Yesterday, Sept. 27, I went for my second interview with BHA. The saleman there (they are all "vice presidents") was, as others have noted, very slick but he did make a few mistakes. Such as telling the same story twice about running for office at 24 and again at 44 — the second time it sounded rehearsed. I'm sure it was. He also claimed to be of 1/4 indian descent from Oklahoma, and had what appeared to be an actual tomahawk on display in a cabinet. But I could have sworn he said Creek and not Cree... The office was very tony, in prime real estate, but did not seem to be used much. On my second visit, it was virtually deserted (however, it was lunch time). Also, the conspicuous photographs of the elderly patron saint and founder Bernard Haldane, that kindly-looking old man, seemed fishy (I have since learned that Haldane himself is well-respected, but he sold his interest in the company way back in 1974 and has no role in its day-to-day operations). The VP referred to him several times as if he had a halo over his head, and noted sadly that he had died a few months ago.
By the time he showed me the CD embodying the so-called "Haldane method" I was quite sure it was a scam, since I already have access to similar information on the internet for free. Still, he hadn't yet come to mentioning the fee ("your investment with us"), and when he did I was TOTALLY SHOCKED. I never even came close to signing, though I hadn't seen this web site and knew nothing about BHA apart from the ad in the paper.
To all who were taken in, my sympathy. I was never in danger because 1) I *never* pay money up front for anything, let alone $5350; 2) I felt the contract was ridiculous — it did not commit them to anything at all; 3) their "services" were never specified — how the promised interviews would actually materialize was never discussed (I never raised the issue because I was already convinced it was a scam). Please don't let yourself be swayed by your emotions — whenever you have strong feelings (especially when you are skilfully manipulated into having them), step back and question them. Above all, never act on the spot!
I left it that I would "think about it" but took the opportunity to poke a little ironic fun at the "vice president". He did not take it well — his manner suddenly became coarse though he didn't say a word. He seemed to be fuming inwardly that I'd wasted his time and maybe gently mocked him. When I got home I did a search on the internet and found this site, among others, confirming my own conclusions. Needless to say, I won't be calling the wonderful folks at BHA again.
I believe they do have a service, but it is limited to advising clients on how best to present themselves in resumes and interviews. Their approach seriously misrepresents these services — in no way are they worth more than a couple hundred bucks, if that. Their entire Spiel is carefully calculated to prey on clients who still have some money left but are afraid of soon being in dire straits.
Alan
Austin, Texas
0 comments