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The Power of YET

It’s the time of year when I often hear, “I didn’t hit my goal.”

But there’s a word missing: yet.

You haven’t closed that big deal yet. You didn’t make that placement yet. You haven’t hit your annual billings yet. It doesn’t just work with failed goals, but also with things which are inevitable. I’m not dead yet means “I still have time.”

In this industry, we often underestimate the time it takes for seeds to grow into something meaningful, and then we overestimate just how much we can cram into a day, a week, or even a quarter.

Why does this happen?

Because we’re surrounded by a flood of false narratives and stories about effortless success. They make business-building seem like a sprint when it’s really a marathon.

For recruiters, the truth is building a thriving business isn’t flashy or fast. It’s the long, steady process of forging relationships, refining strategies, and showing up consistently, even when the results aren’t immediate.

As the year winds down, it’s important to recognize growth doesn’t always look like skyrocketing revenue or instant wins. Sometimes, the real wins are the foundations you’ve laid and the shifts you’ve made, even if they haven’t fully paid off yet.

Here’s what progress might look like for you this year:

  •     Improved Client Quality: Maybe you’re working with fewer clients, but they’re better aligned with your strengths or industries you love serving. These relationships can lead to deeper partnerships and repeat business.
  •     A Growing Pipeline: You may not have closed all the deals you hoped for, but your pipeline is stronger. You’re actively nurturing leads, receiving more inbound inquiries, and working with referral partners who align with your values.
  •     Financial Clarity: Instead of avoiding financial details, you’ve gained control. You know your revenue, expenses, and profit margins, and can project what you need to hit personal and business goals.
  •     Data-Driven Strategy: You’ve analyzed where your best clients come from. That insight lets you let go of ineffective approaches and double down on what works, saving you time and energy.
  •     Refined Processes: You’ve cleaned up your internal systems, making your daily operations smoother and freeing up bandwidth to focus on higher-impact activities.
  •     Evolved Messaging: By honing your positioning and refining how you talk about your services, you’re attracting more of the right people—and starting to see results.

These changes may feel subtle, but they’re significant. They’re the roots of a stronger, more sustainable business. The fruits of these efforts might not show up on this year’s balance sheet, but they’re coming.

Keep going. You’re not there yet, but you’re closer than you think.

Stop working in a silo! Get the support you need from expert coaches and a group of high performing peers. Learn more below.

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Tricia Tamkin, headhunter, advisor, coach, and gladiator. Tricia has spoken at over 50 recruiting events, been quoted in multiple national publications, and her name is often dropped in groups as the solution to any recruiters’ challenges. She brings over 30 years of deep recruiting experience and offers counsel in a way which is perspective changing and entertaining.

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