Top Echelon Network recruiter Marshand Noriega of WinSource Group knew about the Network’s business model long before she became a member.
That’s because 10 years ago, she thought it would be a great idea.
According to Marshand, she was working for another staffing agency when she saw a job posting from a competing agency. It just so happens that she had a candidate who would have been perfect for that particular job. So she approached her boss about the possibility of matching her candidate with that job.
“Nobody in this industry shares candidates or clients,” her boss said.
“That’s too bad,” said Marshand. “They should.”
Marshand Noriega
Fast-forward 13 years, and not only did Marshand start her own agency, but she remembered her idea of sharing candidates and job orders. And that, of course, made her a natural fit for membership in Top Echelon’s recruiting network.
“I loved the idea of staffing agencies all working together,” said Marshand. “And now I have the chance to execute that idea and bring it to fruition.”
The WinSource Group joined Top Echelon Network on September 12 of last year, meaning that Marshand has been a member for nearly 14 months. During that time, she’s made four split placements. Below are two interesting aspects of those four splits:
- Since joining, WinSource Group has paid $1,875 for its monthly subscription fee to Top Echelon Network. The cash-in total for Marshand’s four splits is $33,820. This represents a substantial return on the agency’s investment in Network membership.
- Marshand made all four splits with Sarah Katz of First Search, Inc. This illustrates that you just need one trading partner to receive a substantial return on your Network membership. Sure, multiple trading partners is the goal, one to which Marshand is striving, but all it takes is just one partner to make membership in Top Echelon Network more than worth it.
And how did Marshand and Sarah become profitable trading partners? By meeting at Top Echelon Connect 2023 in New Orleans! We at Top Echelon have long espoused the benefits of attending our recruiter networking events, and this is yet one more piece of evidence that substantiates our claims.
“We met on the bus coming back from the [Bayou Barn,]” said Marshand of she and Sarah. “After that, we started working together, and now we talk every day.”
According to Marshand, working with Sarah has been beneficial in more ways than one. In addition to making placements, she’s learned more about how the Network operates and how to make the most of her membership.
“Working with Sarah has been eye-opening,” said Marshand. “When you work closely with a partner, you learn more about the [Top Echelon] system in an organic way. When you work with a partner, they can show you how to do things. Not only do you learn more about the system, but you also build the relationship.”
Marshand’s specialty is placing Sales leaders across multiple industries, with a focus on the staffing industry and including Construction and Manufacturing. In each of her placements with Sarah, Marshand had the job order and Sarah had the candidate. According to Marshand, her knowledge and expertise of both her niche and her clients makes her a valuable trading partner for those Network recruiters who are looking to place Sales professionals.
“Because I’m so industry-specific in terms of Sales leadership positions, I’ve fined-tuned my process for interviewing candidates,” she said. “I’m meticulous when screening candidates to make sure they have the skills and experience that my client is looking for. I follow-up with the candidates for 90 days. My goal is to support their success.”
As a relatively new member herself in Top Echelon, Marshand has plenty of advice for those who have just started with their Network membership.
“Research the jobs in your niche and research the recruiters in your niche,” she said. “Reach out and make a phone call. You can email, but make sure that you call, too. Work with the people who respond to you and who want to work together. Above all, though, be patient. It’s a process, and you have to trust the process.”
However, it doesn’t stop there. Due in large part to her experience at Top Echelon Connect 2023, Marshand also suggests attending Top Echelon networking events. This includes the Virtual Core Group meetings, which are held every month in select industries.
“I make sure that I attend every one of the Sales & Marketing calls,” said Marshand. “Join the call that applies to you. And if you don’t know how the software works, reach out to support. Use the resources available at Top Echelon to better understand the TE system. That way, you’ll know how it can benefit your agency.”
If you believe that you can help Marshand fill her Sales leadership roles in the Network, you can reach out to her at (253) 354-4440 or via email at mnoriega@winsourcestaffing.com.
