In the Network Spotlight: John Ricciardi

If there’s one thing that we like to do at Top Echelon, it’s highlight “model Network recruiters” in The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog.

There are many qualities and characteristics of a “model Network recruiter.” Among other things, they:

• Have a split-minded mentality.
• Embrace The Four Pillars of Top Echelon Network.
• Practice patience in the pursuit of split placement production.
• Place an emphasis on building and maintaining their trading partner relationships.
• Realize that the Network is an opportunity that requires an investment of time, energy, and effort but is also worth that investment.

And this week in The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog, we are pleased to highlight another such “model Network recruiter.” That recruiter is Preferred Member John Ricciardi, Managing Partner at Afton Consulting Group.

John primarily works in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries, but he also works in a number of other industries and disciplines, including Human Resources, Technical, Manufacturing/Industrial, and Sales. So far during his Network career, he’s made 44 split placements that have generated over $470K in extra revenue. (As a general rule, the money that recruiters earn in Top Echelon is money they would not have made otherwise . . . ergo, the value of the Network.)

As fate would have it, John found out about Top Echelon Network from another “model Network recruiter.” That recruiter? Long-time Preferred Member Philip Bartfield!

“I actually knew all about it when I first heard the name,” said John. “One of my first mentors in this industry was Philip Bartfield. He told me from the very beginning that when I decide to start my own business, I need to join Top Echelon because of the Network.”

It was sage advice, indeed, especially when John realized the struggles that came with running his own recruiting agency.

“Being a boutique firm means that you always have capacity issues,” he said. “You either have too much work or not enough work.  My hope was that Top Echelon would help alleviate those capacity issues by partnering with other boutique firms.”

One of the key factors to John’s success has been his willingness to be patient, especially during the early stages of his membership. It was a patience that eventually paid off—literally.

“It took me a while to figure out my place in Top Echelon,” said John. “I’ll admit, it took me some time to figure out how to navigate the system and understand the submittals. As an importer, once I had a better understanding of how the candidate ended up in my inbox, I had a much better feel for how to work the candidate and work with my Top Echelon partners. As an exporter, I try to make myself available to help in whatever way my partner is looking for that help.”

As part of his split-minded mentality, John strives to be the best trading partner that he can possibly be. He knows that will not only help him build better relationships, but it will also maximize the potential of those partnerships in terms of split placements.

“As an importer, just send me the resume and I’ll take it from there,” said John. “I really don’t ask much of my partners who are sending me candidates. We have a specific process we follow, so no need to do any prescreening; we’ll take care of it. As an exporter, I try to be available to my partners and work whatever process they have. Basically, I’m happy to be as involved—or not involved—as you would like me to be.”

Being a member of Top Echelon has also helped John in his dealings with candidates and clients, since he has the power and the resources of the Network behind him.

“Being a part of Top Echelon means that I can help candidates from all backgrounds and industries,” he said. “Also, when I speak with clients, I can confidently say that I have hundreds of eyes on their roles, looking to get them filled!”

As noted above, John has made more than his fair share of split placements and money in Top Echelon Network. However, the value of membership exceeds the financial rewards.

“The splits are fantastic, but it’s the friends that I’ve developed during my time at Top Echelon that I treasure the most,” he said. “Attending the conferences has afforded me the ability to meet many of the other members in person, and it makes picking up the phone and chatting with them much easier and fun.”

In terms of advice that he would give to newer Network members, John’s suggestions are direct and simple.

“First, listen to [Director of Network Operations] Drea Codisopti,” he said. “I don’t know if I would still be here if it wasn’t for Drea helping me understand the ways of working within the Network.  Second, don’t be shy. I was shy about reaching out to others when I started and after two calls, I realized there was no need to be.”

So if you want to be a “model Network member,” be sure to listen to Drea. He knows what it takes to be successful in Top Echelon.

And so does John Ricciardi.