Media consultant - Any information?

Very well said!

Not sure how long you've been with the company, but if you have no desire to be in management they'll find a way to push you out...just a matter of time. Just talked to a friend that's been with YB for 10+ years and they're trying to get him to quit by messing with his assignments and accusing him of insubordination, etc.

Great comments Steve, People need to grow up and be responsible for their own actions.This is a SALES JOB. YOU SELL AND YOU GET PAID. no sells, no pay.

Steve,

I would like to tip my glass of Kool Aide to you HEAR HEAR!!!

Hey! I had to much Kool Aide today and I am turning YELLOW. Books Doing Great!

It's not "whining", its the truth. A paycut is a paycut is a paycut-what is such a grey area here for you? MATHMATICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for an AR in MY office to make more $$ because Yellow Book will not GIVE an AR more than $350,000. Okay, I am not undertsnading what YOU don't understand. Maybe you are one of the lucky ones in an office that is underperforming so they HIKED up your commssions. Because OUR office being a top performing office, giving Mark Boudreau his BONUS $$ for the region (because from we have been told-we are his only office making $$ because we EXCEED EVERY BOOK GOAL. Apologies to Boudreau's region if this is not the case-please understand this is what we have been TOLD) we only received 1% in every indicy. You must be one of the employees that doesn't like to hear THE TRUTH when it's negative-you want to continue to be disillusioned-believing that Yb is "the last place you'll ever want to work" and it's a company that believes in "integrity". Maybe you're lucky and are in an office that is great-wonderful for YOU...but for the rest of us that aren't as lucky-don't blame us saying "WE'RE THE PROBLEM"-we're not-the region's and office management is. Try listening here-because these are REAL ISSUES-not just disgruntled employees. Don't tune it out because it may not be what you want to hear-it's real-and it's happening in my office, and I don't like it-ethically and morally-what's happening is WRONG.

Steve Opara in Daytona Beach, Florida said: All of the 3 pages of whining and moaning I read simply suggest you couldn't (or can't) cut it. It isn't Yellow Book's fault. It is yours. Take personal responsibility and stop placing blame.

What a bunch of whiners... I Google searched and found this site because I, too, am concerned about changes in pay plan, out of curiosity. I am not a manager, but a Media Consultant like everyone else.

News Flash: The company rewards performance... duh, what a concept. You don't own the company - they do. So what if there are certain attributes unique to Yellow Book's corporate culture that rub the wrong way ? So what ?? Whine, whine, whine... It could be so much worse. Perhaps a little growing up is in order. Start a business so you can BE the company. Then you can have disgruntled employees when you make a management decision. In this economy, I am grateful that Yellow Book is around and that I have a decent job. These are challenging times we are in and Yellow Book is no different from any other employer. Maybe YOU are the problem.

Funny thing here in the grand old state of Massachusetts, when a reward comes in, it usually benefits the person getting rewarded. Rewarding GREAT behavior, IE: being #2 in the country for internet sales, #1 in our region and now getting a pay cut as a reward is scary. What if we were awful? I would hate to see what they would do to us if they hated us. But as an above poster stated, if YOU are in an under performing office and they JACKED your commissions up then you would be happy. To get a REWARD of $1 for every $100 you sell, then guess what, the $35 bi-weekly increase, salary decrease and commission increase equals a $2500 decrease in pay from last year. HOW COULD THE PROBLEM be ANYTHING but STOCKHOLDER HAPPINESS? And BTW, I am one of the TOP 5 in my office consistently! Thanks for letting me whine.

ahhh, Indeed.com. How I hate the day you entered my life.
I have agonized and feared for my family's survival based on a great big bag of junk I found here. Now, Haters, you may just ramble on about how bad things are, and perhaps they do where you are. For those of you looking for "hope"... here it is: (and this will be the last time I visit this website, fyi)
We got our new plan today. Keep in mind, the plan differs from office to office, state to state. The bottom line is this: Our commission rates increased 16% overall, they increased our car allowance by 1K, and they decreased our salaries by 4500. They added a draw of 8K per year, to keep our paychecks at an always stable amount if we are going through a lull. I calculated that last year, with my earnings for the last six months of the year (which were not huge, mind you)... I would have made more money.
The thing I like about this is that they are giving us stability, an opportunity to earn more money... and seriously, where is this $1 per $100 sold figure coming from? You know, don't even answer. It doesn't matter.
I am not a top performing rep in my office, though I aspire to be.
I am grateful for this job. People think the grass is always greener on the other side of the septic tank, and if it is... it's cause there's a lot of **** over there that you have to muddle through.
This job is not for everyone. I am no koolaid drinker. I am a realist, and I believe in MYSELF. I believe that 35K every six months in new business is attainable... and that is ALL I have to sell to break even from this change. (Not even taking into account the money I will earn from increases and renewals)

People... stop reading this forum. Unless you are unhappy and you want to stay that way. What is the use? If times are tough... you are only making them tougher by polluting your mind with FEAR and NEGATIVITY.

It's not about yellowbook being good to you. It is about YOU being good to you.
Go SELL!

theinformer in Holyoke, Massachusetts said: An earlier post says you already quit.....over a month ago-so which is it? Are you still employed with YB and you lied to everyone on here? Or you really quit and just now lied to everyone on here about upper management coming out next week with the new comp plan?

PS>The comp plan is our office was fabulous- You guys ROCK so much we're going to cut your pay by 15% and then give you all an extra dollar for every 100 dollars you sell! UN FREAKIN believable. Oh and across the state-yeah....., they're commssions increased a heck of a lot more. So it all depends on where you live. There is so much more to inform everybody that this company gets away with...I'll write later.

Yes i did quit, only asked this question as some of my past coworkers wanted some information. So, I am working somewhere else and I absolutely love it.

The thing I like about this is that they are giving us stability, an opportunity to earn more money... and seriously, where is this $1 per $100 sold figure coming from?

IT IS FROM THE 1% INCREASE THAT WE RECEIVED IN ALL 3 INDICES. REVENUE FROM 4% TO 5%, INCREASE FROM 7% TO 8% AND NEW BUSINESS FROM 12% TO 13%. A 1% INCREASE IS $1 PER HUNDRED.

The draw will not be able to get to the $6500 they promised us because if you take the $1000 limit which is equal to $250 per pay period you LOSE YOUR JOB! So good luck getting the $8000 draw you were "promised".

I am not a hater, I AM A REALIST, you my dear have the YB hater blockers on, I was there myself too, now I see the light.

SMinella said: Yes i did quit, only asked this question as some of my past coworkers wanted some information. So, I am working somewhere else and I absolutely love it.

It was good that you did leave Yellow Book. As for myself I only want to work with positive people that like what they do.Not sure if I ever met you Butt,You MITE be happier working in a feld like... selling Insurance, That you do not have to work around other people. Good luck in what ever you do. See you YB peps at the Kool aid stand. Drink up, IT'S GREAT!!!

Wow, knew it would be a matter of time until YB started hiring grade-schoolers. Nice spelling!

This is my 2nd and final post...

My overarching question is who "entitled" any of you to anything ? Just leave the company and find another job. Period.

Yellow Book is a business. Payroll costs are a line item in a business. What is so hard to understand ? You are easy to replace. They don't OWE you anything. When you take a position, you owe Yellow Book.

If you are going to work for a company, WORK for them. Give it your all or go somewhere else. It is not for everyone. I now know my new pay plan and I will work. No one owes me anything.

Either get on board or get on monster.com. YOU are responsible for YOU. If you are in sales as a career, all you have is your attitude. It is everything. If you are jaded, then leave. It is not an admission of failure, but honesty.

Believe me, I understand the issues addressed here, but, for God sakes, life is too short to not be happy in your job. Since apparently this is a popular blog, I would urge anyone to make a definite choice. You are responsible for you.

Preach it baby! very well said!

Steve Opara in Daytona Beach, Florida said: This is my 2nd and final post...

My overarching question is who "entitled" any of you to anything ? Just leave the company and find another job. Period.

Yellow Book is a business. Payroll costs are a line item in a business. What is so hard to understand ? You are easy to replace. They don't OWE you anything. When you take a position, you owe Yellow Book.

If you are going to work for a company, WORK for them. Give it your all or go somewhere else. It is not for everyone. I now know my new pay plan and I will work. No one owes me anything.

Either get on board or get on monster.com. YOU are responsible for YOU. If you are in sales as a career, all you have is your attitude. It is everything. If you are jaded, then leave. It is not an admission of failure, but honesty.

Believe me, I understand the issues addressed here, but, for God sakes, life is too short to not be happy in your job. Since apparently this is a popular blog, I would urge anyone to make a definite choice. You are responsible for you.

Oh Steve, how much are they paying you to dribble on, oh brainwashed one? Obviously you have total buy-in to the rhetoric of the yellowbook way. When I worked with this horrible organization and I use the word organization lightly, certain promises were made on hiring and not fulfilled or changed drastically in the reality of the job.

Not to sound jaded, but oh yeah I was and who wouldn't be. If I had known at the time what the really was like and not anything as portrayed in training, I would never had accepted. Now, you talk about taking responsibility for yourself, well, exactly the reason I left. But, the bigger question is, where is the responsibility as a company not to mislead their employees?

No wonder YB has a huge turnover, but I guess as long as there are people getting out of college with no job opportunities, YB will have a pool of potential employees.

SMinella said: Oh Steve, how much are they paying you to dribble on, oh brainwashed one? Obviously you have total buy-in to the rhetoric of the yellowbook way. When I worked with this horrible organization and I use the word organization lightly, certain promises were made on hiring and not fulfilled or changed drastically in the reality of the job.

Not to sound jaded, but oh yeah I was and who wouldn't be. If I had known at the time what the really was like and not anything as portrayed in training, I would never had accepted. Now, you talk about taking responsibility for yourself, well, exactly the reason I left. But, the bigger question is, where is the responsibility as a company not to mislead their employees?

No wonder YB has a huge turnover, but I guess as long as there are people getting out of college with no job opportunities, YB will have a pool of potential employees.

HERE HERE!! I too left for the very same reasons...to quote Nancy "Just Say NO"

For those of you who think that the future is bright for Yellow Book, consider this, yell stock just hit a record low of 4.36 usd from a high one year ago of 12.25 usd.

Yellow Book USA is indeed a huge company and they are not at all concerned about your business growing just there own profits. There sales people are eager to get you to sign a contract then drop off the face of the earth when trying to get back in touch with them. There customer service reps are unable to resolve problems with ads and tell you they will get back with you and never do. Calling back you can't talk to the same person and the new person doesn't accomplish anything. Would not recommend doing business with Yellow Book USA. Embarq is a much better company

informer2 in West Springfield, Massachusetts said: HERE HERE!! I too left for the very same reasons...to quote Nancy "Just Say NO"

Me too! I took responsibility (and my qualifications) and left. Had this forum been around prior to my acceptance of a job with Yellow Book, I never would have taken it. Hopefully this will at least make someone reconsider their decision in accepting employment with the company. If nothing else, they can make the decision with all of the facts laid before them (unlike what Yellow Book tells you in the interview process).

Hey Warren Buffett, do I need to list the major companies that has lost 60% of their share value this year?

Wonder what company you washed out of? Embarq usually get Yellow Books rejects.

If you are trying to figure out why YB lost stock prices this year you need to look at the telco company stock first. This is where pricing a stock issues effect YB even though we are not a telco book.....do some research and find a new job. I like my job and hopefully the people that read this that are afraid of working and not hard work will keep looking and the rest of you can find a job that is easy for you.. YB does not need you to keep on whinning.. Please move on....

Sarsadad in Danville, Virginia said: Hey Warren Buffett, do I need to list the major companies that has lost 60% of their share value this year?

It would be "major companies that HAVE lost 60% of their share value". I wonder what high school you dropped out of.

Me go to High School? what's that! It may be that I have reading posts from washed up losers whom cannot seem to cut it in the sales world, and being human I still make mistakes. So now that you have mastered the stock market, and English language, what will you do with your time? Quit sniffing nuclear waste and get a life. Oh.. by the way, my future is very, very, bright at Yellow Book.

Lets blow this popcicle stand and go make another 1k this week I am really shooting for 1.8k but will settle for 1k. Can you accept the challenge???? Well??? How about it R.M.?

I think that sounds like a grand idea my dear. You know I don't know anything about the stock market, I can not use proper English, and I have been classified as a kool-aid drinker, but I still made over 2k in commissions last week. What's up with me? why would I ever want to work for a company like Yellow Book!

so_calguy in Van Nuys, California said: Not to thrilled with the new Yellowbook comp. plan after the slow holiday season and a chargeback I'm so deep in the draw I don't think I'll ever find my way out. Y B Yellow indeed.

What are you talking about with the Draw. Did Yellow Book roll out a draw system, and take away the Salary? What market are you in and how recent did this happen. My wife and I both work for Yellow Book, and I was promised by a canvass manager that they were not going to take away our salary.

Do you still get the car allowance? Or did they cut that as well.

Let me know as soon as possible.

Thanks

They do not take the salary away. They cut the base, but they raise the commission on new & revenue. If you listen to this bunch of Yellow Book rejects you would think the world is coming to an end. If you rely on your base you should look for another job. If you constantly meet your numbers in new and revenue, you will walk away with a big smile on your face.

Sarsadad in Danville, Virginia said: They do not take the salary away. They cut the base, but they raise the commission on new & revenue. If you listen to this bunch of Yellow Book rejects you would think the world is coming to an end. If you rely on your base you should look for another job. If you constantly meet your numbers in new and revenue, you will walk away with a big smile on your face.

When did this roll out for you?

Feb. 11th, I love it. I worked a normal week last week and made almost 2K in commissions, and I only sold one new starter pkg.

Sarsadad in Danville, Virginia said: Feb. 11th, I love it. I worked a normal week last week and made almost 2K in commissions, and I only sold one new starter pkg.

Thats good news then. We are both hard workers, and have been president club winners in the past.

So I take it you closed alot of revenue to have a $2000 week with only selling a new starter package?

Did you close $20,000 in rev with the new business.

I know from my past experience, to make $2k a week, you would have closed a good number of revenue or the new comp plan is so awesome.

Not to complain, but I haven't seen anything real positive from the company lately. It seems they continue to ask for more and more, but haven't been willing to compensate. Not to mention the price of gas has increased since our last car allowance increase several years ago.

I hope this is a good plan, because I think Yellow Book stands to loss more than some of its employees. Customers that you build a relationship with from year to year begin to trust you. With the high turn over rate lately, this send a message to our revenue customers that as a company we are not stable. Not to mention without an attractive compensation plan, it will be very hard to recruit quality sale reps, and have employee retention.

I still think a base salary is needed to help attract new employees, and to help when the markets are kicking off, or when your in transit waiting for your next market to open.

Thanks for the infor, keep in touch with your success or thoughts as you see it.

I closed 7 revenue accounts last week with an average of 26% increase, So that should tell you that this plan rocks. I can not tell you our plans details because I want to keep my job, but if you can sell be ready to be surprised!

Sarsadad in Danville, Virginia said: Very well said!

Sounds like we are all going down, tsk, tsk.
I don't often reply to this forum:however, some of the comments need to be weighed for the pros and cons.
If you are stressed because of the job, or just learning, remember experience comes by doing and clouds of wealth do not drop on your front doorstoop.
I suggest you find a job that will not challenge you, therefore you could become bored and be an even more boring person. However, that would lead to more complaining and then the whole cycle starts over again. Ceaseless cycle of never being thankful for what you have and not willing to work for what you want.
Just my thoughts.

You post more than most.

Just heard that 38 of 40 reps in the St. Louis office were written up today for not being on pace. It is March!, the book does not close till July! Way to motivate! I read a post that said they are trying to get people to quit so they don't have to pay unemployment. Originally thought that was far fetched but after hearing the news today you have to wonder.

You can look at it this way...there is no way you can replace 38 people at one time and you can't train people to do this job that quickly. Our entire office was written up last year and we are still here. Don't worry so much about the bad just enjoy the good. I have made $2800 in commissions in two weeks. I have no complaints..

Wow, can you float red man a loan?

O K so for the you can't replace 38 people...well if the book is not making its goal and consistently doesn't make it...maybe they are going to get rid of it and don't need all the reps. They are in a hiring freeze, cannot spend anything. So if they can make say even 18 leave, then they save some money. First and foremost YB needs the cash. There is a blog out there Get The Truth, a prior rep started it. There is tons of very interesting facts on it. Proven = facts. Well, and to let you know a couple of other things..

We have a rep that has forged contracts, created new business that really isn't new business, been handed a $100000+ yearly account, multiple bonuses, the "trip" and a few other things. Well guess what now...they will be promoting him even though there are a few customers threatening legal action due to the forgery. I guess YB doesn't think that forgery is a crime??!! You really need to see that the company is extremely negligent on its actions and inactions. Customer Service has been rude to customers with viable complaints, they call me after that and well you know how that turns out. I am so sorry mr. customer, this is the first time I have heard about that kind of behavior. Well, now that I am no longer required or obligated to stick up for YB, the next call I get will get the truth. Good luck to you all on the Titanic, what a tragedy we all know it SINKS!

mikey vs yellowbook in Somewhere, USA said: What are you talking about with the Draw. Did Yellow Book roll out a draw system, and take away the Salary? What market are you in and how recent did this happen. My wife and I both work for Yellow Book, and I was promised by a canvass manager that they were not going to take away our salary.

Do you still get the car allowance? Or did they cut that as well.

Let me know as soon as possible.

Thanks

People may "forget" to mention that they TELL you you will have a $6,500 draw-but in all actuality, we were told if you reach $1,000 you won't have a job. The way I figure it is they inflate the "draw" to make the base salary look more attractive to prospective employees. "Acting With Inegrity"???? What a friggen joke.

I have an interview as an Account Executive, is that just another way to say "Media Consultant?" I am entry level with a 4-year marketing degree. For the most part, the comments in the forum are mostly negative. I understand they need to be taken w/ a grain of salt since negative feedback is always louder than positive. However, if these problems do exist within the company, I find it hard to want to work for them. At first thought, after talking to a rep at a job fair, I left thinking that it would be easy (I am not looking for an "easy" job), because everyone needs to be in a phone book, and why wouldn't a small business want to get noticed? Any good advice? I don't want to start my professional career only to quit 2 years later.

Yellow Book tends to "burn and turn" their reps because, at least in my office, the micro-manage the heck out of you even when you're producing. I worked for them for over 2 years, always exceeded my numbers and was promoted to the next level of sales but they never left me alone. Plus, I still know one of the DSMs and he told me he doesn't know how reps will make any money on the new comp. plan.

Possible new hire in Spring Lake, New Jersey said: I have an interview as an Account Executive, is that just another way to say "Media Consultant?" I am entry level with a 4-year marketing degree. For the most part, the comments in the forum are mostly negative. I understand they need to be taken w/ a grain of salt since negative feedback is always louder than positive. However, if these problems do exist within the company, I find it hard to want to work for them. At first thought, after talking to a rep at a job fair, I left thinking that it would be easy (I am not looking for an "easy" job), because everyone needs to be in a phone book, and why wouldn't a small business want to get noticed? Any good advice? I don't want to start my professional career only to quit 2 years later.

One of the best ways to make sure you know the true scoop is to get in your car, go to a strip mall and go door to door and ask the business owner/decision maker what they think of Yellow Book and yellow pages in general. You could also pick up yellow book and call current advertisers and tell them you are thinking about joining YB and just listen to what they have to say.

I will help you understand, WHO EVER IT IS CAN NOT SELL!

STLOUISBLUES in St. Louis, Missouri said: One of the best ways to make sure you know the true scoop is to get in your car, go to a strip mall and go door to door and ask the business owner/decision maker what they think of Yellow Book and yellow pages in general. You could also pick up yellow book and call current advertisers and tell them you are thinking about joining YB and just listen to what they have to say.

The odds are if you take a position at Yellow , you will not be working at the company 3 years from now. After 3 years of my employment at Yellow Book, I have seen between 25-30 people leave out of an office that is fully staffed at 30 sales people. On the other hand, if you last a few years, this job can be a great stepping stone.

I am getting ready to quit YB! I have gone on a roller coaster ride with this company. I went from the best employee with the highest sales to getting my Salary cut and draw taken away cuz I went thru some tough times in my homelife... I am micromanaged, threatened, and can't even pay my bills on the $ that I make at yellow Book - its horrible. I have dealt with customers that are liars who don't pay their bills, accuse me of signing their contracts - CRAZY STUFF. Managers who get moved cuz they have had sexual relationships with AE's - there are no ethics in my office and I can't deal anymore....

I do have a ? - if anyone can help... Do they take our past due draw out of our salary? I need to know ASAP.
Help...

I am not planning to not give a 2 wks notice...

A friend of mine in Florida who's been with YB for 5+ years started on the draw a few months ago...he told me he made approx. $90K last year, however, he is on pace to make $55 - $60K this year on the new pay plan. It's simple, the draw is to cut payroll because senior management is under a lot of pressure to cut costs because the stock has taken such a dive over the last few months.

Sarsadad in Danville, Virginia said: Feb. 11th, I love it. I worked a normal week last week and made almost 2K in commissions, and I only sold one new starter pkg.

huh...how much are your starter packages....good lord

Don't worry, he will spend it "in gas". I have made 4800 in the past 3 weeks, revenue and new combined, but I can't spend it because the travel is going to kill it.

Do they do anything about the car allowance, speaking of gas? I dont know about you, and I am not complaining, but between my car payment ($400) a month and the gas, I am spending over $1000. I know it's the price that comes with sales, I am very happy that I have a job in this economy, but I have many years into this company. The experience is phoenominal, but am I just wasting my Bachelor's Degree? Is the grass really greener or atleast not yellow on the other side?!

whatdoyouthink in North Carolina said: Don't worry, he will spend it "in gas". I have made 4800 in the past 3 weeks, revenue and new combined, but I can't spend it because the travel is going to kill it.

Well let see, since I am smart enough to drive a car that gets
40 mpg I spent less that $80.00 in gas that week. Now I know it is hard for you Tarheels to add, but I do think you could work that one out.

Love the Yellow & the Green