Play the Long Game (Even When It Sucks)
Why relationships > transactions in hiring, sales, and life — and a reminder that people always come back when they’re ready.
This morning, the perfect candidate followed up with me—three months after our initial conversation about an SVP of Sales role.
Yep, three months. The role is still open (sigh), but the client is running a confidential search and doesn’t plan to hire until summer, which is basically next week.
The kicker? This candidate checks every box and just took a CRO role. My hunch is it’s not going well, and he’s quietly keeping his options open. It happens more than you’d think. But what hit me was this: he remembered me and circled back.
This is the long game in action.
Whether you’re chasing candidates, clients, or new deals—timing matters. People make moves when they’re ready. Your job is to stay in the game long enough for the timing to be right… and not leave a bad taste in their mouth while you wait.
It’s simple, but not easy.
Too many people get so focused on the win, the placement, the sale—they forget the person. I’ve made that mistake. I try not to repeat it. What I’ve learned is:
Build trust. Act like you will run into the people you work with at the grocery store on Tuesday night.
Offer real help. Expect nothing in return. Offer to help.
Don’t force it. There is nothing more annoying than someone who tries to force their agenda.
Sometimes you’re not the answer right now. But if you do it right, you’ll be the one they come back to when they need help.
Send me good vibes—this guy looks like a baller on LinkedIn, and I hope he’s the real deal. We are talking later this week.
PS: The hardest searches we’re working right now? Series A fintech startup in Manhattan. The company is called Affiniti. Their founders are young and bring serious NYC energy and want top-tier engineers onsite, full-time. Not for the faint of heart—but if you know someone who thrives in that environment (or maybe finally replies to my DM from 3 weeks ago), let me know.