The 5 Stages of a Networker in Top Echelon

Last week in The Pinnacle Newsletter Blog, I posed a series of questions designed to help determine your current stage as a networker.

This week, I’m going to discuss the five stages of a networker in Top Echelon overall.

As a member of our exclusive recruiter network, you fall into one of these five stages. The objective of this exercise is to determine exactly in which stage you currently reside. After that, you’ll have to decide what you must do to move to the next stage.

There are two parts to each of the stages. First, there’s a description of the stage. Second, there’s a description of the level of satisfaction associated with each stage.

Stage 1 Networker

Description: They’re just “planting the seeds” of networking and considering how it could have a positive impact on their business. They don’t yet have a strong history of making split placements.

Satisfaction level: Unless they get lucky, they will not make any split placements. If they don’t evolve quickly into a Stage 2 Networker, they normally will quit the Network within the first three to nine months.

Stage 2 Networker

Description: They are now “sending out roots” to attempt to establish themselves in the Network.

Satisfaction level: They are somewhat pleased with Top Echelon Network as a service company. However, if expenses need to be cut, the Network would be one of the first to go.

Stage 3 Networker

Description: They are now “branching out” into the Network and wanting to make their Network split recruiting fees a dependable part of their income.

Satisfaction level: They’re beginning to view Top Echelon Network as a true partner in their business, rather than some service to which they merely subscribe. They’re pleased with Top Echelon Network, but they recognize that it could be even better. Even when they hit a dry spell and haven’t had any Network splits in a while, they won’t drop their membership in order to cut expenses because they recognize that their trading partners have the potential for generating revenue for them.

Stage 4 Networker

Description: Their development as a networker is “growing strong and healthy” at this point.

Satisfaction level: They firmly recognize that Top Echelon Network is a partner in their business. They know that the Network is here to help them and vice-versa. They treat Top Echelon Network as a business partner and expect the same in return. A good network will not only attract good recruiters, but also retain them. They begin relying on the Network to continue to surface good trading partners.

Stage 5 Networker

Description: Now networking efforts are “bearing fruit” as they enjoy the significant financial rewards of networking. They are firmly planted in the Network.

Satisfaction level: They view the Network as a vital segment of their business. They recognize that Top Echelon Network helps sustain their core group relationships and acts as a continual source of new trading partners for them. They’re very pleased!

If you’d like to know how you can reach the next stage of networking, please contact me. You can do by calling 330.595.1742 or by sending an email to drea@topechelon.com.