The number one reason most people join NPAworldwide is to make money – splits or the job board helps to produce quality candidates and jobs to be filled.
Another reason might be for intelligence in industry insights and expertise – training, learning to use new technologies.
Then there are the friendships and the camaraderie that develops as you attend meetings or get to know each other over time. I often tell my family that I see my closest friends in person maybe once a year, but phone conversations can deepen relationships.
This time of year, I am reminded of another reason to be grateful I am an NPA owner. Eleven years ago, this date, I found the reason for my intense back pain– an MRI revealed a tumor wrapped around my spinal cord and into my thoracic spine. At the time I had thirty-five interviews going with four clients. I had mentioned to key candidates and clients that I was going through tests, but at the time I had no clue what was in my future.
I was allowed to go home, be admitted the next day and I prepared to be away for four days - sent emails to the split partners, clients, and a few candidates that I would be undergoing treatment, thinking that it would be a simple process.
And so, my odyssey or strange, strange trip began…2.5 weeks hospitalized with emergency surgery because the biopsy caused the tumor to ricochet into my spine. Then 4 weeks in a rehab hospital learning to walk again. THEN months of chemotherapy and physical therapy.
As an owner/recruiter my business was dead without me, and I could not do much for months. But NPA owners stepped up – in particular, Nancy Everin (Barcheski) of Prime Recruiting Solutions literally worked the searches not just where her candidates were in play, but managed feedback to other split partners. When the client had new searches, she took them on and made more split placements.
In the middle of the night when I was wide awake with fear and dread that I would never walk again, I would hear from Jason Elias in Australia…he even sent a get-well card that I saved because of the stamps…and of course the sentiment.
The outpouring of well wishes, flowers, wine (yes, a box came to the rehab center with a barely wrapped bottle of wine floating around!) … made me realize just how important NPA membership is to me. It is not just the money; it is the support and genuine friendship that mentally saved me and kept my business healthy when I could barely function.
In 2011, Nancy Everin was the number one recruiter in NPA, and I was number six! Thank you, Nancy, I am eternally grateful for your friendship.
P.S. Just as I finish writing this at 8:30pm, Jeff McGraw randomly calls to ask me the name of the female-owned brewery in Adamstown, PA. Jeff, who has been a guest at my house when he traveled to Allentown and I have had the pleasure of being a guest of Jeff and Sharon when I’m in Pittsburgh – so much nicer than a hotel room! ANOTHER benefit of NPA membership and friendship.