Downloadable: Month Planning & Tracking Spreadsheet

Setting the Stage for Success

In the 1st episode of Season 2, we broke down your annual recruitment targets into manageable chunks—how many placements you need, which clients to focus on, and so forth. Today, we’re taking that foundation and transforming it into a clear, actionable monthly plan.

Imagine having a roadmap that keeps you on track every day, week, and month of the year. That’s what we’re creating.

Step 1: Know Your Numbers

First things first—figure out your targets. For example, if your average placement fee is $20,000 and your annual goal is $600,000, you’re aiming for 30 placements this year. Easy math, right? Now, break that down further into quarterly and monthly targets.

Let’s say you’ve determined you need to make three placements this month. That’s your North Star. Every strategy you implement should be aligned with hitting that number.

Step 2: Focus on Your Key Clients

Here’s where it gets interesting. You likely have a few key clients who contribute significantly to your desk’s revenue. Start by listing them and mapping out how many placements you’re aiming to make with each.

If you’ve got six clients who can give you the 10 placements needed for the quarter, you’re on solid ground. But what if a client suddenly has a hiring freeze? Always have a backup plan. List potential clients you’d like to warm up or work with in the future—this keeps your pipeline full and your options open.

Step 3: Build Your Monthly Strategy

This is where the rubber meets the road. Break down your monthly targets into weekly and daily tasks. For instance, if you know you need to complete two full sourcing campaigns (or “projects”) a week, schedule them for Monday and Tuesday. That way, you’re ahead of the game, and the rest of the week is more manageable.

Reward yourself when you hit these mini-goals—whether it’s a coffee break, a surf session, or a massage. Positive reinforcement can do wonders for your motivation.

Step 4: Plan for the Unplanned

Life happens, and sometimes your best-laid plans go awry. That’s why it’s essential to be flexible. If you miss a target one week, make it up the next. Adjust your numbers if necessary, but never let missed goals snowball into a bigger problem. The key is honesty—be real with yourself about what you can achieve and stick to it.

Step 5: Reflect and Adjust

At the end of each month, take time to reflect. Did you hit your placement targets? If not, did you at least achieve your financial goals? Recruitment is a numbers game, but it’s also about strategy. Use your reflections to tweak your approach for the next month.

Your Strategic To-Do List

This planning document is not your daily to-do list; it’s your strategic guide. Every Monday, revisit your plan, adjust where needed, and set yourself up for success. By focusing on what you can control—like your sourcing efforts, client relationships, and pipeline development—you’ll not only stay on track but also reduce stress and enjoy your work more.

This plan is your blueprint for a successful year. Keep it visible, update it regularly, and let it guide your daily activities.