To start, I just graduated college with a Bachelor's degree. Just trying to get my career started and get out into the world. It was December and I came across an ad in the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
The ad talked about an expanding company looking to fill entry-level management positions, no experience necessary, paid training, benefits, paid vacations, etc. I immediately called the number and I was greeted by a lady named Molly.
I told her how interested I am in the company and I read the ad in the paper. We went into a light conversation about who I am, where I'm from, and what I am currently doing. Just thought she was being friendly and personable. She asked me when I can come in for an interview and we arranged a meeting with a branch manager.
I came in for the first interview. I met Molly "the receptionist" and she gave me a form to fill out, it was a questionairre of some sort. After I finished the form, I was greeted by a young man in a suit named Chris Bibzak. I followed him into his office.
Chris started asking me who I am, what i like to do for fun, and if I like sports. I guess he's just trying to relieve job interview tension, so I went with it. Then, I asked him questions about the company, "How long have you guys been in business? What does the company specialize in? What is involved with this job?"
Chris said, "Well, Mark! We're a marketing company and we market products with a business-to-business approach. We don't do door-to-door selling. (Phew. That's a relief.) We go to other businesses and market the product. We're a pretty big company and we're expanding and building more offices across the country."
It sounded very exciting, but if it's such a big company then how come I never heard of them? I kept listening to all the details of the company.
Chris asked me what I plan to bring to the company. I said I planned on bringing hard work ethic, dedication, positive attitude, and teamwork. Chris sounded very amazed at my enthusiasm and asked me to come in for a second interview, but this time it will be with him and a regional manager named Terry.
I came in for a second interview and I met Terry. Terry was quite a hoot, firm handshake and a big smile. He asked me generic questions, "how ya doing? Looking forward to X-Mas? Seeing any girls?" I also met a crew leader named Tracy. After some casual conversation, Terry went into detail about what the company is about and how the selection process works.
He said he is going to have all the applicants together for a meeting after all the interviews are complete. Then, he will announce the names of all those who will come back to get started with training. When I heard my name, I was overjoyed.
Chris, Terry, Molly, and Tracy congradulated me on being selected on as a branch manager trainee.
After Christmas, I was anxious to get started. I came with a notebook and pen like as I was instructed. Terry came in and started the meeting with general conversaiton about sports, life, work, and so on. I do remember him bashing Minnesota.
After all the talk, Chris Bibzak entered the room and started giving his presenation. He shared all the benefits of the company such as medical, 401K, paid vacation, etc. Mentioned how these perfume products are revolutionary and pretty much sell themselves.
He mentioned all the marketing methods such as business-to-business, corporate accounts, word-of-mouth, FAAR, etc. After two hours of sitting and listening to en endless lecture, we were released for a five minute break. When we came back from break, we sat down and Chris announced that we will all be assigned to a crew and go out into "the field" to sell the product. (This is where it gets interesting)
I rode with Tracy as my crew leader. She explained to me what is going on. She said, "We're going to different businesses to sell the product." I was thinking that we were going to drop by different outlets that sell these perfumes and colognes.
We get to our first business. It was a gas station. Lol. I tried my hand at it and got a lot of nos. Later the manager came out and asked me to leave. No wonder because people are there to get gas and be on their way, not buy cheap perfume.
I went to the next business with someone else in my group. Schnucks. We were patrolling down the aisles attempting to sell this product. For some reason, we find ourselves avoiding contact with management.
They caught up to us anyway and said, "Sorry, but no soliciting is allowed here." Then, they kicked us out. We tried a department store, same thing happened. Got kicked out after the first customer we came across.
I was at another gas station. Tried to sell 1 bottle of cologne to this one guy and he sounded interested. But, the attendant came out and asked me what I was doing.
I told him I was with Midwest Marketing and Promotions and we specialize in selling colognes and perfumes. He told me that this is not allowed here and it's against the law. Then, he looked at somebody in my group who's working on his premises selling the product.
He shouted, "Get out of here or I will call the police!" I declined any further conversation with the guy and told the group, "let's get out here or else we get busted."
We got back to the office. I just felt frustrated because I didn't sell any bottles. Chris and Terry were doing this speel to lift our spirits up.
Chris said, "Hey, look! This business is not easy. If you stick to it, things will pick up." Terry said, "you can do anything with a can-do attitude. That's what it's all about"
Despite my frustrated efforts, I stuck with the company a little longer. I managed to sell 10 bottles to friends and family members. Got $7 for each bottle sold and that was just $70 the first week. SEVENTY DOLLARS!!!
Then I endured another day of no sales, lots of nos, banished from the stores, and threats to be arrested. I'm just thinking, "This is not right. How is this company working? Why do people like them use other people to do this stuff?"
Finally, it dawned on me when Chris mentioned a $5 sales tax for each bottle I sell. He says, "You can charge it anytime you please, so you can have extra money in your pocket." I immediately got up and said "Chris, I'm leaving."
Chris asked me what was wrong and I said, "Everyting is wrong. You, this company, and everyting about it is wrong." When I walked out the door I stuffed my notebook with Midwest Marketing lectures into the garbage in front of everybody. I should have wiped my a* with it.
I want to say to everybody that you all need to watch out for companies like this. They're going to patronize you with lies and deceit to give you hope for success, but in truth they're only setting you up for failure. I'm glad I walked out that door.
Right now, I'm serving our country in the US Air Force. May not be the most glamourous job, but it is something honorable. I dream of becoming a personal trainer after my service is done or I might stay in and become a retired Chief Master Sergeant. I'm glad I enlisted, I thank God for that every day.
0 comments