Just as there were no Virtual Core Group teleconference call meetings during the second week of September, there will be no VCG meetings during the first week of October.

In September, the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) Conference was to blame.  And now?

The 2013 Top Echelon Network Fall Conference, of course!

Mark Demaree, Todd Bossler, Debbie Fledderjohann, Hannah Laps, and I will be at the Sheraton Chicago O’Hare for the conference next week.  (The official dates of the event are Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4.)

As a result, there will be NO Virtual Core Group teleconference call meetings during the first week of the month.

Other than that, though, there aren’t any other changes to the Virtual Core Group schedule.  In fact, below is the VCG teleconference call schedule for the month of October (all times listed are Eastern Standard Time):

There is STILL time for you to register for the Fall Conference.  In fact, we’ve had signups this week! As I write this, there are 106 recruiters planning to attend the conference, representing an equal number of opportunities to make split placements.

So register for the 2013 Fall Conference!  And attend a VCG meeting next month!  That’s an order!

To join an existing Virtual Core Group or to start a new one, contact me at 330.455.1433, x156 or via email at drea@topechelon.com.

EVENT : “Top Echelon Networking on the FARM”

HOSTS : Maria Hemminger and Joanna Spaun of MJ Recruiters, LLC

DATE : Thursday August 15

START TIME : 10:30 a.m.

ADDRESS : The Hemminger Farm, 3144 W. U.S. 224, Tiffin, OH 44883

DESCRIPTION :

Join MJ Recruiters for the Top Echelon networking event of the summer at The Hemminger Farm in Tiffin.  Top Echelon Network recruiters are invited to network, meet new recruiters, and communicate with Top Echelon and Top Echelon Contracting members.  This will be the third such event at The Hemminger Farm.

WHAT TO EXPECT :

• Share HOT jobs and HOT candidates.
• Communicate with CONTRACTING expert Debbie Fledderjohann of Top Echelon.
• Get the answers to “Geek questions” with Todd Bossler of Top Echelon.
• MJ Recruiters will be providing grilled hamburgers and bratwurst patties for everyone to enjoy. Drinks will also be supplied (water, pop, and beer).
• Please bring a side dish to share, as well as a camp chair.
• This is a casual, relaxing, informal day.  Kayaking, swimming, fishing, sand volleyball, and corn hole will be available!

RSVP/QUESTIONS : Email maria@mjrecruiters.com or call (419) 443-1840.

ATTENDEES SO FAR:

Tim Frajter of Emerald Resource Group in Broadview Heights, Ohio
Mike Lupidi of M.J. Lupidi & Associates, Inc. in Middletown, Ohio
Todd Bossler of Top Echelon Network, Inc. in Canton, Ohio
Debbie Fledderjohann of Top Echelon Contracting in Canton, Ohio
Pam Petitpren of The PRA Group in St. Clair, Michigan
Jim Petitpren of The PRA Group in St. Clair, Michigan
Dave Sgro of True North Consultants, Inc. in North Ridgeville, Ohio
Jim Folger of ONESource Technical, Inc in Solon, Ohio
Jimmy Folger of ONESource Technical, Inc in Solon, Ohio
Steve Hillman of The Summit Group LLC in Forth Wayne, Indiana
Bob Gabor of The Gabor Group in Akron, Ohio
Maria Hemminger of MJ Recruiters LLC in Tiffin, Ohio
Joanna Spaun of MJ Recruiters LLC in Tiffin, Ohio
Lisa Reinbolt of MJ Recruiters LLC in Tiffin, Ohio
Jillian Adams of MJ Recruiters LLC in Tiffin, Ohio
Jeff Peters Peters of Search Group LLC in Angola, IN
Pat McCombs of KB Search Team LLC in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Rhonda Dove of KB Search Team LLC in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Kathy Burns of KB Search Team LLC in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Joy Shanklin of Shanklin & Associates in Cleveland, Ohio
Karen Akbal-Sturgeon of KLA Industries in Cincinnati, Ohio
Paul Sturgeon of KLA Industries in Cincinnati, Ohio
Juli Smith of The Smith Consulting Group in Jackson, Michigan
Randy Thomas of The Smith Consulting Group in Jackson, Michigan

Time flies . . . whether you’re having fun or not.  And that’s just one reason to remember that the 2013 National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) Conference will be here before you know it!

The other reasons?  Well, they’re tied to the fact that this event will be jam-packed with value for executive recruiters.  But before we get to that, the 2013 NAPS Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, through Friday, September 13, at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As for the value?  Well, we just happen to have a list of that value right here:

• 20 of the recruiting industry’s leading speakers
• CPC, CTS, and CERS certification sessions
• Networking lunches
• Fast-track speaker breakouts
• An “Owner/Manager Special Day” embedded within the conference!
• And a whole lot more!

We’ve announced it before, but we’ll announce it again: Big Biller recruiting software and Hiring Hook recruitment website design are both sponsors of this year’s NAPS Conference!

The cost to attend the 2013 NAPS Conference is $795 for NAPS members and $1,195 for non-members.  However, special pricing and payment plans are available, so contact NAPS for more information.

Since 1961, the National Association of Personnel Services has built a reputation as being the educator for the executive search and staffing industry.  NAPS has achieved this not only through its annual recruitment conference, but also through its certification program and its emphasis on continuing education within the industry.

The NAPS Conference will be here before you know it!  We’ll see you in Vegas!

We’re back with more split network recruiting goodness!  How much?  A “2-pack” of split network recruiting goodness!

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg . . . below is the rest of the iceberg:

• Our first set of recruiters recently made their second split placement together after making their first split just a couple of months ago.
• One of those two recruiters joined Top Echelon Network only seven months ago, and she’s already made three split placements.
• The split fees associated with both of the placements these recruiters have made together are quite substantial.  (Check out their profiles in the Top Echelon recruiting network Members’ Area to see just how substantial.)
• The second set of recruiters made their sixth split placement together, proving that split recruiter relationships continue to reap benefits year after year . . . after year.

So this is no ordinary “2-pack” . . . it’s a “2-pack” bursting with multiple placements, hefty split fees, and every indication that these recruiters will close more deals together in the future.

— — —

“Catherine is a pleasure to work with.  Very professional!”

Submitted by Doug Boyce of J.D. Cotter Search, Inc. regarding his split placement with Catherine Reynolds of OnBoard Recruitment Advisors

Position Title—STATISTICAL ANALYST

Fee Percentage—25%

(Editor’s note: This is the second split placement that Boyce and Reynolds have made together in Top Echelon Network.)

— — —

“Jim, nice job on the help for this one.  Maybe we can do another one in the future.”

Submitted by Russell Schutt, CSP of Progressive Executive, Inc.regarding his split placement with Jim Strickland of BioSource International

Position Title—QUALITY ENGINEER – MECHANICAL MACHINE DESIGN

Fee Percentage—Flat

(Editor’s note: This is the sixth split placement that Schutt and Strickland have made together in Top Echelon Network.)

— — —

If you’d like to praise another Network recruiter about a recent split placement, submit your comments with your Completed Placement Form, and they’ll appear in a future issue of The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog.

— — —

330.455.1433, x125
mdeutsch@topechelon.com
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn.
Follow Matt on Twitter.

Up next in our Top Producers series of posts in The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog is a relatively new Network recruiter who has been generating momentum over the past year.

That recruiter is Catherine Bateman of Woods & Paolino Recruiting Solutions, and the momentum she’s generating has been based on the basics of Network Membership,

Catherine Bateman

the fundamentals that every Network recruiter should practice.

Specifically, those basics are Quality and Communication, which just happen to be two of the Four Pillars of Top Echelon Network.

By mastering the fundamentals, Bateman has made four Network split placements in the past seven months, and she’s put herself in a great position to make even more placements in the future.

And THAT is why Quality and Communication are important: because Trading Partner relationships that exhibit these two Pillars are more likely to produce split placements.  Sure, they represent an investment of time and energy, but as you can see, it’s an investment can bring with it a tremendous (financial) return . . .

— — —

What have been the keys to your success in Top Echelon Network?

“The key so far has been finding the right people with whom to work.  I guess success is relative.  I hope to be much more successful going forward.”

What value do you believe the Network provides for your firm?

“Networking between importers and exporters is very valuable.  Since we are primarily exporters at Woods and Paolino Recruiting solutions, [Top Echelon] is our main source of jobs for our candidates.”

Who are the Trading Partners you’ve been working with?

“Paul Johnson, Rob Spaulding, Bob Gabor, and Michael Stuck are some of my favorites.”

Why do the relationships you have with your Trading Partners work so well?

“They are professional and excellent at communication.  They all collaborate to be sure their clients get the best candidates.  I don’t always get the placement, but I do leave the process on their JOs knowing they and I worked together.”

How would you describe the activity level in your niche?  (Bateman places Sales & Marketing and Retail Management professionals, among others.)

“Low.  Although I have experience in a number of areas, I enjoy the Sales & Marketing roles.”

What advice would you give to a new Preferred Member recruiter just starting out?

“Spend time on the front end of working a job order.  Look at the placement history of the importer, the number of job orders they have posted, and call and email them to be sure they communicate.

“In my opinion, success will come from the quality of the Trading Partner over the quality of the job order presented.”

Recruiter Ron Sunshine’s encore performance in Top Echelon Network has become a highly successful one.

Sunshine of Ron Sunshine Associates was once a Preferred Member of the Network back when it was called Nationwide Interchange Services (NIS).  He rejoined in August of 2007, and since then he’s been slowly building momentum.

Ron Sunshine

That momentum culminated with seven Network split placements in 2012.  So far in 2013, Sunshine has made four split placements, putting him squarely on pace to enjoying his best year in Top Echelon since returning nearly six years ago.

Needless to say, we’re glad that Sunshine is back in the fold, and his success is just one reason that we wanted to feature him in our “Recruiter’s Resume” segment in The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog.

Another reason is that he’s been in the recruiting business for over 30 years.  He’s compiled an impressive amount of recruiting experience, knowledge, and wisdom during that time, all of which we’d like to tap into . . .

— — —

What have been the keys to your success in Top Echelon Network?

“The people who are successful are the people who work the Network.  I’m usually a job order recruiter, but if I see a job posted that I know I have somebody for, I’ll send that person out.  But I post every job [to the Network] as soon as I get it!  People call me for information about the job, and that’s been the key to my success.”

Who are the Trading Partners you’ve been working with?

“I’ve worked with and are working with Bob Gabor, Ken Nunley, Eric Berg, David Smith, Art Rogrove, Chris Ramsay, Frank Gregg, and some others.  I’ve developed relationships with these people beyond just ‘tell me about the candidate and send me the resume.’  I know them as people, and I’ve let them know me as a person.  I’m not calling an affiliate, I’m calling a friend, and that’s why it works.  I’ve made a lot of friends in the Network.

“Develop relationships and it will come.  Don’t be afraid to put your jobs or candidates on [the Network].  You have to trust in the system.  A lot of people look at it sideways, like they’re going to get screwed.  Every day, when Wal-Mart opens its doors, somebody walks out with a hair dryer or something else.  People are people.  Don’t let that 1% taint your relationship with the other 99%.  You have to trust the people you work with.”

How would you describe the activity level in your niche?  (Sunshine places Manufacturing and Engineering professionals.)

“My niche is going very well.  It’s come back.  This is my 33rd year in recruiting.  I’ve been through five recessions, and this one was by far the worst one.”

What are your goals for future production in the Network?

“I just want to keep it going.  I had a good year [in 2012].  I don’t look at the size of the check, I just look at the check.  I know it’s going to even out in the end.  A $10,000 split placement is as dear to me as a $17,000 non-split placement.  The money will be there; you just have to keep working the system.”

What other advice would you give to a new Preferred Member recruiter just starting out?

“You have to stick to the basics: plan your day, get on the phone, and speak to people.  Action begats action, and that leads to placements.

“When I started in this business, Tony Bruno was the corporate trainer for the firm I worked for, Professional Career Development.  He also lived down the block from me, and we became good friends.  Tony taught me the fundamentals of the business, and every time I try to get fancy or find a shortcut that goes against what I learned 33 years ago, I fall on my butt.”

Top Echelon Network recruiter Michael Stuck of Gables Search Group, Inc. is moving up the Top Producer rankings (currently #4 overall), and he has plenty of great stories on the way up.

In fact, here are three that were recently published in The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog.

And guess what?  We have two more stories from Stuck about split placements that he’s made with other Network recruiters.

As a bonus, the placements mark the first time that Stuck has closed a Network deal with these recruiters.  That means new Trading Partners, which means more split placements in the future.

Stuck is a recruiter who believes in the Network system, who works it every day with enthusiasm, and who attends Top Echelon’s networking events.  (He was at the National Convention this past weekend!)

That’s why he’s a Top Producer, why he’s made 14 Network placements in the past year, and why he has a ton of great recruiting stories.

Is your story next?

If YOU have a recruiting story about a recent split placement with another Network recruiter, send your comments to marketing@topechelon.com, and they’ll appear in a future issue of The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog.

— — —

“So this was a unique placement.  The candidate Laurie presented started the interview process before Christmas, then left for a trip to Argentina and came back a month later, finished the interview process, and landed the job.  Good things happen to those who wait.  What a super job Laurie did in both finding this candidate and communicating along the way.  Thanks, Laurie!”

Submitted by Michael Stuck of Gables Search Group, Inc. regarding his split placement with Laurie Gillespie of Dayspring & Associates

Position Title—SOFTWARE ENGINEER – PROGRESS

Fee Percentage—15%

(Editor’s note: This is the first split placement that Stuck and Gillespie have made together in Top Echelon Network.)

— — —

“Bill has been super to work with to place these Progress Developers.  He has sent multiple candidates, and they all seem to get interviews and do well.  It’s just a matter of time until we get another one, Bill.  Thanks for all of your hard work on finding such great candidates.”

Submitted by Michael Stuck of Gables Search Group, Inc. regarding his split placement with Bill Law of OraStaff, Inc.

Position Title—SOFTWARE ENGINEER – PROGRESS

Fee Percentage—15%

(Editor’s note: This is the first split placement that Stuck and Law have made together in Top Echelon recruiter network.)

What, exactly, do we have to say to convince you to join us for the 2013 Top Echelon Network National Convention?

Yes, we know that:

• It represents time out of the office.
• It costs money (although I will add that portions or all of it might be tax-deductible, so consult your accountant for more information).
• Florida is such a lousy place to visit . . . what, are you kidding? That’s a joke!

When you attend a Network convention, you meet other recruiters, and when you meet other recruiters, you form Trading Partners relationships and friendships, and when you form Trading Partner relationships and friendships, you not only make more placements—but you also enjoy celebrating those placements!

Just like these Network recruiters are doing . . .

— — —

“GREAT local candidate from Trey Cameron . . . again!  This placement moved fast.  An offer before the candidate left the interview—I sure hope this was fast enough for Trey to send us more chocolate!  Looking forward to seeing Trey in Florida and celebrating the placements that we’ve had over the last year.”

Submitted by Maria Hemminger of MJ Recruiters, LLC regarding her split placement with Trey Cameron of the Cameron Craig Group

Position Title—MATERIAL SCHEDULER

Fee Percentage—25%

(Editor’s note: This is the eighth split placement that Hemminger and Cameron have made together in Top Echelon Network.)

— — —

The National Convention (our 25th anniversary convention) is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27, at the TradeWinds Resort Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida.

So we’re talking about warm weather and sandy beaches.  And as you can see by the comments above, these two recruiters will be at the convention, they’ve made eight split placements together, and they celebrate making those placements with copious amounts of chocolate.

Warm weather, beaches, eight placements, and chocolate . . . oh, and a possible tax write-off for business expenses.  How can those NOT be among your favorite things?

There’s still time to sign up for the National Convention before the end of Regular Registration.  For all you know, the first step in building a lucrative new source of business for your recruiting firm is attending this event . . . so don’t miss that step.

Register for the Convention! Yes, You! Do It Now!

We’ve presented proof that Top Echelon Network Core Groups result in split placements for years and years and years.

And we have even more proof in this week’s issue of The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog.  Why is that?  Because the placements in the network of job placement recruiters are still happening!  In fact, you can’t stop them from happening (not that we’d actually want to do that . . . that’s crazy talk).

The Core Groups in question are Regional Core Groups—specifically, the Ohio Golf Outing Core Group and the Central Ohio Regional Core Group.  These groups have met regularly in the past and will be meeting regularly in the future.

As for the present?  They’re making placements as part of the split fee recruiting network!  (I thought we established that.)

If you would like to participate in one of these Core Groups, contact Top Echelon Network Membership Development Coordinator Drea Codispoti, CPC/CERS at (330) 455-1433, Ext. 156.  If you’d like to create your own Core Group or find out more about them, contact Drea for that, too.

If you’d like to compliment one of your Trading Partners for a recent split placement, you can contact ME by sending your comments to Marketing@TopEchelon.com.  Those comments will appear in a future issue of The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog!

— — —

“Thank you, Lee, for quickly jumping on this one when I emailed you for assistance.  As is often the case with candidates, a little extra TLC was involved, but it was well worth it!  I’m looking forward to our next one!  The Ohio Golf Group strikes again!”

Submitted by Debra L. Stitt, CPC of Quality Source Inc. of Ohio regarding her split placement with Lee Fierman of Gables Search Group, Inc.

Position Title—PAYROLL/HUMAN RESOURCE REPRESENTATIVE

Fee Percentage—25%

(Editor’s note: This is the second split placement that Stitt and Fierman have made together in Top Echelon Network.)

— — —

“Joe searched Monster.com after attending the Central Ohio Core Group meeting.  Thanks, Joe, for taking the initiative and searching and sending me this candidate.”

Submitted by Alan Daum of Alan N. Daum & Associates, Inc. regarding his split placement with Joe Cotter of J.D. Cotter Search, Inc.

Position Title—ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEER

Fee Percentage—25%

(Editor’s note: This is the first split placement that Daum and Cotter have made together in Top Echelon Network.)