I went to an interview thinking the job had to do with selling advertising to sports teams. I have a lot of radio advertising experience as far as commercial production and thought I would try sales. So I was interviewed by a younger man who had this amazing ability to speak. He was wearing this expensive suit and looked like he had it together. He told me that I would be selling Advertising to local sports teams at an entry level managerial position. He explained everything very fast and I thought right away this was to good to be true. Money was not discussed yet. So after driving 30 plus miles and paying tolls. I headed back home.
A day later I got a call from his secretary saying " we would like to see you for a second interview, a day of orientation and lunch is on us. Wear a shirt and tie". Ok. I am desperate for work right now so I went back. That day I got into this little old beat up car with two even younger men with expensive suits and drove even further south from my home. One kid went to sleep while this fresh out of college kid began talking with me. Nice kid but he was mostly dishonest and non-descriptive about the job. After they bought me lunch his car had a blow out. We then spent much of the rest of the day getting out of the car problem.
We drove into a nice high class town and the other kid said "follow me. I will show you what you will be doing". He said." remember you are not a sales man. You are training to be a manager". So we walked into one of the local business's and he pitched them on a vacation package for 50 bucks. Of course the answer was "no". By this time the two young gentlemen decided it was a wasted day and thanked me for sticking with it after what had happened. So back to the office we went. On the way back they explained to me that the job starts out here with door to door sales and there would be rapid advancement to management. When we arrived at the office I was told to wait in the room I waited in for the first interview. A few minutes later I was brought in to meet another young man who told me "those guys said they really clicked with you and like you. Would you like to work for me'". By this point I wanted to talk money. How much? He said. "I will pay you a straight salary till I'm sure you can make it on your own out there'". OK folks remember I really need an income right now. Door to door sales (soliciting) is not for me. So being desperate I said yes. Paid training and I get to dress like a banker. What the heck. The brainwashing than followed.
I walked in my first day at 8:00 am to loud rap music and 20 or so people dressed in business attire. I thought rap music at this hour. Really any noise at this time is to much for me. A younger girl now approached me and said "who's team are you on"? I responded. She said "ok come with me. This is how you pitch" after that they had this sales prep rally with clapping and a speech by the first person who interviewed me. The training it self was brain washing. That is how every morning began. Basically they train you to talk people in to spending money. Although the coupons they're selling are worth it. You still have to annoy someone who is actually working at their job to buy it.
I made it through the first week travelling to less than desriable areas of Florida and was paid the full amount. I did not sell a thing but I did open one sale and it was closed by yet another well dressed young man who was training me. The next week I worked 12 plus hour days and I was not paid. I was told by very first person who interviewed me that the other guy who hired you closed his business and what he told you wont be honored. So I quit. They kept the money that was to be mine for the few sales I did make my second week as well. I feel bad for some of the kids actually believing in this pyramid. I mean these kids were really falling for it. Most of these people were nice. I hope things work out for them. When I realized what this job was my second day out there in the field as they call it. I knew I was only there for the paycheck. How long before Ill be looking for another job. I am not doubting that very few people can make it at this game. But at the expense of people's need for survival. Not very nice. If door to door soliciting is for you and wasting a lot of your time. Look them on the web. One more thing they kept telling me. See the movie boiler room. As if door to door could even compare to an investment firm.
Play the fool no-more.
Port Richey, Florida
U.S.A.
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