows your influence. Remember, this is a process that gets better with time and practice—so start today and watch your recruiting efforts transform.

Want more recruiting tips? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com, or book a session with me at bookrichardnow.com. Let’s create your unique recruiting system together!

In this Thanksgiving-inspired episode, I dive into the importance of restoration for recruiting leaders. With so many responsibilities pulling us in different directions, stepping back to recharge is critical for maintaining peak performance. I share personal stories, practical tips, and insights on how to fully unplug and return to your role with renewed energy and focus.

• [00:00] Introduction - Why restoration is key for recruiting leaders and the value of intentional breaks.
• [01:30] The Weight of the Role - Acknowledging the unique pressures of recruiting leaders and the risk of burnout.
• [05:00] The Restoration Mindset - Lessons from my own journey of learning to unplug and rejuvenate.
• [07:30] The Unplugging Experiment - A story of how completely disconnecting during a vacation changed my perspective and energy.
• [09:30] Efficiency Through Rest - A manufacturing analogy about how intentional rest can lead to increased productivity.
• [12:00] Science of Perfect Timing - Insights from Daniel Pink’s When, highlighting four key components of restorative breaks:
  • Be social, not solo.
  • Spend time outside.
  • Stay active and moving.
  • Fully unplug rather than partially detach.
• [15:00] Intentional Restoration for Leaders - Strategies to maximize holiday downtime and return ready to lead with clarity and passion.
• [16:30] You Can’t Follow Your Way to the Lead - Why leaders need to think differently and prioritize restoration to truly lead in their industry.

1. Restoration is Essential - Peak performance requires stepping back and recharging intentionally.
2. Fully Unplugging is Key - Partial disconnection doesn’t offer the same benefits as complete detachment from work.
3. Follow the Science - The most restorative breaks involve social connection, outdoor time, movement, and full disconnection.
4. Be Intentional with Your Time Off - Use holiday breaks to restore yourself so you can lead more effectively.
5. Lead Differently - By prioritizing restoration, you’ll not only improve your performance but set an example for your team.

As you enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage you to lean into restoration. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, getting outdoors, or completely unplugging, take intentional steps to recharge. Restoration isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for leaders who want to thrive. I’m grateful for the chance to share this journey with you, and I hope this episode adds value to your holiday season.

If this podcast has brought you value, please leave a positive review and subscribe on your favorite platform. For more resources, visit 4crecruiting.com, or book time with me at bookrichardnow.com.

In this episode, I tackle one of the most overlooked yet crucial traits of great leaders: passion. Being passionate about your role as a recruiting leader isn’t optional—it’s essential. If you’re struggling to find alignment, lacking clarity, or feeling burned out, this episode will help you evaluate where you stand, reignite your energy, and find your passion again.

• [00:00] Introduction - The importance of passion in recruiting leadership and why it’s central to success.
• [03:30] The Role of Alignment - Why a lack of alignment with leadership can drain your passion and how to assess your current situation.
• [05:30] Defining Passion - Passion as strong, barely controllable emotions—and how to recognize it in yourself.
• [07:00] Steps to Regain Passion
  • Where have you been? Reflecting on your journey to find clarity.
  • Where are you now? Evaluating your current state and leadership alignment.
  • Where are you going? Gaining vision to restore motivation.
• [09:00] The Power of Storytelling - How leaders can use storytelling to bring clarity, alignment, and vision to their teams.
• [14:00] Core Values as a Foundation - Understanding your core values and ensuring they align with your leadership team.
• [17:00] The Fight Zone - Navigating tough seasons, staying motivated, and deciding whether to stay or take a leap.
• [23:00] Building Your Leadership Framework - Establishing a vision, defining why you do what you do, and creating core value statements to lead with purpose.

1. Clarity Drives Passion - Reflect on your past, evaluate your present, and define your future to reignite your excitement for leadership.
2. Alignment Is Essential - If your values don’t align with your leadership team, you’ll struggle to stay passionate.
3. Storytelling Brings Vision to Life - Use stories to provide clarity and inspire your team to move toward shared goals.
4. Passion Requires a Fight - Great leaders know that anything worth having requires effort and perseverance.
5. Lead with Vision and Values - A clear vision and solid core values are the foundation for sustainable, impactful leadership.

Passion isn’t just a feeling; it’s a result of clarity, alignment, and vision. If you’re feeling stuck, take the time to reflect and evaluate your next steps. Whether it’s fighting through a tough season or finding new leadership alignment, reigniting your passion will help you lead with purpose and inspire those around you.

Need help building clarity and passion in your leadership? Visit 4crecruiting.com or schedule a session with me at bookrichardnow.com. Let’s work together to make you the best recruiting leader you can be.

In today’s episode, we dive into the power of your leadership brand on social media. With a practical approach to what I call “Social ID,” we’ll explore how you, as a leader, can use digital platforms to showcase your authentic values, connect more deeply, and ultimately become a leader worth following. If you’re growth-oriented and focused on building a winning team, then this episode will give you actionable insights into leveraging social media as part of your recruiting strategy.

• [00:00] Introduction - Why your leadership brand on social media matters now more than ever for effective recruiting.
• [02:00] Understanding Attractive Leadership - I break down the three essentials of being an attractive leader: defining a clear vision, knowing your core values, and living those values out in your everyday actions.
• [04:00] The Social ID - I share the concept of “Social ID,” which is all about identifying and documenting your authentic leadership presence in simple, impactful ways.
• [06:30] Attracting and Retaining the Right Talent - We explore why showing up consistently with authenticity helps bring the right people to your team—and keep them there.
• [09:00] What Content Works? - I walk you through a few content strategies around values, personal truths, and daily leadership activities to help you get started with your Social ID.
• [15:30] Personal Meets Professional - Why sharing elements like personal growth, family, and community involvement alongside leadership actions can be powerful across platforms like LinkedIn.
• [18:00] The New Recruiting Landscape - Industry data now shows that top recruits often find their next role through personal networks, not from cold calls or traditional outreach.
• [20:00] Control Your Narrative - We discuss why you must own your social presence—because if you don’t tell your story, others will.
• [22:00] Action Steps You Can Take Today - I outline some simple yet powerful steps any leader can take to build a brand and make an impact, regardless of their company’s support.

1. Build Your Social ID - Authenticity matters. Document who you are as a leader to resonate with recruits and build trust.
2. Share Values Consistently - Talking about your core values on a daily basis attracts the right talent and aligns your team.
3. Use Social Media as a Tool, Not a Task - Today, social media is central to recruiting success. Make it a natural extension of your leadership.
4. Stand Out to Win Talent - With a visible, engaged presence, you’re positioning yourself as a leader worth following—and it’s the fastest way to attract top talent.

If there’s one thing I hope you take from this episode, it’s that leaders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines of social media. In a recruiting landscape that’s evolving fast, your brand is either growing or stagnating, and by cultivating a Social ID rooted in vision, values, and authenticity, you’re setting yourself up to recruit and retain the best talent for the long haul.

Want to level up your recruiting approach?

Join my weekly email list at 4crecruiting.com, or book time with me directly at bookrichardnow.com.

In this episode, Richard Milligan explores the traits that distinguish average, good, and great recruiters. He discusses essential strategies for building lasting relationships, setting a vision, and aligning with candidates' deeper motivations. This episode draws from a recent mastermind session with recruitment leaders and highlights how recruiting success requires focusing on relationship-building and purposeful, growth-centered recruiting.

• [00:00] Introduction - The challenge of recruiting for leaders with multiple responsibilities.
• [03:00] Understanding the Recruiting Leader's Role - Defining the recruiting leader and the extensive hats they wear within an organization.
• [07:30] The Average Recruiter - Characteristics of average recruiters: leading with company value, solving surface-level problems, and focusing on numbers.
• [13:00] Moving from Average to Good - Key shifts to become a good recruiter, including relationship-building, focusing on core values, and asking deeper questions.
• [20:00] The Traits of Great Recruiters - Great recruiters cultivate relationship capital, dig beyond the surface “why,” and connect with recruits’ core motivations.
• [27:00] Building Vision and Motivation - Casting a big vision to inspire recruits and motivate them through aligning with long-term goals.
• [34:00] The Power of Epiphany Bridges - Using reframing techniques and clear vision statements to create “aha” moments for recruits.
• [40:00] Dreaming Big with Recruits - Inspiring recruits to imagine achieving significant, long-term goals and making this part of your regular interactions.
• [46:00] Closing Thoughts - Importance of vision, systems, and integrity in becoming an effective, relationship-oriented recruiting leader.

1. Relationship First - Average recruiters focus on numbers; great recruiters build lasting relationships.
2. Dig Deeper - Understanding a recruit’s core motivations leads to a more fulfilling and effective recruiting experience.
3. Align with Vision - Casting a shared, larger vision helps motivate recruits and fosters long-term growth.
4. Systematic Approach - Having a structured system for consistent follow-up can create a strong and sustainable recruiting model.

Recruiting is about more than filling positions; it’s about connecting with people’s deeper motivations and aligning them with a meaningful vision. By focusing on right-brain recruiting techniques, leaders can build teams that are not only skilled but aligned with their core values and purpose.

Stay ahead in recruiting by registering for my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or schedule a session with me at bookrichardnow.com.

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