Owning Your Recruitment

Grassroots strategies that help you build a hiring pipeline

Recruitment can feel daunting and frustrating in today’s market. One month you’re fully staffed, the next you’re not, and the prospect of a drawn-out recruitment is impacting your team’s morale.

Here’s the good news: Some of the most successful practices we work with have filled provider roles using one consistent approach — networking.

That’s right. You can own your recruitment by building relationships and creating opportunity, long before you need to post a job.

Grassroots Recruitment: The EAR Model

Think of grassroots recruiting as an everyday, relationship-driven strategy. Not a one-time effort. Not a last-minute scramble.

The EAR Model is a simple framework built around three tactics:

• Everyday conversations
• Academic and association outreach
• Relationship-based networking

All three are focused on networking, and this is the No. 1 reason our members have filled provider roles the last few years. We know it works, and we want you to see that success too.

Let’s break it down.

E = Everyday Conversations

Your first recruiting strategy doesn’t start with a job board. It starts with the conversations you’re already having.

Everyday conversations are unplanned but powerful.

They’re the moments where you naturally represent your practice, your values, and the kind of team you’re building.

Why it matters

In casual settings, people aren’t in “interview mode.” They’re just being themselves.

That means you can spot traits that matter most in great hires, such as warmth, problem-solving, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

And even if the person you’re talking to isn’t the right fit, they might know someone who is.

Where it happens

These moments show up everywhere:

• At a coffee shop when a barista asks how your day is going
• At a neighborhood barbecue when you meet a new neighbor who asks what you do
• At your kid’s recital when another parent says they saw your social post about moving office locations

All of these are opportunities to represent your business and plant seeds in a casual setting.

The goal is simply this: Be naturally enthusiastic and memorable. You never know who’s listening — or who they know.

Simple tactics that work

Recognize people for specific traits
Don’t overthink the opener. Start with what you’re noticing. For example:

“I’m impressed with your customer service skills. Those are the exact traits I look for in my team at Awesome Audiology. We’re always looking for people who love serving others and are problem-solvers. If you ever have any interest in a career change, take my card — I’d be happy to connect with you.”

This approach works because it’s genuine, specific, and low-pressure.

Have marketing collateral ready
If the conversation goes well, make it easy to take the next step.

Keep a few of these on hand:

• Business cards
• A simple “We’re Hiring” card
• A card with a QR code or link to your careers page

Pro tip: Keep them in your wallet, purse, laptop bag, or car so you’re never caught unprepared.

Wrap it up with a clear next step
Your goal isn’t to “close the deal” on the spot. It’s to keep the door open:

• “If you’re ever curious, reach out.”
• “I’d love to grab coffee and tell you more.”
• “Here’s how to find our careers page if you want to stay connected.”

Recruiting momentum is often built one small conversation at a time.

A = Academic and Association Outreach

This second tactic is more structured, and it stays within the audiology profession.

Academic and association outreach is where you inspire future professionals and build your brand early.

You never know who might reach out two years down the road. This is a long-term investment in your recruiting strategy, and it pays off.

Why it matters

When students and emerging professionals think about where they want to work, they often choose what feels familiar, reputable, and aligned with their values.

Your practice can become that place — especially if they’re familiar with you before graduation.

Tactics you can start this quarter

These aren’t “extras” or value-adds. They’re pipeline builders.

• Volunteer as a guest speaker in undergraduate or graduate programs
• Participate in job-shadowing days
• Stay in touch with former professors and program directors
• Host a lunch-and-learn or info session about careers in hearing care
• Submit courses at industry events to share your expertise

Even one strong connection with a program director or student leader can lead to a future hire — or multiple hires — down the road.

R = Relationship-Based Networking

Relationship-based networking is about being visible in your community, strengthening your reputation, and staying top of mind.

You proactively build a reputation in your community and professional circles as a trusted, visible leader and employer.

Why it matters

Great people don’t only come from within your industry.

Some of your best future team members may come from adjacent worlds, such as health care, education, customer service, business, leadership, or operations.

And many of them will be found through one of the oldest hiring channels there is: word of mouth.

Community-based tactics that build real trust

The practices that win long-term in hiring aren’t always the loudest. They’re the most present:

• Attend Chamber of Commerce events
• Join Rotary, Lions Club, or local associations
• Speak on a professional panel or roundtable
• Serve on a board or volunteer where professionals gather
• Get involved in community hubs such as places of worship, the library, or a young-professionals’ organization

Recruitment Isn’t a Task, It’s Ownership

Owning your recruitment means shifting from reactive hiring to proactive relationship-building.

It means you stop asking, “Where can we find candidates?” and start asking, “How can we become the kind of practice people want to join?”

When you consistently use the EAR Model — everyday conversations, academic and association outreach, and relationship-based networking — you create something most practices don’t have: a pipeline.

And when the next opening happens (because eventually it will), you won’t be starting from scratch.