Network, Niche and Saying No

Welcome to my newsletter!

This week's focus:

Understanding the real value of your network – your network is your net worth 

Why specialisation beats generalisation – don’t be the ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ 

The power of saying no – focus on what matters

Understanding the real value of your network

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Your network is your net worth.” But how often do we really stop to think about what that means? It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers… How many LinkedIn connections you have. How many emails are in your contact list. But numbers don’t mean value.

The real value of your network isn’t about volume. It’s about depth. It’s about relationships you’ve nurtured over time.

The truth is most opportunities I’ve had in my career didn’t come from random connections. They came from people I’ve built genuine, long-lasting relationships with.

In recruitment, that’s even more important. Transactional relationships might get you a few quick wins. But long-term success? That comes from partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.

So here’s my advice: stop just collecting names. Start investing in real connections. Help others without expecting anything in return. Build relationships that last.

When you approach networking with this mindset, you won’t just grow your business. You’ll make your work more meaningful.

Remember, your network isn’t just a number. It’s your greatest asset.

Why specialisation beats generalisation

When you’re starting out in recruitment, it’s tempting to take on any and every job that comes your way. You want to build your pipeline, keep clients happy, and grow quickly. But here’s the hard truth: being a generalist can only take you so far.

The real value today lies in specialisation.

If you try to be everything to everyone, you’re competing with everyone. But when you focus on a niche, you set yourself apart.

Suddenly, you’re not just another recruiter, you’re the recruiter for that specific field. You know the market inside out. You understand the roles better than anyone. And that makes you valuable.

Specialisation also gives you clarity. Instead of spreading yourself thin, you get to focus on what you’re truly passionate about. You become an expert, and clients come to you for that expertise.

It’s a long-term game, but the rewards are far greater. Higher fees, better clients, and stronger reputation. If you haven’t already, start thinking about what niche you can own. And build your brand around that.

The power of saying no

As a recruiter, it’s easy to feel like you have to say yes to everything. Every client, every role, every candidate. But here’s the thing: saying yes to everything doesn’t always help you grow. In fact, it can hold you back.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned? The power of saying no.

It’s not about turning down opportunities just for the sake of it. It’s about being selective. Not every client is a good fit. Not every role aligns with your strengths. Not every candidate is worth your time.

By saying no to the things that don’t serve your business, you create space for the ones that do.

It can feel counterintuitive, especially when you’re growing. But saying no isn’t closing doors. It’s opening the right ones.

It lets you focus on delivering the best results instead of just average ones. And clients notice.

So if you’re feeling spread thin, take a step back. Think about where you want to take your business. And start saying no to anything that doesn’t get you closer to that. 

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I built MCG Talent into a multi 7-figure business from scratch. We have navigated through three large downturns and have built a modern boutique agency by effectively using tools, processes, and outsourcing.

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