Worldwide Acquisisions Multi Level Marketing, Door to Door sales, deception, and more... Woburn Massachusetts
Worldwide Acquisitions is a multi-level-marketing, door-to-door career for those who want to specialize in deception. It is a Cydcor branch, and ultimately could be categorized as a cult-like organization, due to their deception and brainwashing techniques.
I was an "employee" for a few weeks. I lasted that long because I made decent money and that was all I cared about for a period of time. Once I figured out that I deserved better, I quit on the spot. I have never felt so good about quitting something in my life. This is a basic recap of how this company works. They will throw a lot of BS at you, but if you sit back and break it down, you can pick apart why this "company" fails on an epic level. If you look beyond how deceptive, immoral, and greedy the business model of this Cydcor company is, it's actually quite brilliant...for the people sitting at the top at least...
When you arrive for your first interview, you'll be greeted by an overly-friendly receptionist and sit in a room with a few other applicants. When you meet the person who is interviewing you, you'll notice that they're no more than 23-25 years old. They'll ask you open-ended and vague questions such as, "Do you love winning, or hate losing?" After asking you a total of 3 questions, they'll tell you that they will be selecting a few people from 20-some applicants, and they will get back to you within a day or so. If you ask anything about the day-to-day duties, or anything else about the job, for that matter, they will simply tell you that you will learn everything about the job when you come to the second interview.
Unless you're totally socially awkward, you can expect to get a call by the next day offering you a chance to "shadow a top account executive" for a day. This means you will follow around a 21 year old who has been "with the company" for a grand total of 1-3 months while he walks door to door pitching for Verizon FiOS.
At this point, it is all up to the "top account exec" to give you the final sales pitch for this deceptive job. I was unfortunate enough to get roped into the job because the guy I followed around made $300 in just a few hours. I thought that the money was easy, and he pitched to me that like him, I could be making $300 a day, then went on to explain how when you get promoted to assistant manager (you must train 5 or so people to be 'under' you), then to a manager (10 people) you get your own office and a percentage of your recruits' commission and can ultimately be making $80k+, which is true. However, getting there is a moral battle, and a battle with your bank account.
The "company" provides no benefits (I'm not sure how they've done this now due to the new Mass law regarding Health insurance, but I would not put it past them to only get the very bottom policy and somehow make you pay for it). You use your car EXTENSIVELY. NONE of the costs are covered. You get no reimbursement for gas or maintenance. Everything is out of your pocket. In addition, the job is 100% commission based. If you don't make any sales, or "roll a donut", as they say, you can forget about being able to pay your bills, pay for gas, etc.
Also, if you stick around long enough (see: get suckered) you will begin to take other people on "interviews". On these interviews, not only will you be buying them lunch...out of your pocket...but you will begin the sales pitch to get these people to join the "company". If you have no moral objections to suckering more people into wasting their time and money, then you'll be expected to lie through your teeth about how great the "company" is, and how wonderful of an opportunity it provides. And so it goes on. The higher you move up, the more lies you have to tell.
In order to keep people around for as long as possible, the company uses a variety of brainwashing techniques. The first one is that they want you to begin IMMEDIATELY. After my second interview, I was asked to start the next day. They do this because they don't want you to think over how much BS the company is...or let you talk to your friends and family who, after hearing about your new "opportunity", will ultimately tell you how much BS it is. On a side note, you will work Monday-Saturday. 10+ Hours a day.
Other brainwashing techniques include a "no-negative attitude" policy. While good in theory, nobody can be in a fantastic mood every day. If you're caught in a bad mood, you will be pulled aside and told your attitude is not acceptable. They do this because they don't want anybody to think about how crappy the job is.
You will train for however long it takes you to consistently get a few sales a day. This means that during your first few days, you will not get paid. Remember, this is 100% commission based.
You show up to work dressed in a suit and tie. This is to make it seem more professional and give you the illusion that you're actually doing something with your life. You're not. You're doing door-to-door sales. When you leave the office after the morning training sessions (the sales training is actually decent...) and brainwashing sessions, where they tell you that you're making more money than other people at your age, tell you that 9-5 jobs are for chumps, etc...you'll get your T, or territory. Most likely some town 20+ miles away (remember, you drive YOUR car). You'll change into your red polo then hit the road for a few hours. The actual door-to-door part of the day is probably the least annoying part of working for WWA. Getting doors slammed in your face and being told off will be a normal part of your day, but it is still better than being in the "office" surrounded by people who totally buy into the "company".
Other brainwashing techniques include having to show up to 'team' breakfasts, 'fun' nights, and 'team' nights. If you do not show up to these activities, you will be given a speech by one of your coworkers about how you are not perceived as a team player. These activities might not be so bad if you weren't already working from 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday.
There are other things this "company" will do to brainwash you, such as the manager inviting you to a special and privileged dinner for 'up and coming' employees. On top of this, there is cheap housing for those working in the company. They call this the Wo-house and is just a way for them to keep you around longer. They figure if you commit to living with them, you'll commit to the "company".
This "company" is deceptive and greedy, although I do not totally blame the managers; Julie Strait and Renee D'Ambruoso. They were roped into this as well. They invested a lot of time, and a LOT of money into this, and I can see why they would be reluctant to quit. (Although, it would not be a total shocker to know that they just didn't care.)
I would only recommend this company if you were desperate for sales experience and a hard life lesson.
Brad
boston, Massachusetts
U.S.A.
10 Updates & Rebuttals
wrong2
peabody,Massachusetts,
United States of America
Well.
#11UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, June 29, 2011
Ok- So obviously you are one of the managers or someone that works there or knows someone that works there. You are rude and have no idea what you are talking about. I worked there for 2 months and if I could bring myself to type the horrible things people do in that company I would. This person has this company down pat and I loved reading the entire thing feeling as though this wasn't an experience in my life but something I was lucky to live through. I made a ton of money while I worked there and believe me I am incredibly successful now, more so than any of the losers that still work there. I know what a sales job is supposed to be and the only thing they are is a cult.
Sickening.
Joe
Medford,Massachusetts,
United States of America
They're gone
#11Consumer Comment
Wed, June 01, 2011
I'm not really an interested party in this, I just work for another company in the same building on the same floor as this company but have long known what they were. Always felt sorry for those poor kids showing up in their brand new suits...
Anyway, just thought I'd post an update: A month or two ago, I walked by their office as I do every day and it was dark. Boom. They were gone. Just like that, packed up and left. Office is now empty. Amazed they were able to last this long. Have no idea if they still exist or went out of business but they're not in this building anymore.
Tony
Houston,Texas,
U.S.A.
Brad is accurate in his depiction
#11UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, March 15, 2011
You don't have to work for WWA specifically to know that this is the same old Cydcor gimmick. The opportunity is few and far between and the hiring practices are deceptive. You guys that work there and are defending the company should actually be happy with Brad's report, he said he made good money in the field, and he was more than likely one of the few ones that did. I ran an office in Cydcor and yea a couple people made money, but the majority of the sales people didn't and it was obvious that they weren't able to support themselves... Fortunately for them, I was a little nicer than the average owner and would ask them to leave if they were struggling financially, most owners wouldn't do that.
Cydcor will try to preach about the rapid expansion and clients, but if you look at the numbers and reports they are actually in a detraction period. There are less offices now then there were a few years ago, meaning, the only owners left from a few years ago are the big wigs, they've probably gone through 150 people that opened and closed offices in the past 3 years out of the 25000 people that were hired at Cydcor offices over that span.
Everybody has the right to have their own opinion of course so take these reports as you feel necessary. Just keep your eyes open when you get involved and understand a few things before you go into an interview. Know that you will be making 100% commission and not have any expenses paid for. No, you don't need a company car, but gas reimbursement would be a good jesture if the company is actually as financially stable as they say they are. The tax write-off for the company would be alot greater than the tax write-off for the individual if the company is actually profitable and successful, however that's not the case. I used to try to give gas money out, but you just can't do it since the profit margins for owners are so slim, and if you try you will be reamed out by your superiors.
That's right, your superiors... That is my next point, don't allow them to give you the idea that you ever run your own company just because you filed some papers with the state that says you do. I've known many small business owners, and one thing they all have in common is they don't have bosses, this is not true in Cydcor. You will be forced to listen to your promoting manager, their promoting manager, and whatever consultants may be in your line in the pyramid. Cydcor uses the Independent Corporate Licensee technique just to save them from all risk and liable. Doesn't cost them a dime to open and close and office, genius... They have no liability in case of fraud by an office, they just revoke the contract, once again genius... So make sure you understand that before you get involved, you will only become a manager and will always have to answer to somebody.
I could go on for much longer about different unethical and shady practices that go on within the organization but I'll hold off for now... So if you want to check the opportunity out, go for it, nobody is going to stop you, but just keep in mind that these reports are 110% accurate. Good Luck
Careful what you read
salem,New Hampshire,
United States of America
Really?
#11Consumer Comment
Mon, March 14, 2011
Everyone who reads this report be careful. I was almost fooled by these adds before my interview. Before going on my interview i read all of these articles as well. However, I figured I would at least go in for the interview and check it out for myself. After all, I was job-searching.
Anyways, this is an ENTRY-LEVEL job! The second interview is hands-on intentionally to not be decieving. The company's client is Verizon, pretty large company. And most importantly, the individual who wrote this article had applied for, and couldn't handle an entry-level door to door job.
It's pretty funny considering how this individual seems to think they are a business expert. Do not be fooled by this hot-head who learned how to type a few words into google and string together a conspiracy theory.
Check it out for yourself. Make up your own mind. To me it sounds like a discruntled ex-employee that felt they deserved a company car with gas reimbursement so they could sit stagnant as a door to door salesman instead of taking advantage of a market with alot of money to be made so long as there was a way to may door to door sales worthwile. That's what this company does. It is built for rapid advancement for those who are willing to work hard and develop themselves to a point where they can run an office.
Thank you
Brad
boston,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
NOW CALLED BIG BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC
#11Author of original report
Sat, August 07, 2010
Just want everybody to know that Worldwide Acquisitions has changed their name to "Big Business Solutions, Inc"
Brad
boston,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Worldwide Acquisitions
#11Author of original report
Wed, January 27, 2010
"It seems this company is being targeted by an angry ex-employee who has had limited success in their career and life and wants to bring someone down with their ship."
"Isn't there an editor who can review these posts to see if a "rip off" has been committed before a post is made? Or maybe remove the accused peoples names? You shouldn't be allowed to post someones name anonymously, if you post about someone you should have to put your full information up there also so the innocent party can sue your pants off, provided you have anything worth suing for."
Greggl
Derry,New Hampshire,
U.S.A.
Brad is semi right
#11UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, July 20, 2009
Brad seems a little hot headed with this report but there is some truth in this. I worked for the company for about a month or so. The company does give valuable sales experience and some great techniques to close (a few are a bit deceptive, but what sales isn't). If you are looking for a good job where you build relationships with someone and are a real salesperson then this is not the place for you. It is all impulse, one time close sales. Be ready for a hard close or no sale.
The company does have a little bit of a brainwashing technique with these meetings. There is not many people who are real successful, but there are some who make some good money. I goot a few comissions held back which made me lose money and I put A LOT of miles on my car and spent a lot on gas for absolutely nothing.
There is not much of a chance that you will make all the money that is told you could potentially make in the second interview and the hiring is the most deceptive part of this company. Also, the people who work there have the association theory engrained in their head; so if you are not doing great and not loving your job they will all hate you. I met many people there who I thought I became at least semi-friends with, after quitting I tried to contact a few and the only one that wanted any part of me had quit about a week before me. The others new answered or returned calls, texts, or e-mails.
There is a bit of an opportunity here but really not what is promised. If you are looking for a good sales job, building client relationships and actually having the benefits of working for a reputible company, this is NOT the place for you.
Unlike others, I will actually post my full name so if anyone wants to come back at me you know who I am.
Gregory Linzey
Derry, NH
GLinzey@gmail.com
Serialentrepreneur
Tarpon Springs,Florida,
U.S.A.
Slander
#11Consumer Comment
Sun, June 21, 2009
It seems this company is being targeted by an angry ex-employee who has had limited success in their career and life and wants to bring someone down with their ship. From the looks of it, this company has done nothing wrong. That's a typical sales job, if you can't hang with the big boys, go flip burgers. I hear there's a great Whoppertunity at Burger King. And to have the nerve to list other current emplyees by name? Shame on you. If you are incapable of holding down a job, maybe you should be spending your time on other things besides slandering successful businesses and its management staff (who have clearly acheived some level of success that you haven't).
Isn't there an editor who can review these posts to see if a "rip off" has been committed before a post is made? Or maybe remove the accused peoples names? You shouldn't be allowed to post someones name anonymously, if you post about someone you should have to put your full information up there also so the innocent party can sue your pants off, provided you have anything worth suing for.
Serialentrepreneur
Tarpon Springs,Florida,
U.S.A.
Slander
#11Consumer Comment
Sun, June 21, 2009
It seems this company is being targeted by an angry ex-employee who has had limited success in their career and life and wants to bring someone down with their ship. From the looks of it, this company has done nothing wrong. That's a typical sales job, if you can't hang with the big boys, go flip burgers. I hear there's a great Whoppertunity at Burger King. And to have the nerve to list other current emplyees by name? Shame on you. If you are incapable of holding down a job, maybe you should be spending your time on other things besides slandering successful businesses and its management staff (who have clearly acheived some level of success that you haven't).
Isn't there an editor who can review these posts to see if a "rip off" has been committed before a post is made? Or maybe remove the accused peoples names? You shouldn't be allowed to post someones name anonymously, if you post about someone you should have to put your full information up there also so the innocent party can sue your pants off, provided you have anything worth suing for.
Tommy
Beverly,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Worldwide Acquisitions
#11Consumer Comment
Tue, June 09, 2009
Just wanted to make sure the title changed it's spelling. Because I want people to be able to find this report. Brad did a great job. Did his homework. I'm worried people won't find his report because he spelled it differently!! Thanks