Today’s guest blogger is Liz Carey, network coordinator for NBN. NPAworldwide and NBN merged in September 2014, and our two networks are working toward a full integration effective January 1, 2016. We’re happy to have Liz as a regular part of our blogging team.
As part of a split placement network, recruiters have access to numerous tools, including expanding their geographic reach, filling jobs out of their specialty, and additional opportunities. Every tool probably doesn’t work equally well for every person, but to be successful it’s important to maximize the tools in your networking tool belt.
Here are four important tips for making network membership work for you:
1. Post records – If your split placement network offers a way to share records, make sure you do so. It’s a great way to build “brand awareness” about who you are and the kinds of assistance you can provide to your trading partners. If you have a candidate you can’t place, a candidate looking to relocate, or a candidate outside your specialty, a placement fee could come your way by doing nothing more than posting your candidate on your network’s sharing database. If you have a critical job order you need help with, post your job so other recruiters can send you their candidates. When you post records, go a step further and reach out and see who can help. In addition, if you see someone else you can help, reach out to them.
2. Feedback Counts – Make sure you give everybody (clients, candidates, trading partners, etc.) as much information as you can to help. If you receive a resume from a trading partner that isn’t on target, let your partner know why. If your client’s planned offer is not in line with the current market, provide that education. Don’t withhold information that could impede a deal.
3. Attend Meetings – Nothing beats “face time” to cement the business relationships you’ve forged over the phone. You may even find you’ll have an opportunity to make a team presentation to a client or candidate when you’re in the same place as your partner.
4. Reach Out – Reach out beyond the bare minimum – go to meetings, attend conference calls, offer to meet up for coffee or lunch, or just pick up the phone to say hi. Give more than you get. Make it a point to meet up with other network members when you’re traveling – it’s important to meet peers face to face to see how your firms can collaborate.
What’s your best tip for maximizing split placement network membership? Comment below!