My article for Job 39,
"Playing for Pay" is out on
YummyMummyClub.ca! You can get the insider scoop on how being a
MILF freakin' hot mama has impacted my project and my wee bearn, Max!
As I promised in the article, I want someone to sponsor me to destroy my terribly unreliable Lexmark printer for $100, make a video of the massacre and send the
YouTube link to Lexmark. If I get a free printer out of the deal, it's yours to keep! Now that's a smashing good idea with the flair of a good dare!
IN OTHER JOBS:
The worst opportunities for making money are the ones that come from strangers who tell you that you can make a lot of it, fast.
Early last week, I got an e-mail from a man we'll call Stew, who has a mutual friend of mine. At first, the e-mail was glowing and complementary:
Hi Aimee. It's my first time on Marketplace and I see you know E. I admire your entrepreneurship. Does it cost to advertise here? Do you get any response?
I do not have a $100 job at the moment, but maybe soon. Still there is an opportunity that may interest you. I found a company that is opening 40 offices in Montreal over the next couple of years. They are looking for "brains and balls", but they won't reject beauty. It's kind of a public service mission.
Anyway. I'm guessing that is your protrait. Who is the artist? I love it!!!
I followed up with this message:
Hello Stew,
Yes, to list in Facebook Marketplace is free.
I am interested in whatever you have to offer!
Take care,
Aimee.
He replied with this:
Hi Aimee,
Thanks for getting back to me. The reason I thought you would be a great asset to that company (hence, make great money yourself) is because even without any support besides free advertising, you are doing something very special. Your ad is not just "hard worker, honest, dependable, looking for work"; your ad has a story that draws you in. Like I said, when I have something that would fall into that category, by all means, you'll be the first I would call. Congratulations, again on your ingenuity...
Anyway, if you would like to meet beforehand, it may be useful, and I would suggest it; but at least come to see the grand opening event at the Palais de Congres on Wednesday. All the brass will be there. There is a presentation at 7:00 pm. I'll be there from 6:30 on. You'll get an insider's view on what the company is about. I have a ticket for you if you are coming, but I would have to know, for sure. I don't want to waist them.
Anyway, just call me when you get a chance, Aimee.
Stew
First red flag: he didn't disclose the name of the company or the industry that it's in, other than that it will supposedly make me money. To me, his "friendly" offer smelt like some kind of financial multi-level marketing scam: bringing me in as a commissioned salesperson for this brand new company, and likely profiting himself off of having brought me in.
I didn't get back to Stew, and the next day, I got an enthusiastic voice mail from him, insisting that we must talk about the "big opportunity". Again, no mention of the name of the company or its industry.
So I wrote him back:
Hi Stew,
Thanks again for the invite.
Could I please get more information on the company, like the name and
its industry?
Take care,
Aimee.
Finally the icing on the rotten money cake, sent in an entirely different font, as if copied and pasted:
Hi Aimee,
Your question about Groupe Financier Mondial is difficult to do justice in a couple of words, so I wrote this letter about the company and opportunity as briefly as possible. Please do me the courtesy of reading it in time so you can decide. We are not accustomed to doing business by email; we like to meet people face to face. However, we met under these circumstances so I feel obligated to oblige.
I came across a company that expanded into Canada about 11 years ago. Their vision was simple – to become the best and largest financial services company in the world. Instead of just sales, their strategy was financial education. By teaching people ideas on how to save money in debt, insurance, and investments – they wanted to help people get ahead financially. They had no products of their own, so they began partnering with some of the largest and most respected financial services companies in Canada.
Over the past 11 years, they have become the Largest Independent Broker Dealer of Financial Services in Canada – with over 5500 Licenses. They are partnered with great companies like TD, Franklin Templeton, IA Clarington, RBC Ins, La Capitale, and many others. Transamerica is also one of their partners, and last year they represented over 40% of Transamerica’s total business.
Because of their growth and success, they get dedicated resources from their partnering companies – dedicated vice presidents, sales managers, resources, training, and funding. These privileges aren’t offered to anyone else. The good news is that they just opened a big office here in Montreal in 2008. Montreal is the second largest city in Canada with almost 4 million people. That is more people than the entire province of Alberta. They are well established in Alberta, with over a thousand licenses and over a hundred agencies. Their goal in Montreal is to do the same. They have also taken the financial education to China a few years ago, and are negotiating to open the first office in India.
Financial services is one of the highest paid industries in the world. The company recruits people into a part time training program that teaches and mentors people on how to make a six figure passive income in financial services. All careers and businesses offer active income, but very few offer the opportunity and security of passive income. The training program is 5 to 15 hours a week, and teaches people financial strategies, business skills, and a unique system to become successful in this business.
Obviously, not everyone succeeds in making ix figures, but there are over 2000 success stories of people who have. My goal is to become one of the success stories here in Montreal and begin making a six figure income over the next six months.
We are not looking for everyone to get involved in the training program. We also help clients with financial education, helping them understand what they have, and if they can save more money. With some of the biggest and most respected financial services companies partnered with us, we are opening 40 agencies in Montreal over the next 18 months.
We are reaching out to people and spreading the word about our expansion and offering our financial education. We have a major event at Palais de Congrés this Wednesday, May 5. I would like you to come as my guest. The president of the Canadian operations as well as one of the founders and many of our business partners will be present to see that all of your questions are answered. I can`t guarantee you anything nor do I know if this fits your business plans, but I do know that it well worth looking at before deciding, Aimee.
Sincerely,
Stew
I did some 5 minute wallet saving Google research and the company he is talking about is
World Financial Group, which is known for, you guessed it, lightening your wallet in the name of financial education, expensive life insurance, low return investment packages and recruiting your friends, family and mutual friends on Facebook to do the same.
I wrote him back a final message:
Hi Stew,
I respectfully decline. I have decided to invest in popcorn and
lottery tickets instead.
Take care,
Aimee
* * *
That reminds me: I haven't followed up on my "Day Trader" job idea. My stock trading account is finally open and I could start as early as tomorrow. Any stock picks for me?
Yours in funny money,
Aimee
