MLM Survivors Club: Re: [MLM Survivors Club] Genistar

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Re: [MLM Survivors Club] Genistar - are they an MLM

On Thursday 24 January 2008, veronica_cawood wrote:
...
> Thing is someone called me and asked if I was still looking, i said
> yes, and they asked if I was available for an interview. I started
> asking about the job and got told "It's flexible to suit you as we're
> a new company starting in the UK". I then asked about the company and
> was told "It's financial services". I tried to make light
> conversation as I noticed the guy was from South AFrica....tried to
> let him get his gaurd down and let out some more but he said he had
> to go.
>
> I phoned back to confirm the app and was told "I'll send you and
> email" an then he basically hung up. It felt very much like a Amway
> call...Get them to commit to the app, dont say anything about the
> business or what we do and say you'll call back/email later.

Okay, he's dodged you twice by voice and kept communication to a
minimum. He always seems to back out when you start asking about the
company. That's important.

> Does anyone know of the company? Is it an MLM? Apparently the CEO is
> Jeff Letsz - ring any bells?

I couldn't get anything in Google. When I searched for "Jeff Letsz"
(including the quotes to keep the names together), there were two
irrelevant hits and one hit from some site where someone scrapes this
group and posts all the messages on the blog. I don't know what kind
of scum is doing that for a semi-private group, but we've seen that
before and know it's been going on for a while.

> My app is tonight and I really dont want to go toa MLM presentation
> type thing so would greatly value any input!

I would call back and say, "I need to talk to you for 5 minutes." If he
tries to rush, then say, "Every time I want to ask you questions you
say you have to get off the phone, is there a reason you've avoided
telling me your company's name?" See what he says. I phrased it that
way intentionally, since if he's an MLMer, he is avoiding saying it
and, unless he's quite experienced, this could get to him since he'll
realize you've noticed he doesn't want to identify the company.

If he doesn't give you the name of the company say, "I have a serious
concern because most companies want to identify themselves before they
give out more information. Are you going to show me the courtesy of
telling me what company I'm dealing with and what kind of business
they're in before making me get dressed up and leave my family to drive
out to a meeting?"

Again, I included some points intentionally. We both know a recruiter
will almost always identify the company they're with before saying
anything else. (There may be exceptions for head hunters, since they
don't want you to bypass them.) Any legit company will tell you about
themselves because they're proud of who they are. Even a head hunter
will tell you about the company if they don't give you a name.

I included the line about "courtesy of" because that puts him on the
spot. It basically says, "Not telling me and expecting me to go
through all that trouble without knowing who you are is rude." If he
still doesn't tell you, then he's not going to feel comfortable.

If he gives you the name, ask why he was so reluctant to tell you. From
there you might say, "Is this a network or multi-level marketing
company?"

One reason MLMs get people into their meetings is because they count on
certain behaviors. You feel you're being polite by going to an
appointment and you also feel like there's an opportunity for you. If
they won't id themselves or tell you about the company, at all, then
you're dealing with people that control the flow of information to you,
whether it's MLM or not. Do you want to be working with people that
treat you that way?

Call and ask the questions I've listed. If you don't get an answer,
leave a message saying, "I'm concerned because you keep avoiding
telling me the company name. Under those conditions, I don't feel
comfortable going to a meeting. What is the company name and what kind
of business are they in?"

If you don't get an answer, try the same comments and questions through
email. If he doesn't tell you, send a "no thank you" and don't go. If
they won't tell you who they are, don't go.

Hal