#1 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Lanie - Phelan (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, December 22, 2007
POSTED: Saturday, December 22, 2007
I also have an interview set for LA Marketing in Burbank. My question is this--Pauline, you wrote in way back in September questioning the validity of this company. Its been several months and you have not written to confirm your suspicions or determine the legitimacy of LA Marketing Firm. Did you attend your interview appointment? Are you working for them now and finding the company is living up to their claims? Or did you go to the location and you have never been heard from since? Please, HELP, Pauline! Let us know something BEFORE I go to my interview so I can either be excited or cancel!
#2 Update By Author
AUTHOR: Pauline - Lynwood (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, December 23, 2007
POSTED: Sunday, December 23, 2007
I apologize for not updating sooner. I guess some people might be in my situation and would want to know what to do.
As of now, I didn't go to the interview. I just trusted my gut. I didn't want to waste my time or energy. I based my decision on the research I found, or didn't find. Why would someone want to work for a company that doesn't seem to exist? If you go to their website: marketchicago.com, you can see for yourself that there are no names anywhere, everything is vague, even their name: The Marketing Firm. So don't waste your time!
#3 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Rana - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 07, 2008
POSTED: Monday, January 07, 2008
I just went to an interview today. The company is called lamarketingfirm. Theyre located on 224 E. Olive Ave., Ste. 300, Burbank, CA 91502. Along with me, there were many people there for interviews. They have a website. Its www.lamarketingfirm.com. I dont know why it may have not been up before, but the website is legitimate and tells you everything about the company. Hope this helps clear up a few things. Ps, they called me back for a second interview tomorrow. yay for me!
#4 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: A04skillzt - Tarzana (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, January 17, 2008
So how did your second interview go? Did you get a job there...and what are you doing exactly? Im thinking about interviewing there as well.
#5 Employee
AUTHOR: Rana - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 21, 2008
POSTED: Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I did get hired. Everything is going fantastic. This is such a great company, and they really give you opportunity for growth. Its an entry level to management position. If you want to be an entrepenuer or a business owner and need a good backbone, this is definitely the company to join. The atmosphere is great, and everyone around you really wants you to succeed. Its not like other jobs where there is a glass ceiling, one would say. This company is growing rapidly and right now is the best time to look into it if you really want to be a part of something big! well, thats the whole shibang. If anyone wants they can feel free to apply online on their website. As for me, Im just happy I was able to clear things up for anyone with sincere concern. I probably wont be writing here anytime soon cuz im a busy person, but i hope i was able to help. Thanks.
#6 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Aguy - NEWPORT BEACH (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
POSTED: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
it may not be a total scam however take it from me. they call it a management training program however to get promoted to an assistant manager you must hire 5 people below you and each be making a certain amount per week in sales. this is a door to door selling job. you show up at the office around 1030 am and get all motivated to go out and sell. the hours are beyond bad. its commission only. you are selling internet and tv to customers whom you pretty much have to con into the deal. you need to do it since they are your only money. people do not even get home till 5 or 6 pm so there is only really an hour or 2 of actual chance to make money.
i would not recommend this job to anyone unless you love DOOR to DOOR sales. which i did not enjoy at all. on the plus side there are some nice people who work there. the job just sucks! BAD also this place has super high turnover so its almost impossible to keep 5 people under you. usually the smart people quit... keep looking people
#7 Employee
AUTHOR: Rana - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
POSTED: Wednesday, January 30, 2008
yah..its long hours...but since the last time i was updated, donald trump didnt exactly work 30 hours a week. I agree with you that its definitely not for everybody..but i have to disagree on your last comment, because i happen to be very intelligent and great at what i do. and as for the bad attitude...whats up with that...i made $138 before 5 pm today only..which really when it comes down to it isnt anybodys business...but i just want to justify that your comment is a little...hmm..off i would say.
Not everybody wants to have an opportunity to run their own business..some people are comfortable working 40 hours a week, for someone else, until theyre 65 and then live off the government. Thats completely okay, just not my cup of tea. Youve have obviously seen the system and the way it runs...so you know yourself that the the ones that make 6 to 7 figures doing this all started where entry levels start, and that makes complete sense, because eventually one is going to get promoted, and how is that person supposed to run a business, influence people, organize and maintain a branch if he has no idea what his employees are doing.
As for scamming people into the sale, thats not true. Let me tell you, ive been in sales a long time. The only reason why you have this point of view is because you dont believe in the product, and your not confident in it and in your technique of presenting it. If you feel its shady or not worth it, thats exactly how its going to seem to the customer. In ANYTHING that you sale. Period. You just have to have an open mind about things and unfortunately, not everyone is able to see the bigger picture. :) thats my two cents....
#8 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Magdalano - Torrance (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, March 07, 2008
POSTED: Friday, March 07, 2008
Does this company gather a bunch of people together in a vehicle and drive them out to some ghetto area business district and tell them to sale?
#9 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Lee Lo - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 08, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, May 08, 2008
I responsed to a job ad through Monster.com for a marketing manager position with LA Marketing Firm. They called and set-up and interview for tomorrow. I too tried to go the the website, but it didn't work so I googled them. I am so glad I did and found the Ripoff Report posting. This kind of position in marketing is not for me. I have worked in promotions and brand marketing for years, but cold calling is not what I am into. When I set-up the interview I asked if the position had cold calling or the door to door approach and was told NO. From what I read postied by current and ex employees, it is. A few years ago, I answer an ad for a field market manager and it was just that...a group of 4 people in a car dropped off at an auto mall or office building to sell overpriced weekend trips to Vegas. Thanks again for saving me the time and gas money!!
#10 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Almostgottaken - Simi (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 22, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, May 22, 2008
I had same experience with this purported company. I did find a website for LA Marketing Firm but it is a hollow shell-nothing substantial. Doesn't appear to be legitimate-may be a MLM scam or some seminar/training program you pay for, who knows.
#11 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Thetruth007 - Tarzana (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, June 02, 2008
POSTED: Monday, June 02, 2008
I got a message from them to set up an interview. I should have known that the radio type and fake voice was a scam. Giving you a point blank comparison, If you like starting your engines to go out and sell candy door to door ( like the scam when a teenager shows up to your door to have you buy magazines or chocolate so they can go to camp). Then this job is for you!!
Co. like this hurt people that are just trying to start out or change careers. Shame on them!
I hope this helps.
#12 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Not The Job For Me - Simi Valley (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 26, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, June 26, 2008
Okay, so I went to both my first and second interviews this week. Here's the opinion I have:
These are some really nice, upbeat people who make money off the sales of those under them (a little pyramid schemey). Everyone wants everyone to succeed, because that makes more money for everyone. However, yes, you start off knocking door to door and selling (in Burbank's case) AT&T service. This company is hired by AT&T to represent them, so they have badges, AT&T polo shirts, and customer records to prove their ligitimacy. The service they are selling is good, so there isn't a scheme there, and they get fully trained on AT&T's services and good "selling techniques." The deal is, once you become a "leader" and have enough people under you making sales (or "taking apps"), you don't have to go door knocking anymore.
All the leaders, assistant managers, and managers I talked to, however, did still door knock occasionally in order to maintain a good impression on their underlings. I think this is a good opportunity to make money if you work hard and are a good salesperson. What I didn't like was that I feel like I was mislead- probably the result of them trying to "sell" me on the job- or lied to about a few things. On my first interview, I gave the managers a base salary that I would need in order to work there. They said that my number was one that was "do-able" and we could definitely finalize that after my second interview. (Second interview, by the way, is code for "observing people door-knocking for nine hours to see if you could do it".) I get the impression that anyone who wants to can be offered a job here.
When it came time to talk about a salary at 9:30pm, they denied telling me that my base salary requirement was workable. They claimed to have had a mid-understanding, although I don't believe that in the least!! They said that they either offer people commission-only, or in some cases, base plus commission. The base salary would only be $400 per week, and I wouldn't be able to work with that, even if the extra commission is "so easy to get that I could do it by default unless I was sitting at Starbucks all day"). I am disappointed that I took time off from my paying job in order to invest my time in this second interview.
So, to sum up: great job for you if you like sales and can stay upbeat when people slam doors in your face and threaten to call the cops. Not so great if you need to make a certain amount of money to pay bills. This is mostly commission based and you will definitely be doing door-to-door sales, regardless of what they say!!
Good luck in the job hunt!
#13 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Magdalena - Long Beach (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 10, 2008
POSTED: Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thank god I came across this site and article...I knew something fishy was going on ever since my first interview with BE Marketing Concepts. I knew i should have trusted my gut from the beginning. I was invited back to the 2nd interview but didn't go since something was just off about the company. Then, while continuing on with my Job hunt, I was invited to interview with the LA Marketing Firm and it was THE EXACT SAME THING!!! Didn't go to the round two interview on that one either, just knew it wasn't for me and that these companies were connected somehow even though there is nothing stating this in their websites. Just today I was contacted by The Ad Group in LA for an interview on Friday and decided to dig deeper about it because I had a feeling it would be the same thing all over again.
I just don't understand how deceptive practices like this can keep going on and no one stops these companies! I understand that what they're doing is legal but what happened to intergrity and honesty? How can they say one thing on their job postings and totally flip it around once they get potential employees into their offices? I feel like the next one of these scam branch offices should be called Bait&Switch Strategies, Inc. because that is all they really are. Going after vulnerable college graduates desperate to pay off student loans and luring them in with lies of riches ahead.
I also think part of what fuels companies like this is the fact that job sites have few filters when it comes to posting on their sites. I feel like i've been wasting my time uploading resumes and going through job listings when so far 3 of them have been for this scam marketing company and two were money order scams. That being said, I fully intend to make my point with MonsterTrak, CareerBuilders and Hot Jobs.
ah. nice vent.
#14 Employee
AUTHOR: Ed - Havelock (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 13, 2008
POSTED: Wednesday, August 13, 2008
You know. I still dont get you people. I have been working for this company for quite a while and am very successful. If you people believe 100% the contents of the negative postings, then clearly you arent strong enough to think for yourselves. Get a life and go get some mental help. Massive amounts of good luck with that. Here is the breakdown. EVERY SINGLE AD PLACED BY THIS COMPANY CLEARLY STATES WHAT THE POSITION IS ALL ABOUT. Face to face sales. Field sales. Entry Level. Sales, Sales, Sales! What more do you want. If you claim to have a degree, then use your hard earned education and put two and two together. Field sales means, you go into the field and SALE STUFF! A no brainer! Yes this company is not for everyone. Yes you can be successfull. All the people that write defamatory comments just simply couldnt hack it - or - it just wasnt a position for them. People write the same stuff about McDonalds and Bank of America. Even the Make a Wish Foundation. But yet they are extremely profitable and admired companies. It is not a pyramid scheme or scam. Do you think the companies they represent would stand for that? I think not. Yes its long hours. No its not brainwashing. Yes you have to have an entrprenurial mindset...not an employee mindset. THIS IS A MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM! You start out in entry level and then eventually get promoted. You build a team to show the managers and clients that you can build a profitable office. You have to learn the sales in the field because thats what your employees are going to be doing? What dont you people get? If you couldnt do it, its your own fault. Just suck it up and move on like a normal human being. There are other jobs for you. I myself has two degrees! I am a great fit and successful because I chose to make it work. This is what I wanted. Thats why I'm successfull. You people didnt make it because you probably just wanted a job to make some quick cash. Since this is a career opportunity, you didnt want it and had to lower yourself to bashing people that work hard. Of course there is a high turnover rate! Duh! Not everyone can be a business owner. That's why this company is always recruiting. As for the pay...if you really want to know the structure, this is it:
A manager is paid by the client everytime one of there employees make a sale. In this case, its AT&T. EX: if little jonny makes 80.00 in commission the manager makes about 60 bucks. this money is not taken from jonny. its paid separately. So, at&t just paid the LA Marketing Firm 140.00 bucks. 80 for jonny and 60 for the manager. get it? not a scam, not mlm, not a pyramid scheme. if the manager of LA marketing firm promotes jonny to manager after he's earned it, at&t will pay the manager of LA marketing firm even more money as a thankyou for expanding the selling power of at&t products. No money is ever taken from employees. Its all paid by the clients! get it?!? its not hard to understand.
So if you cant properly read an ad for employment, and a company website that has never been down, dont blame them. Blame yourself, loser.
#15 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Anonymous - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, August 31, 2008
POSTED: Sunday, August 31, 2008
your just saying all wonderful stuff because there paying you to to do so.
#16 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: J - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 22, 2008
POSTED: Monday, September 22, 2008
That last comment was a bunch of BS, he is probably the owner Sean Vernon of the company defending its rep. LA Marketing Firm is a branch off of CYDCOR, if you type Cydcor in rip off report you will see that there are over 300 reports filed against the company nation wide, imagine reports not filed. Its funny because LA marketing firm was probably until recently the cleanist out of all the branches. If you search LA Marketing firm in ripoff report, you can read other reports that my friend and I posted and many more will come i guarentee. I use to be an employee and got screwed over as well as other employees. My checks were probably as low $6 dollars a week for 55 hours in the hot sun doing door to door sales.They dont tell you the commission structure. Its commission only. If you place an order and the commission was 80 you will get 80 on your paycheck in 2 weeks. However if the order does not go through they will take out 80 on your next paycheck, and the thing is you dont know until you see your paycheck, there is never a certain number you will see on your paycheck. You also have pay for your gas. When I came on board they just changed the commission structure saying "The Pay" was better however they do not mention the structure of pay. You dont find out until you see your paycheck, then when you want to tell entry levels they get mad at you. Dont waste your time on this company the more time you waste the more money you lose. As for Rana she is a sweetheart but she is just saying wonderful things about the company because she works there, so thanks but no thanks my friend and I are gonna find a way to take down cydcor. With over 300 reports filed I think that ennough to spark something. Also because of my expierence there I will never in a million years buy something from AT and T. I am making my girlfriend cancel AT and T as well as other people I know. I have such a strong passion from this I dont want AT and T doing well. AT and T should be careful because they really are giving themselves a bad image.
look more report to come from the LA Marketing Firm COMING SOON
DONT BE A VICTIM OF THE LA MARKETING FIRM!!!!
#17 Employee
AUTHOR: Ed - Havelock (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 28, 2008
POSTED: Monday, September 29, 2008
in response...no im not the owner of the company. im simply stating fact. again you have demonstrated exactly what my previous entry states. you are disgruntled for whatever reason and cant think of any other reason than to blame the company you worked for. over 300 entries on cydcor! thats soooo much. (my voice is dripping with sarcasm) look up mcdonalds/walmart/etc. they have THOUSANDS. be real. because i know what i know...again here is the breakdown. the company offers three pay structures...commission/commission plus salary/or complete salary. obviously u never expressed how u wanted to be paid and was put on the standard commission only. there are individuals who dont recieve a complete commission pay check. as for your money coming out of your check. tell the whole truth about it. at and t pays la marketing firm for setting up orders and bringing them money. if you sell a customer and they cancel, and at and t has already paid you for it. of course they're going to take it back. now this only happens if they cancel before its installed. if u were doing your job properly, u werent supposed to schedule anything past two weeks out. it would have never happened. get your facts straight. its business. at and t isnt going to pay a vendor to have sales people get paid for services that customers dont keep. grow up...and again. you can be successful...i am. clearly, the job wasnt for you. dont piss on it cause you couldnt take it. and yes, rana is very nice. but she is also genuine and a hard worker.
#18 Employee
AUTHOR: Rana - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 29, 2008
POSTED: Monday, September 29, 2008
Actually Mr. Anonymous, I get paid to sell, and frankly, it's even sad that I have to sit here and defend this case. It's just very disrespectful to Sean Vernon, and everybody working for the company, to write such crude remarks. If you all want to be adults about it, go to Sean himself, dont sit here and write bad postings about him and his company. (For all of you holding a grudge, you all know his number) Im sure youll all agree that he wasnt trying to maliciously rob you of your dignity and money, as you guys are so blatantly making it seem. Its just rude, because he worked very hard to get where hes at today, and so did I. Its not our fault you have a grudge against AT&T for not paying you.Take it up with them if your so passionate about the subject. We do our jobs to the best of our ability, and I must say, were doing a pretty damn good job at it, or we wouldnt be as successful as we are today. I definitely respect anybody who thinks this job is not for them, but really thats all that it is, just not for them. It doesnt mean its a scam or a sheme. If you want to give it a try, all the power to you. If you dont feel its for you, all the power to you, and good luck with the job hunting, but enough with these childish accusations. Everybody needs to get on with their lives. No more grudge holding or crap talking, its just not good for your health :). And for those who called me sweet, thank you :)
#19 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: J - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 04, 2008
POSTED: Sunday, October 05, 2008
You have got to be kidding!! I was never told of the different kinds of pay! That is a complete lie!!! Oh and if you are so successful with this company how long have you been working there for Ed? If thats even your real name! Stop trying to clean up your mess! Its getting bigger and bigger by the day! If you are reading this and you decide to take on the job YOU ARE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!! It may look good first, trust me I know i was working there for 3 months.
#20 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: D - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 04, 2008
POSTED: Sunday, October 05, 2008
I was never told of any other way to get paid too! that is BS, what a bunch of liars!
DONT TAKE ON THIS JOB!!!!!
#21 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: D - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, October 05, 2008
POSTED: Sunday, October 05, 2008
Direct marketing to the consumer blah blah blah. Why didnt anyone talk about the cancellation rate! Was that something that was gonna NEG PEOPLE OUT??? Was it something that wasn't GET EXCITED!!! You know that if your entry levels found out about the CANCELATION RATE they would all quit!!! Your turnover would be higher and faster then nobody would work for you!!! That is why you all keep it on the DL! By the way for someone being an employee insider you think you would take a much more professional approach to defending your company. Another example of stupidity of the company! Dont try to make me look stupid!! Your not the one that had to starve. I had to eat oatmeal and water until I got stable with new job, barely paid rent. Lost weight.
keep defending
and well keep talking/
#22 Employee
AUTHOR: Ed - Havelock (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 07, 2008
POSTED: Tuesday, October 07, 2008
of course ed isnt my real name. ur acting very pathetic. rana you put it so eloquently...lol. this is very childish to continue to slander a company that u failed at working for. so what. get over it. move on. BE A MAN. like rana said. you have sean's number. go talk to him. if u did a sale legitimately, then at&t would have paid u for it. if u got paid for a shady sale, of course at&t would take it away. its business. they're not going to pay for crap. it's not their fault u didnt ask to be paid w/a salary. its sales douche bag. the normal sales person would say to themselves, "i dont want to work hard and not get paid for my hard work. im going to sell alot with integrity, and make more on commission than with salary. because i know im capable of making more than what the salaried income would be."...clearly, you are not a salesman. we get it. you should have left after a couple of weeks. you guys chose to stay. u werent chained to the office wall. GET OVER IT! go get a job. u should be grateful that they gave u a chance. l.a. marketing gets hundreds of resumes each week, and guess what, contrary to the very popular belief, not everyone is called. its more like one in seven is actually called over the phone and then only a few of those are actually invited in for an interview. you were there. u should know. GROW UP.
#23 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Charlie Murphy - Sherman Oaks (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
POSTED: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Yes, I am an ex-employee of Destination Marketing: which, if you've been to the building, you already know shares the same office and job principles as LA Marketing.
I have seen someone posting rebuttals on this LA Marketing topic using the monicker "J". He says he has a girlfriend and that he worked there for 3 months.
Well MY name ALSO starts with a "J". I ALSO worked there for about 3 months. And yes, I ALSO have a girlfriend.
I just want to make it clear that I am very aware of this site. In fact, I brought up my concerns about it with Dave, the head of Destination Marketing. So Dave is aware that I know about this site, and therefore, he might be under the assumption that it is "J" from Sherman Oaks writing these statements instead of this other "J" from "Glendale".
So...In order to clear up any misundertandings that might arise, the "J" from "Glendale" is NOT the "J" from Sherman Oaks that used to work under Tommy from about March to about June.
I decided before I left that I would NOT write anything negative about LA Marketing, Destination Marketing, or Cydcor unless something crazy happened. Number 1, I don't like to burn bridges. Number 2, I respect Dave. Number 3, I respect Sean.
Peace.
#24 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Absolutist24 - La (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 05, 2008
POSTED: Wednesday, November 05, 2008
They called me for the last 2 days and it is such B.S. The things that they were saying just seemed like a scam. There is a 6-8 month "manager training" and I bet you have to pay them for the "program."
They would not give me a job discription and all i know is that they are a marketing company that does marketing.
I smell scam all over it. I believe they had called me last year also.
What kind of position doesn't have a job description???
On their website, under careers, it was just too funny.
Phase 1: Field Training
Phase 2: Leadership Training
Phase 3: Assistant management training
Phase 4: Management
WTF????? Is this a job or a scam?? I smell it so heavy and it's FISHY~
I have to lable this A SCAMMMMMMM, with all my instincts and knowlege, this is a scam.
#25 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: D - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, November 14, 2008
POSTED: Friday, November 14, 2008
Yep your right!!!.
#26 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Eric30 - Los Angeles (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
POSTED: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
so maybe your reading this because you just talked to someone from any of the companies listed above, and your skeptical and you decide to google the company, not much to your surprise , rip off report comes up, and d**n. "i knew it" sounds too good to be true ey? well its not a scam, its just a DOOR TO DOOR SALES. definitely not for everybody, but hey some people just don't mind going door to door and doing all the dirty had work. of course potentially you could make all the money in the world, yes why not right? it all goes hand in hand, its common sense.
Don't be disappointed there are more jobs out there. just keep looking. hope this ends all the hoo hoo ha ha.
Eric30
los angeles, California
#27 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: D - Glendale (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, December 08, 2008
POSTED: Monday, December 08, 2008
As long I'm alive I will make sure that this company gets what it deserves and that is a bad reputation! These guys will hire anyone. Sure it feels good that someone wants to hire you, DONT TAKE THE JOB!!!! This job is a scam. I advise not to take especially during the FINANCIAL CRISIS!!!! You could potetionally doom yourself!!! I had to eat nothing but oatmeal and water back in July of 07' after I quit. imagine what someone could be like today. I knew someone that had to sell their labtop to pay rent, this all the financial crisis. You are better off working at McDonalds than LA Marketing firm.
#28 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Lindsay - Pasadena (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, December 29, 2008
POSTED: Monday, December 29, 2008
Due to the current financial crisis, my boss has encouraged me to look for a better job somewhere else. Upon applying for a marketing position at LAMF on careerbuilder.com, I soon received a call from someone to schedule an interview. My interview is tomorrow. Something didn't feel quite right about the ad..why were there so many listings on careerbuilder? And the fact that it was entry level and they are willing to train me didn't sound right either. I just looked the company up on better business bureau, and it got a D rating! Then I found this website!
Needless to say, I will not be wasting my precious time or gas on this interview tomorrow. Instead, I'm going to walk a couple blocks from my place to meet with a reputable recruiter that can find me a job based on my skills and education.
And to think I was considering a possible career move in to marketing! I think I'll stick with Human Resources...
Thank you to everyone who gave a darn and decided to post their experiences. It's because of you that us naive people avoid getting scammed..There's nothing worse than being scammed.
#29 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Hellodrama - Tarzana (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, January 23, 2009
POSTED: Friday, January 23, 2009
Look, I was an ex-employee of Cydcor which is the company (middle man) that gives these marketing firms the information on what to sell from AT&T, Verizon, etc. Cydcor is also the company that pays the firms. Its very legitimate. And the others are right, its not for everyone. I for one, hate selling, its just not my thing to get the door slammed in my face everytime. I managed one of the campaigns and was in charge of updating them on products and took care of their payroll. I have seen many of them grow to be very wealthy and I have seen many of them that stopped and moved on to something else. Direct Sales is what they do. Its a type of marketing, if anyone has studied business, they would know the different type of marketing I'm talking about. You can market by, say advertising, or another form is by face to face which is what this firm does. Face to face marketing helps on saving for advertisement. Notice alot of the products these firms sell are not advertised on TV which is great for the buyer. Because direct marketing is so hard to do, they have to motivate eachother every morning, it is not a "cult" lol.It just seems freaky to some people because they are not used to being around super freakin pumped people all the time. But to succeed in this type of business, you have to be super excited and avid otherwise you'd fail because you'd be put down 7 times out of 10 and you wouldn't be able to take it. Its actually a very rewarding job for those that love it because you learn many different aspects of the business. Its a great opportunity for those that didn't get to get an education, don't have the funds, and want to eventually have their own business. Its hard, its not easy, but after a while of perserverance it actually pays off.
I am no longer with Cydcor, but I would say, It was the best job I had. I got to help these sales reps and see them grow so big. They work hard so do not belittle what they do.
I was offered a job today by LA Marketing firm and denied it because it just isn't something I can do with two kids. It requires a lot of hours and traveling to different states and I can't do that. Some firms will make other firms look bad because they try to use their sales tactics on future prospects and it makes it unfair for others. But the opportunity is great put that aside, well, for those that can take it.
So please, don't put down something you haven't really tried out for yourself. These people work really hard to get to where they are. Just try it if you want. I'm just letting you know, it would be the hardest thing ever and if you can do this, it would be pretty rewarding...
#30 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Ed - Havelock (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 16, 2009
POSTED: Thursday, April 16, 2009
ok guys...so i have some other posts on here when i was actually an employee...i defended it whole heartedly and even reduced myself into saying that people were dumb for not seeing what this company really is...i said the company was great and that it wasnt for everyone...here's the thing...
i wouldnt trade my time there for anything, as it has been a valuable learning experience...but i will say this, unless you are willing to basically give up every part of your life for the next 1-3 years, while getting started in companies like these, then just move on...it is not a scam but it is EXTREMELY hard work...but the pay out is large...yes..u have to kick ass going door to door, while recruiting others to be on your team and they have to do the same...no, you don't have to personally recruit, its done for you...but you're basically building another sales office for a client the company possesses. once you're deemed to have the necessary leadership and management skills, you take the people you've recruited, and the people they've recruited, and you go to another location, and start your own office...and you basically do the same for everyone beneath you...thats how the company grows...its easy to comprehend...thats what they mean by 'building a team.'
now dont get me wrong, there are things that i absolutely hate about this company...their dedication! it borders on,in my opinion, insanity and belittlement of anyone not thought to possess the same way of thinking...if you show one ounce of slipping up...its over... using me as an example, i put alot into the company and simply became bored and then i began to hate it. its a high performance sales office...u dont perform, and ur out...i used to perform spectacularly...and then i wasnt...now this was not a malicious hate, but, i just didnt want to be there anymore...now these thoughts were fueled by conversations in the office, but it in the end it was inevitable...i had some family issues come up, and car issues, etc...all things that they pretty much wouldnt believe...and if they would have believed them, then im sorry...but im just going off of what happened to other people around me and what i actually did to other people as well...and to them, im sorry....anywho, rather than crawl back and try to get my job back, which i knew was on the line, i just decided to give up the ghost and call it quits...
id also had a 30 min conversation with vera earlier, and she really just made me realize that ive got to do what ive got to do...i already knew what i needed to do, and being there wasnt one of them...i made some 'friends' and the position helped me pay the bills...but it wasnt a dream of mine to work there...even though for awhile, i actually thought that i was going to give up all of my other goals and aspirations and focus on this...i just wasnt cut out for it...
anyways, to wrap this up, unlike other people on here...i dont loathe or hate the company, but once ur out, ur basically forgotten and avoided...which is sad...dont get me wrong, most of the current employees will say hello and be cordial on the street, but u've got a 50/50 chance of them then talking crap about u, or just leaving it as, they were good but couldnt hack it...as any other person would do...but then again, if u dont make it, whether its by your choice or not, ur just viewed as another person that couldnt make it...just a 'sharp' has been...trust me i know, ive been in many of those conversations...i thought id made good friends, i mean, i know im not perfect, or maybe i'll just hold on to the thought that everyone is just too busy to talk to me or hang out...heck, maybe they just dont like me now...idk...it really doesnt matter to me anymore...
and no, im not going to hide who i am as i did before...this is dannie...dannie daniels...gosh that was liberating...lol...im not writing this for any reason but to just get this off my chest...not that its been weighing heavily on me...i was just in my gmail account and saw quite a few of u all logged in...and was inspired to write this...
one last thing/situation i will say though, is to sean...ur extremely smart and usually loyal...but i think ur judgement is highly clouded sometimes...just one example...u fired someone because they wore shorts in the field...maybe u saw him, maybe someone told about it, maybe there are other things that were variables that i dont know about...but yet u kept ms. washington even after multiple people would tell u of here huge wrong doings in the field...did i do stupid crap in the field that i should have been fired for...u bet ur behind i did!...just like many other assistant managers and top leaders in your office...some of which are still there (i wont go as far as to totally throw them under the bus, just a playful shove)...but u cant be picky when it comes to things like that...u cant...it creates a mutiny...but then again, as u always say, 'its my company and i can do what i want.'
well, this kind of turned into a blog...lol...not my intention at all...in closing, everyone out there, dont be fooled, because ur not being fooled...its laid out for u on the call, i mean cmon people, its recruiting...there has to be some sort of a cliff hanger to get u in the door...in the interviews, ur told a little, to get u to keep coming back...makes complete sense...has high reward, but high work loads...i hope sean doesnt hate me for writing this but i needed to say it...i mean after all, this technically is still a blog defending the company...and katie, i do wish u'd email me or something...i thought we were still friends...id love to hang out again...
wishing everyone there much success and productivity...hopefully everyone realizes (i doubt it) that this is not a scam, but more of a 'cult like' top notch, A+, company.
#31 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Anonymous1 - None (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 28, 2009
POSTED: Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I had my first interview today , And they said they would call between 1pm - 2pm To let me know if I will be picked for a second interview which it comes in trials of 3 interviews total consisting of the second one being 11am-8pm I would be going out with there top sales person , or one of them in the least , I was curious to if they only did your gross sales.. Or if they would pay you a certain rate a week , And also as far as the scam part it just seems to me more like its honestly SALES..
And As far as them giving false advertising etc.. It wasn't like that for me, He pretty much told me about how there branches was expanding and he was looking to train people within so many months so that they could manage one of the newer opening branches to come. And Also told me that it would take around about 6 months to complete that, Did not really mention much about the pay but he tried to pretty much break it down the best he could cutting it short and simple since there was so many people there. And that I would find out everything there is needed to know if I qualify for the second interview pay etc I would think..
And I was also told by the lady Katie that had called there was some kind of benefits Which I am not exactly sure which that is , Health , Dental ??? But anyways So its up in the air , And I am not exactly sure What is what... It didn't seem like a scam to me , It seemed like your everyday interview normal and such.
There is so many diffrent sides to the storys here and personal exp's It's overwhelming so maybe its just something you have to do to know if it's the job for you or not..
I am currently looking forward to my follow up call.
#32 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: X - Los Angeles (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, May 15, 2009
POSTED: Friday, May 15, 2009
So, you were told it would take 6 months to become a manager?
Let me give you some facts about the company and then you can decide if they were really straightforward or if they were setting false expectations.
1. Sean, the manager/owner of LAMF, has been in the business, trying to promote new managers, for about seven years. He currently has one location (Chicago) outside of the Burbank office. Again, one location . . . about seven years.
2. Sean came to LA with Jonny and Rory (two managers who still work in his office and have been in the bix 3+ yrs) in 2006. Since then, they have hired about 1,000 people. Of the approximately 1,000 people hired over two and a half years, 0 have been promoted to manager. Many have been there far longer than 6 months. Again, about 1,000 people . . . 0 new managers.
3. The two assistant managers in the office have been there 2 years and have yet to manage their own office.
Now, I could give you my opinion on whether or not telling people they can expect to manage a location in 6 months is completely misleading, but, I believe the facts say enough.
#33 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Smarta$$ - Parris (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, May 18, 2009
POSTED: Monday, May 18, 2009
I know people it all sounds very appealing. Thats the point. The people that run these types of companies are sales people... they are good and manipulating and brain washing.
I looked into this particular company because my girlfriend was going to go into for an interview tomorrow. I myself have been involved in very similar companies with the exact same format. Here is a break down.
The people above that talk about how much they love it have more likely been brainwashed. You go to meetings with these types of companies and they brainwash you into believeing how great the job is, how much money you can make, and anything else they want to stick in your little head. Its like a little rally to get you to go out and sell your butt off.
Now I'm not saying that these types of companies are totally fake, are a huge scam, or that you will not make any money because its not true (for the most part). You can make money in these types of companies. It really is up to you. But you really have to keep in mind the amount of hours you will put in. Its not going to be a 9-5 job. Likely you will have to work weekends and lots lots more hours than that to make sales to get the amount of money you hope to get.
Things you should look at or consider before you do join such companies:
1)Are you willing to pay for the gas your going to use driving all over selling their products.
2)What is the compensation for what your selling
3) Is it a product people need or want?
4)If you hire people under you are they really going to want to stay in this
5)Do you care if you get a paycheck every week? (Cause you may put in lots and lots of hours and not sell a thing and not get payed for a whole weeks worth of work)
6) Is it worth the stress and headache?
These are just some things. Honestly the way it is set up is like a legal pyramid scheme. People above you reap the most rewards and always will make some of your hard earned money. People do not stick to these kinds of jobs long for a reason. Its important to know what you are getting yourself into. Dont look at the biast oppinions if you can refrain from it.
I hope this helps people make the right choice. Make sure you look before you leap.
#34 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Ed - Havelock (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
POSTED: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
i know its frowned upon by a certain someone that i post (SORRY!) but i must...
i response to the last person, i see ur trying SOMEWHAT to give ur side of the story, but first of all, u dont this particular company. the questions that u want ppl to ask themselves are too misleading in the negative direction, and not simply just questions to ask one's self...
*how do u know that gas isn't paid for? (u worded the question implying that it isn't. u actually can get ur gas paid for)
*how do u know that u'll go a week or more with no pay? (if u do ur job, u definitely wont)
*how do u know that managers make a percentage of an employees hard earned money? (a manager is paid completely differently, and separately, stemming from the client; no percentage of a manger's pay is EVER deducted from an employees income)
*there is no such thing as a legal pyramid scheme (pyramid schemes are illegal for a reason; the definition of a pyramid scheme basically is this: there really is no product being marketed/sold; all money made is from ppl at the bottom paying fees to join the company; those fees are then fed up the pyramid and given to the head honchos; that does not and will never happen in this company; they have huge clients and top notch products to market)
*u can't be 'brainwashed' into thinking or acting not of ur own accord. that's like saying: the coach of the basketball team asked me to try out for the team. i made the team and coach says we have potential to make the state championships this year. later that year, the team didn't make the state championships, and said player states: what's up with this? we didnt make the state championships. i was brainwashed into staying on the team and believing the coach! oh no!.......do u see how stupid that sounds...as with any company, its up to any employee as to how long they stay, and how successful their career will be...
well, that's basically all i have to say for now...i wish the company success and all the individuals employed there success as well...
dannie
#35 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Ed - Havelock (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 12, 2009
POSTED: Friday, June 12, 2009
Okay...first of all...this is the game you want to play?... I never intended for things to become personal. I was simply stating fact. There is/was no trash talking involved that i could have forseen...i didnt want anyone to take anything personal...you love to change words around and speak thoughts to influence the decisions that an otherwise sound mind would make...screw you...it was all light conversation....you did what you did...and you can't own up to it, so you make everyone else look bad in your place...great job, mr. vernon....yes, i saw what i saw, and i said what i said when questioned, because my job depended on it...don't make me out to be the bad person...i'm not...YOU ARE....i think highly of ms washington and always will...this is soooo effed up...i dont even know what to say, or how to collect my thoughts...why/how could you?...you think because someone is gone, they have no merit, and you can say whatever?...that's appaling and loathesome...i believed in you even after i left....until now...you will fail..you will not be the last one standing...i was thinking clearly and had thought through everything i said on this web page...eff this s..h..eye...tee...go ahead...show this to everyone too...i'm not done...i just cant talk right now...
#36 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Ed - Havelock (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 12, 2009
POSTED: Friday, June 12, 2009
Okay...first of all...this is the game you want to play?... I never intended for things to become personal. I was simply stating fact. There is/was no trash talking involved that i could have forseen...i didnt want anyone to take anything personal...you love to change words around and speak thoughts to influence the decisions that an otherwise sound mind would make...screw you...it was all light conversation....you did what you did...and you can't own up to it, so you make everyone else look bad in your place...great job, mr. vernon....yes, i saw what i saw, and i said what i said when questioned, because my job depended on it...don't make me out to be the bad person...i'm not...YOU ARE....i think highly of ms washington and always will...this is soooo effed up...i dont even know what to say, or how to collect my thoughts...why/how could you?...you think because someone is gone, they have no merit, and you can say whatever?...that's appaling and loathesome...i believed in you even after i left....until now...you will fail..you will not be the last one standing...i was thinking clearly and had thought through everything i said on this web page...eff this s..h..eye...tee...go ahead...show this to everyone too...i'm not done...i just cant talk right now...
#37 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: David - Burbank (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 11, 2009
POSTED: Saturday, July 11, 2009
'Ed' and 'Rana' probably are not even real names...they're anecdotes are so blatantly whitewashed with praise for this firm that ANYone can sniff out the poorly veiled ruse here; that the intent (damage control from the inside) is not even close to being cleverly disguised by any means. These postings are 'confederate' posts. Same technique used by magicians wherein a plant is among the audience and (if done well) can fool everyone that they are just an ordinary member of the audience. Isn't it a bit suspicious that 2 employees, who AREN'T managers yet, would be so pervasive w/follow-up responses to all of the posts above??? Read the tone, it's VERY defensive. I've heard of loyalty being a virtue but blind faith (IF that's what this is...is a tragedy. Oh, and I love the guy above who says "I has 2 degrees"...right on bra! Online U.? I'm supposed to meet w/L.A. Marketing (Sean in fact) - today...oh the anticipation is just tickling me!!!
David
Burbank, California
#38 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Bevboulevard - Los Angeles (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
POSTED: Thursday, July 16, 2009
I can't thank you guys enough for posting your honest experiences and gut feelings about this company. I have to admit, I was a little bit of a sucker and got excited about my first interview this morning (before I read the postings on this site). Thank God I checked things out before going in for my second interview tomorrow!
You guys are SO right about this place-- they make it seem as if they are really into you and they are really friendly and they act like you'll be super lucky if they call you back for a second interview. It's weird because in way, you like being told that the management was "impressed" with your resume, but it just doesn't seem sincere... First of all, they mention it too often. (Almost like a guy at bar that just won't leave you alone.) Second, the interviewer (in my case, Johnny) doesn't ask you any questions about the skills/education/experience on your resume that he is supposedly so impressed with nor does he ever specify what is so "impressive." In fact, anytime I said anything about prior job experience, he didn't seem to be paying attention. The only time he made eye contact was when he was talking about his "four steps to success" and how they have an account with AT&T. He had no interest in what I could bring to the job and would cut me off if I tried to talk about anything. Frankly, I think that they specifically attract people with no prior sales/management experience because it's easier to fall for the whole thing that way. Any prior sales experience and you'd be able to see this for what it is (much faster than I did, anyway).
Also, the receptionist (Audrey) was REALLY talkative and friendly. Unnaturally so. Uncommonly so. She kept asking the interviewees in the waiting room where they were from. This especially struck me as odd because she never had to pause to do any work or answer the phone. Her computer had a blank email box in front of it and she would pretend to stare at it once in a while and the phone NEVER rang. NEVER. Also, she made overt attempts to relate to the interviewees who said they were from small towns. "I'm from Arkansas," she would keep saying and "I was so scared to drive when I first move here!" It's as if it was some kind of a way to draw in the out-of-towners who might have their guard up about getting scammed in the big city and make them feel more at home/comfortable. "We're both southern girls!" she said to one woman.
This was a very strange experience and, although not a fraudulent company, the job is not what it is purported to be. Money is never brought up and, if you're the slightest bit shy, you won't ask. Hopefully, you'll at least be savvy enough to get on this website and do some research. I was told point blank during my interview that there would be no cold calling. When I found out on this site that it was door-to-door, I was shocked. I didn't even know that still existed!
Johnny said that he would be calling me between 2-4 IF they determined that I was eligible for a second interview. 4 p.m. came and went and I figured, oh well. Surprise, surprise-- someone called just before 5 p.m. (Another mind trick? Perhaps aimed at taking me from breathless anticipation to sorrow to the top of the world?) Again, thank you everyone from saving me corns on my feet and sunburns. I am tempted to go tomorrow just to be able to write a really detailed report about how these guys work, but I just really can't afford to take that time away from my job search. I wish I could call all those people in that waiting room and tell them to read this site!
#39 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Anonymous - Burbank (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 16, 2009
POSTED: Thursday, July 16, 2009
For the employees who don't take this site seriously because many people on here didn't work there very long, sucked at sales, or never worked there at all, you should read a blog from a former owner. It's #90 on this site: http://nicnac0.wordpress.com/2007/01/31/3/
“What I learned in assistant manager training, however, (Steve) is that you really don't even own the company. You carry all the risks, and therefore the financial glory . . . CYDCOR really owns it.”
“. . . started getting depressed when I saw people lose their houses over a few bad weeks of sales and high work expenses. My promoting owner told me to just keep talking to them and keep their spirit up, even though I knew it was hurting them. I also saw a lot of customers get ripped off and no matter how hard I tried to maintain the integrity in my office, my guys did what they could to get promoted (Many other managers are also aware of this but let it go so they make money, too).”
“I just want to be upfront and honest so that those of you who DO have something to lose, don't realize that you will, until you're in too deep.”
Seriously, do you really want to be associated with these people??
#40 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Maya - chicago (Virgin Islands (US))
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 25, 2009
POSTED: Thursday, November 26, 2009
i too worked for the company, this time it was in Chicago, you remeber which one Sean the one you were groomed by Jaime to run in Chicago to run and failed miserably. you guys should be ashamed, bullshitting to all these people in this economy theres a special place in hell for people like you. you share offices if your so succesful get your own. if your opening 3 new offices a year why did the florida office fail misserably and you ran off to LA???? Knock off italian suits and GQ ties will not buy you dignity. thank God for the internet, when you crash and burn in LA will you move back in with the marketing FX in chicago or Rosemont or are you moving off the continent? PEOPLE RUN DON'T WALK TO THE NEAREST EXIT!!
#41 Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Ed - Havelock (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, November 30, 2009
POSTED: Monday, November 30, 2009
This is all so very hilarious to me. I could give s**t what people think. First of all, of course nimrods, my name is NOT 'Ed'...if you would have read the postings you'd have seen that I revealed myself. I'm Dannie...Dannie Daniels. I worked in the organization for just over a year. Stuff happened personally, which had nothing to do with the company, that caused me to have to leave. They're not perfect by a long shot, neither am I, and no...i'm not some sort of confederate insider as previously mentioned...i mean, for god's sake...I'M BLACK and from NC....why the f**k would...nevermind... anyways, I've given up on trying to defend anyone or try and talk sense to people about this whole thing. How about you guys do a little more research about the company/broker itself: Cydcor. It's been featured on a few very famous job posting sites and separate articles. It's even been heralded as the best small to medium sized business to work for in the LA area. Look it up. You'll find it. As with any job, there are people that love it, and people that absolutely hate it. Don't be daft nimrods and let complete strangers dictate how you are going to look for work. If you don't want to do it, then don't, don't show up for the interview. If you get hired and you don't like it, then quit. Nobody is holding a gun to your head. Yes, I admit it, it is slightly misleading in the interview process, but there are never any lies told. And with the whole at&t thing, LA Marketing is contracted to them in certain ways, therefore, they have to perform contractural duties...i.e. selling their products....and yes, LA Marketing sells their products door to door....but if you people pay attention to begin with, you'd realize that the whole goal is not to hire all star door to door salespeople...the goal is to expand in new markets and with new clients, and their new products. There's different clients to be had, and more money to be made. Its called a business people. If LA Marketing does great with at&t, then they get new clients, with new products. But wait! In order to have expansion, there must be people that have been adequately trained in the process of being profitable, with integrity, for the client. Hence, like everyone is told in the interviews, its a manager training program. You learn the ins and outs of the client, so that way, you get promoted to manager, and run your own satellite office, with your own client and employees. There are so many companies out there that grow like this...anybody ever heard of hertz? Yea. Those guys..the car rental company. They do the same thing. Oh wait! Isn't there another company too that has a similar program? I think so...and they're called STATE FARM. Those are just two of them. Do your research people. They have a 'management training program'...they want to expand and get bigger, but they don't bring in big manager people from the outside. They train them from the inside, ensuring they have the best possible trained candidate for the coveted 'manager' positions. Its quite smart actually. Oh and another thing. If its such a scam, why is the guy who brought fed ex/kinko's from nothing and into a multibillion dollar powerhouse, why...WHY is he one of the head honchos of the company? But yet...its such a huge scam right?...Wrong. For you people that don't know what the heck you're talking about, and simply get off on seeing your lies on rip off report, why don't you go play in traffic, and if you don't die from that, go drown in a puddle of AIDS. I will never work for them again, but I would never want to give up the year I spent there. There are certainly things that I absolutely hate about it, some things that I couldn't bring myself to do, but it was because I wasn't cut out for it. It was the hardest job I've ever had in my life. It takes such an extreme amount of dedication. One week I made 120 bucks and one week ive made 1500, simply from getting dirty in the street knocking on a few doors, selling at&t u-verse. if you cant do it, don't. don't lie and say you were brainwashed (not unless someone physically cut open your skull and took a sponge to your pathetic wad of mass you call a brain) if you like it, it's potentially a great career path. so you see people. I'm not saying that its like heaven working there. It's not! IT'S NOT!!! I'm simply telling you all what I went through and experienced. Again, everyone will have different views, but look closer, and you'll see a really legit company, with real clients, with real products, and a real opportunity for a career. So leave me out of your stupid rants on here. Isn't that what this site is about? Everyone telling what's supposed to be their true thoughts on the matter? Don't persecute me for telling the truth.
I'm done.