Midas List Recruitment

A strategy for identifying and building relationships with top talent while working at a company, focusing on future recruitment opportunities.

Core Strategy

• Create a personal "Midas List" of the 5 most interesting/talented people in your company
• Focus on people you'd want to recruit later for your own ventures
• Build relationships while working together
• Keep track of their specific strengths and capabilities

Key Benefits

• Builds a talent rolodex for future companies/projects
• Creates a network of proven performers
• Helps identify underrated talent before others do
• Provides warm leads for future recruiting

How to Approach It

• Look for standout performers in different departments
  • Example: "This girl in data science massively underrated"
  • Example: "This guy on sales team is incredibly smooth"
• Note specific skills and strengths
• Maintain relationships even after leaving
• Reach out when opportunities arise with personalized messages
  • "You were on my list of 5 people I'd love to work with someday"

Why It Works

• Talent rolodex becomes a limiting factor when building new companies
• Proven performers are easier to recruit than unknown candidates
• Personal relationships make recruitment easier
• Working together provides real evidence of capabilities

Implementation Tips

• Start building list early in your tenure
• Focus on both current performance and future potential
• Look beyond obvious top performers
• Consider cultural fit and work style compatibility
• Keep relationships warm through regular contact