Welp, it’s almost the end of the first quarter, both in Top Echelon Network and also out there in the real world. (Not that Top Echelon Network isn’t the real world, it’s just that . . . you know what, never mind.)

The bottom line is that regardless of how well (or not) the first quarter of 2024 treated you, we have some questions, such as the following . . .

How much money did you bill through Top Echelon’s recruiting network in 2023? Who were your top trading partners during the year?

Whoa, whoa . . . I know. One question at a time. But first, a little back-story on these questions.

Based on past Network polls and surveys of days gone by, the “sweet spot” for TE members when it comes to billing through the Network has been anywhere from $10K to $50K per year. In other words, approximately 50% of the TE members who responded to our polls and surveys billed that much through the Network on an annual basis.

Okay, now back to our questions . . .

How much did YOU bill through our split fee recruiting network in 2023? Do you want to bill more through the Network this year? (Don’t be silly. Of course you do.)

To do so, there are some questions that you should ask. Which questions? I’m glad you asked!

Below are 6 questions for identifying your top trading partners:

1. If you made multiple split placements in 2023, with which trading partners did you make the most splits?

2. If you didn’t make any split placements last year, did you come close, and with which trading partners did you do so?

3. With which trading partners did you enjoy working the most?

4. With which trading partners do you have the most in common?

5. Which of your trading partners work their desk in a similar fashion as you?

6. Which of your trading partners adheres most closely to The Four Pillars of Top Echelon Network—Quality, Communication, Trust, and Active Participation?

Once you’ve identified your top split recruiting partners for 2023, put together a plan for working with them more consistently and more efficiently.

Because they could very well hold the key to helping you enjoy your best year ever in Top Echelon Network!

And if you haven’t made any Network placements yet and you want to start “churning and burning” in Top Echelon in 2024, then be sure to contact Director of Network Operations Drea Codispoti, CPC/CERS.

Drea will help get you on the right track and connected to the people most likely to help you make splits in TE. You can reach Drea by calling 330.595.1742 or by sending an email to drea@topechelon.com.

We’re continuously updating both the Top Echelon recruiting software and our split placement network software.

So we’re pleased to announce the following software updates!

1. [NEW] Append Default Email Signature

You now have the option to include the default user signature to Email Templates that are set to be sent from an “Unspecified” address.

This will automatically add the default signature of any user who selects this template when manually sending an email or triggers an email Automation that utilizes the template.

2. [PRO TIER] Edits to Automated Text Scheduling

When making a temporary edit or reviewing a Send Text Message Automation, you can now add, adjust, or remove the scheduled delay of that message.

This allows you to make changes on the fly without permanently altering the Automation itself.

3. Password Requirement Change

To help keep your data secure, passwords are now required to be a minimum of 12 characters long and include at least 1 letter and 1 number. These requirements will be in effect on your next password change.

Remember, you can always stay informed about software updates by visiting the official Top Echelon Product Updates page. You can see current and past updates, as well as which updates and upgrades are next.

If you have questions about these updates or about any other aspect of your Top Echelon Network and/or recruiting software account, you can:

→ Send an email to support@topechelon.com.

→ Visit our Help Center for answers to your questions or start a live chat by clicking the “Contact” link in the navigation bar.

Top Echelon offers a free monthly webinar as part of its Expert Recruiter Coaching Series.

These webinars touch upon a variety of recruiter-related topics. These topics deal with both job candidates and clients. As always, our goal with these webinars is to help professional recruiters and executive search consultants just like YOU make more placements.

We record these webinars for recruiters who can’t attend the live presentation, and we’re now pleased to offer the video from our most recent webinar by Bob Marshall of TBMG International.

The title of that webinar (and corresponding training video) is “Cultivating a Growth Mindset to Make More Placements.”

Below is the official description for this training video:

— — —

Bob Marshall

Let’s face it: recruiting is more difficult than it was a couple of years ago . . . maybe even as recently as last year. However, you’re a recruiter and you’re tough, which is why you’re in this profession in the first place. But every once in a while, you need a “shot in the arm” to get you back on the right track so you can start billing like a superstar again.

That’s why we invite you to join Bob Marshall of TBMG International for the next webinar video in Top Echelon’s Expert Recruiter Coaching Series! During this FREE video, Bob will address how to cultivate a growth mindset for making more placements, including:

• What to do when you hit a plateau and you feel overwhelmed by rapid industry change
• Why you need to commit to learning growth habits on a daily basis
• How to implement cutting-edge solutions to winning new business
• How to utilize Red Ocean/Blue Ocean strategies
• And much more!

So no matter how well (or not) the year has started, it’s time to “put the pedal to the metal” and start producing. So watch this training video and learn all about “Cultivating a Growth Mindset to Make More Placements”!

Watch this FREE training video!

 — — —

Recorded versions of our Expert Recruiter Coaching Series of webinars are posted on our website as free online recruitment training courses in the Top Echelon Recruiter Training Library.

Keep an eye out for the next free webinar in our Expert Recruiter Coaching Series!

The first quarter of the year is “in the books,” as they say.

And while it may have been a rough one for you and your recruiting agency, there are still three quarters left in the year. A lot can happen in nine months.

We’ll talk more about the first quarter of 2024 next month in The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog, specifically in the Quarterly Issue of our publication.

In the meantime, I’d like to announce Top Echelon’s holiday hours for Good Friday.

The Top Echelon Software offices will be closed on Friday, March 29, in observance of Good Friday. These hours apply to:

• Top Echelon’s recruiter network
• Top Echelon’s applicant tracking software

Our offices will re-open for business as usual at 8 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Monday, April 1. (Seriously . . . no fooling.)

We’re looking forward to a great second quarter of the year . . . and then after that, we’ll be looking forward to a great second half of the year.

If you’re traveling for the Easter holiday, then we wish you safe travels and hope that you remain safe and enjoy the holiday with friends and family.

Happy Easter!