While we currently have a pricing deal in place with Next Level Exchange for Preferred Member recruiters in Top Echelon Network, I wanted to take a moment to remind you that we also have one with ZoomInfo.

ZoomInfo is one of the industry’s most accurate sources for contact information, providing verified, in-depth profiles on over 50 million professionals throughout five million companies.

The deal that we have with ZoomInfo is good throughout all of 2012, and this special pricing package is specifically for ZoomInfo’s award-winning search tool, “ZoomInfo Pro.”

In addition, our deal with ZoomInfo involves two different tiers and is explained in more detail below:

One (1) User with 1,000 Exports

Anytime in 2012—Top Echelon Network customer price is $850
Regular price—$1,495

Three (3) Users with 3,000 Exports

Anytime in 2012—Top Echelon Network customer price is $2,000
Regular price—$3,695

As you can see, Top Echelon Network Preferred Member recruiters are eligible to receive a substantial discount on “ZoomInfo Pro.”

Our contact at ZoomInfo is Account Executive Ryan Heitz.  To take advantage of this special pricing package, please contact Heitz at (781) 693-7533.  When you call, be sure to identify yourself as a Top Echelon Network customer.

We’re pleased to be able to offer a discount to our Preferred Member recruiters on a quality product like “ZoomInfo Pro”!

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
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In last week’s issue of The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog, we announced a deal we’ve struck with Next Level Exchange for a discount on their training programs.

Next Level Exchange (www.nextlevelexchange.com) offers a variety of high-quality, on-target training programs for recruiters.  The Exchange itself contains over 60 streaming training videos, a 20+ hour Foundation Training Program, and an ever-expanding NLE Library with scripts, recorded calls, video clips, articles, and more.

Under the terms of this agreement, the more Network firms that use Next Level Exchange, the more attractive the price will be for those firms.

For example, once there are 10 Network Member firms using Next Level, the monthly subscription rate will be reduced by 10%. Once there are 15 firms signed up, the discount will be 15%, and when there are 20 firms, the discount will increase to 20%, and so on in that fashion.  The maximum discount available under this agreement is 50% (if 50 Preferred Member firms sign up for Next Level’s monthly service).

Below are some other details of the agreement:

• There is no deadline; you can sign up at any time.
• For each additional five Member firms that sign up, your Next Level Exchange invoice will be automatically reduced by 5%.
• There’s nothing else you need to do to receive this discounted rate—besides encouraging other Members to take advantage of the program!
• You can start by using the service for FREE for two weeks!

Just send an email to orders@nextlevelexchange.com.  In the email, identify yourself as a Top Echelon Network Preferred Member recruiter and indicate your desire to start your FREE two-week trial.

We believe in the benefits of continuous training, and we also believe that Next Level Exchange is providing high-quality training within the recruiting industry.  We hope that you’ll take advantage of this special deal and that doing so will help take your firm’s production to the next level!

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
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There are many advantages to being a Preferred Member firm, and we at Top Echelon Network are continually seeking ways to add to those advantages.

We believe we’ve done so with our new agreement with one of the premier recruiter training organizations in the industry, Next Level Exchange (www.nextlevelexchange.com).  They offer a variety of high-quality, on-target training programs for recruiters.  The Exchange itself contains over 60 streaming training videos, a 20+ hour Foundation Training Program, and an ever-expanding NLE Library with scripts, recorded calls, video clips, articles, and more.

Under the terms of this agreement, the more Network firms that use Next Level Exchange, the deeper the discount will be for those firms.

For example, once there are 10 Network Member firms using Next Level, the monthly subscription rate will be reduced by 10%.  Once there are 15 firms signed up, the discount will be 15%, and when there are 20 firms, the discount will increase to 20%, and so on in that fashion. The maximum discount available under this agreement is 50% (if 50 Preferred Member firms sign up for Next Level’s monthly service).  Below are some other details of the agreement:

• There is no deadline; you can sign up at any time.
• For each additional five Member firms that sign up, your Next Level Exchange invoice will be automatically reduced by 5%.
• There’s nothing else you need to do to receive this discounted rate—besides encouraging other Members to take advantage of the program!

Below is a complete breakdown of this agreement:

Okay . . . so how do you get started?  In short, you get started with Next Level Exchange’s FREE two-week trial.  There are two ways to do this:

1. Send an email to orders@nextlevelexchange.com.  In the email, identify yourself as a Top Echelon Network Preferred Member recruiter and indicate your desire to start a free two-week trial.
2. Click here to sign up for your free trial right now. Keep in mind that you will have to enter a credit card number. After your trial starts, a Next Level representative will contact you.  At that time, you can identify yourself as a Preferred Member and ask questions about the training or this special deal.  If you decide you don’t want the service, then you must cancel it before the end of your trial period.

A testimonial from one of our own Preferred Member recruiters is below.  We’re pleased to be able to offer this deal to our Members, and we hope that it helps you increase the production of your firm, as well as the value that you provide to YOUR clients.

Sign up for a free two-week trial today to get started on this exclusive offer between Top Echelon Network and Next Level Exchange!

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“I am a strong believer in continuous process improvement and the need to remain sharp in our skills (even as experienced recruiters) is essential in this competitive recruiting marketplace.  Perhaps I should say, especially as experienced recruiters since those of us in the business for 5 or more years tend to get set in our ways.  Getting into a rut or a slump becomes easier with each passing year in the business without continuous training.

The foundation training modules with accompanying materials are top-shelf; it is the best training I have seen and I have tried others.  I use the NLE two ways: first as continued training for myself and my experienced recruiters and second, as material for our morning sales meetings.  I intend on using it for new recruiter training later this summer when we hire our third recruiter.  It is a no-brainer and anyone who takes a look at the training will quickly see the value.  The only way you can’t get a return on your investment is if you don’t use it.”

Juli Smith, President
The Smith Consulting Group LLC

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
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I am writing this blog post to inform you that unfortunately, LinkedIn has officially pulled out of their deal for “LinkedIn Recruiter.”

As you know, we had struck a deal for “LinkedIn Recruiter” for Preferred Members of Top Echelon Network.

Under the terms of that deal, Preferred Members could purchase one year of “LinkedIn Recruiter” at a cost of just $2,500 (half the regular price of $5,000), as long as we were able to secure commitments from 50 recruiters.

However, after LinkedIn officials further discussed the deal with their sales staff, they came to the conclusion that it is not viable.  As a result, we will not be able to offer it to the Network Membership.

We attempted to strike a modified version of the original deal, but such efforts did not transpire.

Despite this disappointment, please be assured that we will continue striving to exceed your expectations in our attempts to add even more value to your Preferred Membership.

As always, thank you for your commitment as a Top Echelon Network recruiter.

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
mdemaree@topechelon.com
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During the first quarter of this year, Preferred Member recruiters were making almost as many placements in IT/Information Systems/Data Processing as they were in Industry and Manufacturing.

However, that trend was short-lived.

That’s because according to our second quarter statistics, Industry and Manufacturing has once again assumed its position as “king of the hill,” so to speak, within Top Echelon Network.

As you can see by the chart below, Industry and Manufacturing is currently accounting for nearly a third of all placements in the Network (32.5%).  IT/Information Systems/Data Processing is second at 22.2%, and Engineering is third at 14.4%.

The discipline that accounts for the most job orders in Top Echelon Network?  That would be Healthcare, and that’s been the case for quite a while now, although the percentage of job orders (15.8%) is not as high as it’s been in the past.  At one point, over a third of all job orders in the Network were Healthcare-related.

What’s been your experience?  Do you work in any of these disciplines?  Are you seeing more job orders, candidates, and placements?  Or fewer?

More importantly, what can the Network do for you to help you be more successful?

If you have any questions about these statistics or about how you can make more split placements as a Preferred Member of Top Echelon Network, be sure to contact us.

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
mdemaree@topechelon.com
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The Top Echelon Network offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The offices will re-open at 8 a.m. the following day, Thursday, July 5.

I’d like to take this moment to wish everybody a fun and safe holiday.  With temperatures expected to be in the 90s (and even the 100s) all during the week throughout the country, be sure to take the proper precautions while celebrating the holiday.

I’d also like to mention the tremendous sacrifices that have been made by those serving in the military.  Many of you have served this country in one capacity or another during your lives, and I want to thank you for both your service and your commitment.

So be safe, have fun, and stay cool.  We’ll be back in the office with you on Thursday!

Have a great holiday!

At Top Echelon, we want to make Membership in our split network as valuable as possible.

To that end, we’re pleased to announce a special deal that we’ve struck with LinkedIn for their “LinkedIn Recruiter” tool.

As part of this agreement, Preferred Members of Top Echelon Network can purchase “LinkedIn Recruiter” at 50% off!  That means the price for a whole year of LinkedIn Recruiter would be $2,500, as opposed to the regular price of $5,000.

However, it should be noted that at least 50 recruiters must sign up for this deal in order for this special pricing to be available. If between 25 and 50 participate, then the price will be $3,500 for one year.

Below are some other important details associated with this deal:

• Recruiters who participate will have to pay for LinkedIn Recruiter up front.
• Top Echelon Network will serve as the one point of contact for LinkedIn for this special offer, meaning that you’ll have to make your check for the appropriate amount out to “Top Echelon Network.” Then we’ll pay LinkedIn.  (You’ll still contact LinkedIn for other issues, including technical support.)

For those who don’t know, LinkedIn recruiter is a special package from the social media site created specifically for recruiters.  With LinkedIn Recruiter, you get the following:

• Full-name visibility
• Premium talent filters
• 50 InMails
• 1,000 profiles per search
• 50 alerts daily
• 200 folders, team sharing
• Collaboration tools

Click here for more information about LinkedIn Recruiter, including a short video and assorted White Papers regarding the software.

To maximize the benefits of this special offer, we need a commitment from those recruiters who are interested.  Specifically, we’ll need the $2,500 in the form of a check by Wednesday, July 25.  That will ensure that we’ll meet the August 1 deadline.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of this deal, please send us an email at info@topechelon.com.  In that email, be sure to include your name, your firm’s name, and your willingness to participate in this special deal.

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
MDemaree@TopEchelon.com
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Longevity in the recruiting profession is nothing to sneeze at (or cough at, for that matter).  Recruiting is not an easy profession, and every year, firms go out of business as a direct result.

Longevity in Top Echelon Network is nothing to sneeze at, either, and that’s why we want to recognize those Preferred Member firms that are celebrating a Network anniversary during the month of June.  At the top of the list is Career Professionals, Inc. in Morristown, Pa., which is celebrating its 21st anniversary this month.

In addition, Helffrich International in Oldsmar, Fla., and Walter & Associates, Inc. in Olathe, Kan., are celebrating their 21st anniversary.  Congratulations to those firms, and all the other Preferred Member firms listed below.

22 years

Career Professionals, Inc. (June 27)

21 years

Helffrich International (June 26)
Walter & Associates, Inc. (June 27)

13 years

Stephens International (June 30)

12 years

North Peak Group (June 28)

10 years

Ohrmund Employment Group (June 5)
Person Plus Incorporated (June 5)
Sissom & Associates (June 25)

9 years

JS Griffith & Associates (June 23)
PSW Groups (June 26)

8 years

Clinical Dynamix, Inc. (June 23)
Front Line solutions, LLC (June 16)
SAP Recruiters (June 29)

7 years

JR Walters Resources (June 9)

6 years

Management Analysis & Utilization, Inc. (June 29)
Professional Placement Consulting Group (June 2)
The Smith Consulting Group, LLC (June 26)

5 years

Catapult Resources West (June 7)
General Search and Recruitment (June 1)
Management Search Partners (June 18)

4 years

Reiger Technical Search (June 19)

3 years

Balanced Career Solutions, Inc. (June 8)
Dayspring & Associates (June 1)
Ehlers Recruiting Partners (June 30)
Shanklin & Associates (June 25)
Spaulding Associates (June 4)

2 years

HG Arias & Associates (June 28)

1 year

EPG Solutions (June 21)
IT Audit Search (June 6)
Orion Delta Group (June 30)

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
MDemaree@TopEchelon.com
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At Top Echelon, we believe in the value that industry events like conferences and conventions offer.

We also believe in the value that membership in state, regional, and national recruiting associations and organizations offers.

Those are just two of the reasons that we’re both sponsoring and attending a number of industry events and association conferences throughout all of 2012—and two of those events are this week!

One of them is the Illinois Search & Staffing Association (ISSA) Midwest Conference, and the other is the New England Association of Personnel Services (NEAPS) Annual Conference.

Below is information regarding both events . . .

Illinois Search & Staffing Association (ISSA) Midwest Conference

The ISSA Midwest Conference will be held on Thursday, May 3, at the CareerBuilder offices in Chicago, Illinois.  Top Echelon Internet Strategies Manager Todd Bossler will be in attendance at the event.

Among the speakers scheduled to present during the conference:

• Shally Steckerl of The Sourcing Institute
• Mary B. Lucas, B.D.
• Tom Erb, President of Tallann Resources
• Aaron Green, ASA and founder of Professional Staffing Group

From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, there will be a networking reception that includes the sponsors of the conference.  Top Echelon is a Gold Sponsor for this event, so be sure to seek out Todd and say hello.

We’re all about networking . . . and that’s especially true of Todd.

Click here for more information about this conference.

New England Association of Personnel Services (NEAPS) Annual Conference

Yours truly will be in attendance at this event, which will be held from Thursday, May 3, through Saturday, May 5.  The location is the Sheraton Harborside Hotel in Portsmouth, N.H.

The theme of this year’s NEAPS Conference is “Betting on Success in 2012.”  On Friday, there will be a special “Dinner and Casino Night,” which includes a delicious multi-station buffet dinner that features several New England favorites.

In addition, there will be a silent auction with a number of attractive items.  Among them are Boston Red Sox tickets, New England Patriots tickets, a weekend in the White Mountains, and training sessions by industry favorite Barb Bruno.

This year’s charitable contributions for the silent auction are earmarked for the Richie McFarland Children’s Center.

If you’re attending the NEAPS Conference this week, I look forward to seeing you there and speaking with you in person about your Network Membership, recruiting in general, and other topics you’d like to discuss.

Click here for more information about this conference.

These are just two of the events that we’ll be attending in 2012.  Rest assured that we’ll let you know of other conferences we plan to attend in the future.

As I said, we believe in industry events and we believe in these associations and organizations.  We also believe that you can gain a tremendous amount of value by attending . . . and that’s why we’ll be there.

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
MDemaree@TopEchelon.com
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Top Echelon Network celebrated its 24th anniversary last month.  What does that mean?

That we’re currently in our 25th year of existence!

Well, it means more than that, too.  It also means that we’ll be celebrating our 25th anniversary next year!

Top Echelon Network was founded by Mike Kappel in 1988.  As a result, we plan to celebrate 25 years of helping recruiters make placements (and split placements) throughout the rest of this year—and next year, too!

The first step: announcing that we’re going back to the TradeWinds Hotel in St. Petersburg, Fla., for the 2013 National Convention.

The TradeWinds was the site of our very first convention, which was held in 1990.  (It took a couple of years for the Network to grow to the point where holding a convention was necessary.)

There are many other details that we’ll be releasing in the weeks and months ahead, so be on the lookout for those.  In the meantime, make plans RIGHT NOW to join us for the 2013 National Convention.

You have the dates . . . you have the location . . . and it’s our 25th anniversary.

We don’t hope to see you there.  We expect to.

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330.455.1433, Ext. 172
MDemaree@TopEchelon.com
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