The Most Unsuccessful Successful Recruiter with Michael G Cox artwork
The Elite Recruiter Podcast

The Most Unsuccessful Successful Recruiter with Michael G Cox

  • S1E68
  • 39:08
  • May 9th 2023

The Elite Recruiter Podcast recently featured a conversation between Benjamin Mena and Michael G. Cox, where the focus was on how to be a successful recruiter despite facing personal challenges. Cox shared his experience of still being able to bill six figures despite his wife's ovarian cancer diagnosis, which caused him to work only part of the year. He emphasized the importance of relationship building with clients and submitting only high-quality candidates for job openings.

The conversation highlighted real-life situations that recruiters may face and provided tips on how to keep the business going while taking care of oneself and one's family. Cox communicated with his clients about his situation and asked them to be flexible with him, which highlighted the importance of balancing work and personal life during difficult times.

The speakers discussed the importance of keeping overhead low when starting a business and how the relationship with clients is strong enough to allow for flexibility in the recruitment process. Submitting fewer candidates is preferred if they are high-quality. Michael shared his experience of starting the business with just a cell phone and a website and only investing in tools when they had clients. They also discussed the importance of helping people without expecting a return, as it can lead to clients in the future.

The speakers emphasized the importance of cost-saving strategies for recruiters, mentioning AppSumo as a great resource for finding affordable tools and software. They also discussed the importance of only paying for tools that are necessary and profitable, cautioning against overspending on expensive tools and justifying it as an affordable monthly payment.

The speakers reflected on their personal and business challenges over the last two years and the importance of being prepared for adulting problems such as medical and life insurance. They advised having savings and a reasonable burn rate and reflected on the high-profit margin of the recruiting business. They also discussed the roller coaster nature of recruiting and the importance of focusing on sales and building jobs to level out the ups and downs.


Overall, the conversation provided valuable insights and advice for recruiters, highlighting the importance of relationship building, cost-saving strategies, and being prepared for personal and business challenges. The speakers emphasized the importance of focusing on sales and building a strong network and shared their personal experiences of going through tough times as recruiters. Their advice and reflections on the industry and personal challenges provide a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the recruiting business.

 Michael G Cox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikerecruiter/

Zagworx: https://www.zagworx.com/

With your Host Benjamin

Mena with Select Source Solutions: http://www.selectsourcesolutions.com/

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

Benjamin Mena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benlmena/

Benjamin Mena TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benjaminlmena

Benjamin Mena Twitter: https://twitter.com/benjamin_l_mena

The Elite Recruiter Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeliterecruiter/

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

http://www.selectsourcesolutions.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.