5 Overlooked Ways Recruiters Get More Clients Fast  artwork
The Elite Recruiter Podcast

5 Overlooked Ways Recruiters Get More Clients Fast

  • S1E293
  • 48:35
  • January 21st 2026

1. Episode Hook

Recruiters don’t have a talent problem right now.

They have a client acquisition problem—and most are fixing it the wrong way.

2. Why This Episode Matters

The last 18–24 months forced recruiters back into real business development.

In this episode, Sharon Bondurant breaks down the simple, overlooked strategies that consistently win clients—even in tough markets—without burning out or hiding behind tools.

If you want more job orders, more control, and more predictable revenue in 2025 and beyond, this episode is required listening.

3. What You’ll Learn

  • The “Bullseye Strategy” for finding clients closest to the money (without cold-call paralysis)
  • Why most recruiters start BD in the worst possible place—and how to flip it
  • How to turn everyday recruiting activity into new job orders using “Rabbit Hole Recruiting”
  • The missed-placement audit that can uncover hidden $20K–$30K fees you’re already owed
  • When automation actually helps BD—and when it silently kills deals
  • The mindset shift that can double your income without doubling your hours
  • How consistency beats elite sales skills every time in modern recruiting

4. About the Guest

Sharon Bondurant is a 30-year recruiting veteran, founder of The Finders, Inc. 5000 alum, and creator of a modern brokerage model for elite recruiters. Her firm has generated $45M+ in revenue and placed over 5,300 professionals.

5. Extended Value Tease

After this episode, business development stops feeling random and exhausting.

You’ll know exactly who to call, what to focus on, and how to create momentum fast—using assets and relationships you already have.

This isn’t hype. It’s repeatable, proven recruiting strategy from someone who’s seen every market cycle.

6. Listen Now CTA

If you want more clients, cleaner BD, and a smarter way to grow in 2026—press play now.

7. Timestamp Highlights

  • 00:03 – Why BD feels harder now (and what’s actually changed)
  • 05:30 – The mindset prerequisite most recruiters skip
  • 10:45 – How BD can literally double your income
  • 21:10 – The Bullseye Strategy explained
  • 27:15 – Why cold calling strangers first kills momentum
  • 29:00 – Rabbit Hole Recruiting in action
  • 35:20 – The missed placement audit most firms never run
  • 39:10 – When to automate—and when not to
  • 42:00 – Why consistency beats sales talent
  • 45:30 – Final advice for winning in 2026

8. Sponsors

🚀 Atlas – AI-first ATS & CRM

Automates admin, syncs resumes/emails, and uses AI to build polished profiles and reports.

Try it free or book a demo → https://recruitwithatlas.com

9. Summit + Community

🎯 2026 Sales and BD Recruiter Summit

https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/

💼 Join the Elite Recruiter Community

(All summits, replays, Billers Club + split space)

https://elite-recruiters.circle.so/checkout/elite-recruiter-community

10. Tools & Links

Free Trial: Pin → https://www.pin.com/

Signup for emails → https://eliterecruiterpodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe

YouTube: https://youtu.be/l1WR9UFoYmg

Follow Guest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonbondurant/

Host Benjamin Mena → http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/

Benjamin LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/

If business development has felt heavier lately, this episode shows you how to make it lighter—and far more profitable.

The Elite Recruiter Podcast

The Elite Recruiter Podcast is the number one podcast for recruiting professionals.

This is where the top recruiters share: How they got there. What kind of work did it take. Tips, Tools, and Tricks. The Mindset needed to get them to where they are. What they are doing with their success. Goals and visions for the future. So please join me on this journey as I interview some of the best in our industry.

Benjamin Mena

The Elite Recruiter Podcast Host

https://www.eliterecruiterpodcast.com/

Meet the Hosts

Benjamin Mena avatar
Benjamin Mena
Host

Benjamin Mena is the founder of Select Source Solutions and the host of The Elite Recruiter Podcast — one of the top global podcasts for agency and executive recruiters. With over a decade of experience placing top talent in the government contracting (GovCon) and cleared space, Ben brings a no-BS approach to the business of recruiting.

Each week, he interviews high-performing recruiters, agency owners, and industry innovators to uncover the real stories behind their success. From six-figure solo producers to million-dollar billers and AI-powered solopreneurs, Ben’s mission is simple: help recruiters level up their careers and businesses through actionable insights, raw conversations, and a community of like-minded professionals.

Based between the U.S. and Bordeaux, France, Ben is also a dad, summit host, and advocate for the future of AI-powered recruiting.