Wednesday, April 4, 2012

We need students. For each student you bring us, we give you a 100 euros comission

Some time ago I received the following message via LinkedIn [identification information removed by me].

"Hi David, cordial greetings from Xxxxx.  We offer Xxxxxxx courses in Xxxxx and we are interested in working with you.  We need students.  For each student you bring us, we give you a 100 euros comission.  Contact us if you are interested in.  Thanks."

What are your thoughts on this?

For me, well...um, no thanks.  Not for me (on numerous levels) so I did not reply and I archived the message.

Don't get me wrong, if someone wants to pay me 100 Euros to do some simple work please do not hesitate to contact me and we'll discuss!

8 comments:

  1. As prominent International consultants in Delhi, we are proud of our huge success ratio in sending students abroad. Yes, we have been successfully providing the aspiring students with requisite Study Abroad consultancy. Unlike other consultants, we are with you from the application process till you get admission in your desired college and even after that. Being experienced education consultants in Delhi enables us to assist you through many documentation procedures involving fine prints. We have expert and resourceful team that can help you with all the necessary steps.

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  2. @aarsquare ~ Does your comment address the question in the post "What are your thoughts on this?" [referring to the LinkedIn message I received] or are you advertising & SEO optimizing?

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  3. I would be interested to find out the specifics of this venture, and how would students benefit except to "study abroad?" What are the potential drawbacks of this program?

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  4. @Anonymous ~ Great question! All I received in the message was what I have in quotes above so the inquiry provides or links to no details.

    I do take into account cross-cultural communication differences as well as different approaches to business with the message I received and how I interpreted the message but this doesn't seem to be something I put my name behind.

    Perhaps the lure of 100 Euro per head was meant to whet my appetite and pad my wallet and I would receive more specifics about the program upon reply...

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  5. The concept of bribery to influence young minds in a manner that the person who contacted you most likely intends to profit from is, frankly, a little upsetting. Perhaps I’m simply idealistic, but I’d like to think there is a certain level of integrity to the “business” of education... - Sarah

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  6. @Sarah ~ Thanks for your comment. I agree! At first I was going to simply delete as SPAM but then I thought it would be good to post as this stuff is happening (and I hope not at a high level).

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    1. As widespread as this issue probably is, thanks for letting us see it firsthand! I have a feeling many probably forget that almost anything can hide a business practice... and while I’m fine with the idea of a free market and the notion of advertising as a means of making money, I think there’s a place where the proverbial line should be drawn. Thank you for the quick reply, and though I suppose that was indeed the first time I’ve commented here, I’ll definitely be checking in. - Sarah

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  7. @Sarah ~ Thanks for the follow-up and happy to hear you'll be checking in more often! :)

    I like to think (hope) that when the majority of people receive such a message that they simply ignore/delete and don't bite! 100EUR would be nice but I think most people will find different ways to earn!

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