For recruiters who have entered the industry within the last couple of years, I’m guessing things are feeling quite different lately? The job market isn't as buoyant as it once was, and the days of clients ringing with roles seem like a distant memory.  I’ll go as far as saying that this may seem like a "tough market" for the recruiters with a couple of years of experience under your belts.  It's understandable if this shift feels challenging—it's a new phase where the traditional norms of recruitment are reasserting themselves. 

360 Recruitment Reality
But the reality is, what we're experiencing now is a return to normal in recruitment. After a period of high demand and rapid placements, the market has balanced out. This shift requires recruiters to adapt their strategies. No longer can we rely solely on clients calling in with roles; it's now about proactively winning and nurturing relationships with them.

For the last couple of years most recruiters have been in delivery mode and now all of a sudden your manager is telling you to be a 360, win work etc... Yet transitioning from a delivery-focused role to a 360-degree recruiter can be daunting. Suddenly, there's a need to balance client acquisition with candidate sourcing and placement. Where do you begin?

52 Cups of Coffee Strategy
A fantastic mentor of mine a while ago told me about the concept of 52 cups of coffee… Essentially it suggests meeting with a new industry contact once every week. By consistently expanding your network in a deliberate manner, you not only increase your professional connections but also gain invaluable insights and knowledge. Each cup of coffee represents an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and uncover potential business leads.

Imagine the cumulative effect of 52 weeks of networking—your network expands exponentially, and so does your understanding of market dynamics! This approach not only enhances your visibility within the industry but also positions you as a proactive and resourceful recruiter! I’d call that a win :)

The Big Point
So my point being - don't let market fluctuations dictate your success. Embrace the concept of 52 cups of coffee as a roadmap to professional growth and resilience in your career.  Every cup of coffee is not just a meeting—it's an investment in your career and future success. Start building your network strategically and watch your opportunities expand. Something worth investing in.

Chris Perdikis