I worked for them once, there was some delay in my payment, when I got it, it was the incorrect amount... That said... They have a link on the website that directs you right to payroll. They straightened it out and kept communication open. I'd say they handled what was just a little boo boo very well. No complaints here.

Dev,
I'm so glad you as another employer, are taking the time to pointing out to people like Annie, that what they post here can AND WILL effect their future opportunities in the industry. I think people have thought of this thread as a way to drag a company through the mud.

I love it when Larry brings out the full story and says, "You should have called me first".

I also love spinning the wheel on the third Friday of the month. So far I've been lucky. LOL

Ben

Keri,
Thanks! that was hilarious... See, it isn't always bad when old men hit on you. LOL

I'm very sorry to hear that.... NEXT!!!

Hey Keri.... What's your sign? :)

Patricia,
You definitely don't need a CDL to get on a tour, if that is the only reason you want one don't waste your time or money.

It used to be there were very few class A drivers that were presentable and well spoken to take these jobs We could pick jobs, demand higher salaries and such because we were in demand.

A lot of companies operating RV's, large box trucks and the like that don't require a CDL are saying they prefer CDL drivers simple because they know they can trust us with a large vehicle. I would say get your CDL, You can always have a fall back career as a truck driver should your marketing plans not work out.

IndyModels,
It seems to me like you jumped the gun. Maybe you should have posed as another company and tried to hire her for a higher paying conflicting gig and seen what happened. Then at least you could say she was going to flake on us or she has flaked on us. You are accusing someone of attempting to do something that they have no previous track record of doing... It really is just your assumption. As for her submitting her information for another job? Who cares... Applying for open positions, getting your name in the door and networking is all part of the business. You over reacted when you cancelled her, you over reacted to her email, you are over reacting now and it makes you seem like an drama filled, emotionally driven agency who likes being the bully.

That's just the view from up here in the cheap seats.

B

Imagine you receive 30 resumes a day... 6 pages long each... That's 180 pages. Not to mention the fact that you have to call people, schedule interviews and process new hire paper work. I'd say there is a good chance that your cover letter and first page are what is going to get you a call or not.

If you're looking for a job as a BA great, include all your BA experience. If you are looking to become a Tour, Field, Market Manager tailer your experiences that relate to the position you are applying for. I don't even put jobs on my resume that are less than a month in duration. I don't put any BA work on my resume as if I do any it's just to fill down time and make a little extra money, or it's a favor to someone who had a cancellation.

How about this (Fake Example):

Independent Contractor (Or Independent Marketing Representative) June 2006 - April 2009
I have represented a variety of clients including Pepsi, Jack Daniels, Hershey's Smores, Marlboro and Pepperidge Farms in a variety of locations including beaches, bars, retail stores, on and off premise sampling and other outdoor venues. I have performed work for the following agencies: Encore Nationwide, EPS, On The Rocks Promotions and GMR Marketing. I have a succesful track record at over (insert number here) events.



This example gives your resume a 5 line summary of all that one day, 3 day and two week project experience you have without wiping out half the rain forest.

These are just my two cents of course. I know if were tasked with reviewing resumes I'd probably stop at the cover letter if it were bad... The best advice I can give you is make sure it's correct, well worded and really sells YOU. Give them a reason to turn the page and keep reading!

I take it you are getting your class A? A good place to start is to take a good Class B cdl job and list "Tour Driver" on your resume and Class A License under your qualifications. Employers will see you have a Class A and that you have been the Tour Driver on 1, 2 or 3 tours before. Of course they won't pay you what they pay the guy driving the 18 wheeler with 4 slide outs... But it's a stepping stone! B-sizzle is right... Some companies do like to save a nickel or two on their insurance policies by agreeing to hire only drivers with 2 years experience.

Good luck be safe!,

B

Oh Van,
My monitoring period is over thankfully. Now I'm back to getting away with murder. LOL

I like the point you made about the not making complete sentences. I think if people are reading your resume like it's a story or recap of your events you've probably got it wrong. You really want to tell your prospective employer about Your employer, position and dates of employment, maybe the name of the tour. Telling the details of the program and not the details of your responsibilities and accomplishments is most definitely a mistake!

For Example:

Tour Manager, "Are you a drunken sailor? Tour 2007" - ESP Agency June 2007 to September 2007
(Bulleted list) Received PR / Media training and performed 80+ Live, Broadcast and Print media Interviews
Recruited, Trained and Managed local crew of brand ambassadors serving 5800 samples per week
Maintained detailed event, expense, and incident reports

By all means those "Duties / Achievements" are pretty general. But if there is something specific to your experience that will help you later by all means USE it! And tailor your resume to each job you are applying for. If you are trying to get on that Marlboro program GMR does... Talk up your tobacco and / or bar experience... No one is going to care how effective you are at activating a kids coloring booth sponsored by Pepperidge Farms if you are trying to get a job slinging Cigs or Booze at a bar or liquor store. When it comes to Resumes one size definitely does not fit all.

Hey Brandon,
I'm not trying to bust your balls or anything but I would definitely proof read that before you start posting it as an example of an "Excellent resume". There are some very basic spelling / grammatical errors, the last page says "Continued" and for the love of man it's 6 pages long! A resume really should be no longer than two.

Keep in mind I'm not saying my resume is perfect, but I'm not saying I've got the "Dope" resume and posting it for all to see.

Good luck man,

B

P.S. 2 pages + the cover letter....

G, I think you are on to something here... This is clearly just an effort to "Drill Taylor Swift" ! LOL

Thanks G, I thought I did pretty good with my story telling there...

On a more serious note I'd also ask, "Who are you sending your resume to?".
A lot of times companies like Encore, EPS, Beloved, etc., etc. will provide the field staff as well as a market manager for a specific program. That's going to be tough to get into as each of these companies has people they've used. The only way I think to pull that off is keep killing it as a brand ambassador and make sure to let your account manager / booker know that you are interested in more advanced positions. Remember always be positive in your conversations... No bitching, no whining, no complaining... If you are stressed or can't handle yourself as a BA that MM position will never roll your way.

I think a more productive alternative is going to be contacting the marketing agencies directly and not the staffing agencies. These would include MME, GMR, USConcepts (Now MKTG), USM&P, etc., etc. You've said you have been a program manager and team lead for local programs already. I can only think of a few programs that hire local Market Managers for year long contracts. I think if you ask someone you know they will tell you they are market manager for several different programs to fill their calendar year. There really isn't one great full time position (at least not usually) If that is what you're after contact BDS Marketing.

I first became a Market Manager (Luckily with no experience) as part of the Georgia Department Of Corrections Parole Works Project. My P.O. really hooked me up... A job that was meant to keep me out of trouble has turned into a pretty profitable career. The down side is I'm touring now and have to check in daily with up to 4 different law enforcement agencies to let them know I am in their city, county and state. I also have to notify my P.O. of my location at all times.















Just kidding

Very well put G. Very, Very well...

I have yet to hear one person post on this thread about being blacklisted without having done something to tarnish their own reputation. Go ahead, post your stories... But once you've done so it's too late.

Designnikki did you try to contact Larry directly?

I can tell you no one anywhere at any company is randomly picking people to blacklist (as you put it).
Honestly, if you hadn't done something to warrant the attention, why would they block your account? Leaving you active in their system and not using you is no work at all for them. Actually taking the time to look you up, note your account and then deactivate it takes effort. Effort they wouldn't have made without cause I assure you.

And let's de-bunk this whole "Blacklist" thing... Blacklisting would keep you out of the industry... Not being able to work for a single company is called being FIRED! Released, Contract Not Renewed, Etc. for you contractor types out there. Get it straight people!

Grow up and be accountable. I will come out right now and tell you that Larry and I haven't gotten along every minute of every day. There have been heated and angry phone calls and at times hard feelings and moments of disappointment. I'm sure Larry would tell you the same. But ultimately I'm where I'm supposed to be, when I'm supposed to be there, doing what I'm supposed to do and I'm NOT making excuses even if they are true. And likewise, I know when someone breaks their shoulder the first day of a tour Larry is going to make sure that the person gets the care and treatment they need, when they need it.

I could tell you about how my vehicle broke down in San Diego and I was booked for an event in Berkley, CA. Did I cancel? No, I spent $130 R/T for a plane ticket, $38 on a rental car and flew home to work my event (Which paid like $90). So I lost $78 but I served my client (which is Larry) just like Larry serves his clients.

Be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. Do what you were hired to do and some things that you probably weren't hired to do. You'll be fine if you follow through!

Wow,
Although I appreciate your feedback on YOUR experience with OBE I think you attacking Van (someone you probably don't even know) is a little ridiculous and gives you less credibility.
He had his experience and you had yours. They are undoubtedly different and both valid.
The fact that you just registered and made this one comment also doesn't help you out any. You look like a paid endorser. Either way, please keep it cordial. You are welcome to your opinion and to share your experience but don't attack other members when they share theirs.

B

MissyMiss,
Your first post sounded incredibly neutral. Good Job. (Very Sarcastic)

Well I hope they will join the forum and discuss their point of view.

Personally I find it ridiculous. But that's just me.

Good luck to you and I hope they come through. Definitely let us know!

Ben

It seems to me more so that they are going to invoice their client when they receive the time sheets.
If they didn't get your time sheet they aren't going to invoice the client for your work. They then don't want to turn around and re-invoice the client for something that is over 60 days old because the client has closed it's books on the event, returned money or paid bonuses based on the profits of the program and it's all an effort to save face.

To me this outfit is really just trying to dodge their responsibility to pay it's staff and put it on you.
The wording is also suspect and could probably be argued if a claim were raised. I've read at least 2 different definitions for when the 45 day count starts and a different one for the 60 day one starts.

If the 45 day "Waiting Period" begins 5 days after the last event day...

And The...

60 day period in which you must inquire about payment starts ON the last event day...

Then...

You actually only have a 10 day window to realize you haven't been paid and file a claim.

Like G said SHADY!!!

Is this an Independent Contractor Agreement or an Employment Contract?

That was more so intended for LisaMarie9...

You should almost always get an answer on any companies emergency line as they usually pay someone or give someone an extra day off for manning the emergency phone (cell phone with an office extension that calls get forwarded too) for the weekend.

Keep in mind too the difference between being an employee Vs. a contractor. If you are an employee they have to pay you regardless... And typically within a certain time frame regardless of their contract.

Now if you are a contractor and this is your independent contractor agreement the term are probably legal. But that's were as a contractor / business owner you need to decide very carefully who you do business with as labor laws, employment laws and such don't protect you. If you sign an agreement that says you have a 15 day window to inquire about payment they are probably betting that you won't and they are just licking their chops waiting for people not to call.

I would mark my calendar and inquire about payment for each and every job even if I had been paid for it already. If people flood their phones with calls inquiring about payments that they have already made maybe they'll take that ridiculous clause out of their contracts.

That reminds me,
An email is probably never the way to cancel a shift either. Always call, leave a message, then send an email that references that message and call, call, call until you get someone on the phone. Regardless of the situation you've agreed to be somewhere at a certain time to do a job. Writing an email the day before or day of is just not sufficient. Encore and virtually every staffing company has an emergency booking line where someone almost ALWAYS answers. You should really speak to someone if you're going to cancel a shift.

In Lisa's case I would suggest calling the booker. If you don't get the booker call the emergency number (which with encore is an option in the "Hello, thank you for calling Encore Nationwide" menu) and leaving a message there as well if you aren't able to get either of those two numbers to answer.

Wow, that's crap! I wouldn't sign it.

LisaMarie9,
Let me start by saying I'm sorry to hear about the events you spoke of. That must have been terrible to deal with.

Let me ask though, how do you know you've been blacklisted by Encore? Has someone told you that? Are you just not getting booked for jobs?

As far as the Amex goes I know that I've been in possession of an Encore Amex from time to time for a variety of projects and they are turned on or turned off with a phone call. They probably aren't too worried about you having it, as it will just be declined when swiped.

I'm so excited to see some positive feedback on here!

Thanks Brian for sharing your experience with Victory Marketing!

And for you Victory folks, thanks for excelling at what you do and breaking free of the bad practices and excuses that seem to be business as usual for many in this industry!

Keep in mind that you most likely aren't the only candidate and quite possibly not the most qualified candidate.

Not to mention they just may not like your on phone persona regardless of how qualified you are there by making a candidate with less experience more attractive.

Wow, that's a huge can of worms... Thank goodness it's in the women's only area and I can't comment. LOL

I agree with the previous posters. I think driving school rates are more along the lines of $3200-$5000+ They can take from 3 days to 2 months.
Your probably best served by:

1) Hiring an experienced driver with a clean driving record thus insuring that your insurance company will cover them and that your tour doesn't fail due to destroyed equipment.

2) Hiring a driver school grad although insurance may still be a difficult and / or costly matter.

3) Getting your guy through a private driving school program which will be costly and may still leave you in the insurance bind.

I would warn against using anyone whether your current employee or a new hire who doesn't have much experience. These trucks aren't standard over the road "Freight Shakers" that can just be replaced with a phone call and a new lease agreement. They are typically one of a kind and any damage or totally loss will be more costly to your organization than any amount of money you'd pay an experienced driver.

Why thank you Sir Spam-A-Lot