In this episode of the "On a Roll" show, host Mike Michalowicz and guest Thaddeus discuss practical, low‑cost ways to locate high‑quality employees without relying solely on job boards like Monster or Craigslist. They argue that the most reliable indicator of future performance is observing people already excelling in real‑world, customer‑facing or operational roles. Specific suggestions include scouting wait staff and hosts in restaurants for sales talent, watching maintenance crews for line‑worker reliability, and volunteering to see managers and C‑level prospects in action. After identifying top performers in these settings, the hosts recommend bringing them in for interviews, using traditional job boards only as a supplemental source. The segment is delivered in a conversational, humorous tone, peppered with self‑deprecating jokes about the show’s viewership.
Welcome to On a Roll, and now here's your host, Mike Michalowicz.
A common question that comes in is, where do I find good people for me? Because every time I post something on Monster or another kind of job board, Craigslist, I get tons of stuff in and everyone's crap. Here is the key to success. You need to find people that are already demonstrating good work, and here's a little secret about finding them. By the way, I usually talk about my Swagster, but we went through the Swagster well. We're out, we're empty, so send me your swag if you want to be featured on this little 'Cool show, we definitely have 5 or 6 million viewers.' Not really, but my mom watched it like 5 or 6 million times, so you'll convince my mom. And I watch them too. And my dad. So 3 of us will watch you. Alright, so here is the key. If you want to find good salespeople, I found, go and check out the restaurants. The waiters, the hosts, the waitresses, those folks are giving customer service and they're selling to you. Obviously, they're offering different things and they got to deliver it exceptionally well. So great salespeople, actually great customer service, is often found at restaurants. Look for the best waiter or waitress, go there multiple times. If they're demonstrating in the field, they're the ones to hire. How about line workers? Check out your maintenance crews. Someone does lawn maintenance or something like that, check out the people that are doing that. Consistent work. See the ones who show up on time every single time and does a great job. There may be someone there. What about managerial staff? Well, check out the manager of these organizations, but also start volunteering. Now maybe you're like, "I don't wanna volunteer." I'm telling you, do it and be selfish about it, 'cause when you volunteer, there's other people out there, often C-level type people and managers. Now you can watch in a volunteer environment how those people perform. Always pick the best. They're demonstrating their true selves in all those scenarios. Pick the absolute best ones, bring them in for an interview, and you have a big head start on getting the best people. And then, you know, use Monster and Craigslist if you wish. So, Thaddeus, you're known— why don't you tell our viewers— for your great recruiting abilities. What do you do?
Ah, yes, Michael. You see, I stare deep into the applicant's eyes and peer into their soul. I gaze deeply into the psyche of their inner wit and then ask them, heart-wrenching questions like, "Where is the sea?" Shut up!
