As a small business leader, have you ever found yourself frantically trying to fill a crucial role, only to realize that you lack the sales skills to prospect for talent and persuade the right people to join your team?

If so, you're not alone.

Many owners and leaders struggle with this core talent problem because they don't have a clear vision of the type of people they need to build a successful team.

In this post, I'll share my secret weapon for overcoming this challenge: a weekly key talent connection ritual that has been a game-changer for my business.

By implementing this proactive approach to recruiting, you'll be well on your way to building the dream team you've always wanted—without losing your mind in the process!

The Core Talent Problem Haunting Small Businesses

The elephant in the room is the reactive hiring approach that haunts small businesses like a relentless ghost.

When you only hire to fill an immediate need, you often scramble to find the right fit. This frantic process can lead to missed opportunities and stunted growth as you struggle to attract and retain the best people for your team.

I've been there myself, and let me tell you, it's not pretty. In the past, my reactive hiring left me feeling like I was trying to build a house with only half the tools—frustrating and inefficient.

However, I discovered that the solution lies in adopting a proactive recruiting mindset.

The Proactive Recruiting Mindset: Your Key to Success

As a small business owner, CEO, or Director, it's your job to lead the employer brand for key positions and treat recruiting like a sales process.

This means consistently reaching out to potential talent, showcasing your company culture, and building relationships even when you don't have an immediate hiring need.

You might be thinking, "Is it really worth the effort?" Absolutely! While it might not pay off immediately, the long-term benefits are enormous. You'll save time and money, avoid costly missed opportunities, and ultimately land those perfect hires that will take your business to new heights.

So, how do you implement this proactive recruiting mindset?

Let's dive into the step-by-step process of my weekly key talent connection ritual.

Step 1: Always Be Recruiting

First, set aside time weekly to search for talent, engage with them, and build rapport and relationships.

Consider this one of your highest-value activities. Think of it like dating for your business—you wouldn't wait until the night before your wedding to start looking for a partner, would you? Don't wait until you have an open position to start the search.

Your future team will thank you.

Step 2: Develop Your Employer Brand

Next, develop your employer brand.

Showcase your company culture, values, and the unique perks of working for your organization on social media. Share authentic updates that reflect your company's commitment to your team, such as when changing our bereavement policy at Skylink.

This genuine sharing allows potential candidates to see inside your company and understand what you stand for.

So, take a page from our book and start sharing your company's unique flair. It's like a bat signal for top talent—they'll come flocking to you like moths to a flame (but in a good way).

Step 3: Define Your Target Talent Profiles

This is like creating a wish list for your dream team.

You wouldn't go grocery shopping without a list (unless you're a fan of impulse purchases and a fridge full of random items), so why would you recruit without knowing exactly what you're looking for?

You shouldn't!

Take the time to define the skills, experience, and characteristics that make someone a perfect fit for your team. And don't just assume that the person with the shiniest resume is the best choice. Sometimes, the most valuable team members are the ones who bring a unique perspective and a killer sense of humor and humbleness to the table.

It's not just about skills (although that's important too.)

Step 4: Start Your Talent Search

Alright, now that you know who you're looking for, it's time to start the search.

Start by scouring LinkedIn, industry forums, and even your own network for potential candidates. And when you find someone who catches your eye, don't be afraid to reach out and start a conversation.

Just remember: the goal at this stage isn't to propose marriage (or a job offer).

It's to build a genuine relationship and establish yourself as the coolest connection in their network.

Step 5: Send Personalized Connection Requests

Now, you want to send personalized LinkedIn connection requests.

This is your chance to make a first impression, so don't blow it with a generic message like "I'd like to add you to my professional network."

Boring!

Instead, take a page from my playbook and craft a personalized message that shows you've actually taken the time to read their profile. It's not a spray-and-pray LinkedIn request.

Here's my go-to script:

It's like a virtual high-five that says, "Hey, I think you're awesome, and I want to be your industry friend (and maybe even your boss someday)."

Okay, maybe it's not that corny, but it's unique and explains why you should connect.

Step 6: Reply to All Responses

When those connection requests get accepted, it's time to put on your conversation hat and reply to ALL the replies.

And yes, that includes the basic "Thanks for connecting!" replies. To make your life easier (and to save your sanity), I have a few scripts ready to go for common scenarios.

For example, if you want to request a recruiting call, try something like this:

And if you're reaching out to someone who's currently working in a corporate job, try this:

See? It's not that hard when you're prepared with an effective procedure & scripts.

Step 7: Have Meaningful Conversations

Alright, now it's time for the main event: the actual conversation.

This is where the magic happens, and you get to show off your unique leadership personality and killer company culture.

Whether you're hopping on a call yourself or introducing people to your People Operations Manager, the goal is to have a genuine, meaningful conversation about their career goals and how your company might fit into them.

And if the stars align and the timing is right, who knows?

You might just find your next superstar team member.

-

By implementing this weekly key talent connection ritual, you'll be well on your way to building your dream team.

Remember, it's not just about filling positions; it's about building relationships, showcasing your company culture, and setting yourself up for long-term success.

I'd love to hear about your experiences with recruiting. Have you tried a proactive approach? What challenges have you faced? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's learn from each other!

Happy recruiting!