When I worked on my first job, I was fresh out of school and rather poor. To improve my financial situation, I decided to look for a second job. To avoid violating the non-compete clause in my employment contract, I had to find a job that has nothing to do with computer. It was kind of challenging to find a job in a Midwest town that would match my work schedule at that time. One day I was attracted by an ad in newspaper: be your own boss. Even though it sounded too good to be true, I decided to attend their introductory workshop, thinking I have nothing to lose. After all, I was young and poor. Besides knowledge in my brain and motivation in my heart, I only had few earthly possessions.
It turned out to be a recruiting evening for a direct marketing company. They were in the business of marketing Florida land that “would soon be developed and double back your investments”. Well, I heard of some stories about how this company sold land that is 2 feet under the water to folks in Taiwan. Before that day I did not really believe folks would buy land that they never saw. Although I immediately decided that I would not join them, I sat through all the presentations because I was really curious how they could market far away land to people who worked so hard for their money. I was glad that I did stay because I learned to protect myself when facing high pressure marketing.
One of their marketing strategies, in my mind, really stood out. It basically advised their staff to leverage their relationship to market land. At first glance, there was nothing wrong about it. We all leverage relationship from time to time. For example, when I asked others to recommend restaurants, I was utilizing my relationship with friends to gain insights. However, this company trained their staff to say things like:
“If you really are my friend, you would buy this from me”
“Why would you not take my recommendation? If you trust me, you would.”
“I am your cousin. Would I cheat you? This is a great deal for you. Buy it now.”
“We are good friends. Of course I would take good care of your interest. You definitely would make money fast if you but it today.”
"If you really love me, you will buy and take this medicine.... it is good for you regardless what you have got. If you are healthy, it will make you even healthier."
Ever since that day, I have stayed away from people who conducted high pressure marketing. Trust me. Your true friends would never ask you to put your health or fortune at risk as a sign of friendship. |
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