A4 promotion guide

[dibsdobs]

Russell = pinch of salt, I fear.

[greenpesto]

Earning potential is everything in this game when you're self-employed!!

I've always had to work for my money ...

A few years ago I was caught on the Endowment Mortgage rip-off & had re mortgaged.
This change gave me the opportunity to actually earn with Hillarys & give me disposable income for the first time ever.
One month after that ... Hillarys announced the change to the Bonus structure which made it impossible to hit it & a few other changes including recruiting more Advisors meant I was back to 'square one'!!!!

To earn the money I want now ( which is not a lot! ) I'd have to work at a level that would be unsustainable for any lengthy period.

The past three years have been bloody hard & I wonder if it will ever change?

As Aries9456 says ... you have to consider the earnings lost because of poor promo's & poor quality products!!!

The earning potential for any newcomer can't be at all appetizing now that we have such aggressive sales offers.

Who'd want to go out & sell for £99 & get £14.50 with all the trouble of DOR's & Customer Care refunds & have to pay for the privilege because of SAM?

I think Advisors are fighting back because many are looking elsewhere for their supply of blinds & many local companies are approaching Advisors to offer them jobs.

Hillarys will never see that they are making enemies & will find a market that is swamped by hundreds more small businesses under-cutting them.
Due to being slow to change & by not looking after the sales people that get the business Hillarys simply won't be able to compete in the next few years!!!!

[farmer]

greenpesto said:

Earning potential is everything in this game when you're self-employed!!

I've always had to work for my money ...

A few years ago I was caught on the Endowment Mortgage rip-off & had re mortgaged.
This change gave me the opportunity to actually earn with Hillarys & give me disposable income for the first time ever.
One month after that ... Hillarys announced the change to the Bonus structure which made it impossible to hit it & a few other changes including recruiting more Advisors meant I was back to 'square one'!!!!

To earn the money I want now ( which is not a lot! ) I'd have to work at a level that would be unsustainable for any lengthy period.

The past three years have been bloody hard & I wonder if it will ever change?

As Aries9456 says ... you have to consider the earnings lost because of poor promo's & poor quality products!!!

The earning potential for any newcomer can't be at all appetizing now that we have such aggressive sales offers.

Who'd want to go out & sell for £99 & get £14.50 with all the trouble of DOR's & Customer Care refunds & have to pay for the privilege because of SAM?

I think Advisors are fighting back because many are looking elsewhere for their supply of blinds & many local companies are approaching Advisors to offer them jobs.

Hillarys will never see that they are making enemies & will find a market that is swamped by hundreds more small businesses under-cutting them.
Due to being slow to change & by not looking after the sales people that get the business Hillarys simply won't be able to compete in the next few years!!!!

well said Greenpesto.

with regards to other companies approaching advisors, Ive had 2 companies approach me this month.

Fortunately for me, everything is running as I want it to,apart from the d.o.r problem (see typical day for an advisor posting). 2 new advisors are due to start in my town any day now, so don't know if I will still be happy in a week or 2.

also notice that there must be about 5 or 6 new blind companies sprung up this last month or so. (thats if you can call them companies, probably disgruntled ex-hillarys men who buy in at trade prices then make their profit)

We all know we could do the same, and with the mark up on blinds, it would be a d**n sight easier to make a sustainable living. Hillarys should take note of this.

Just to update everyone including head office, the ex-Hillarys advisor in my town who set up on his own about 18 months ago, has now 2 fitters and at least one salesman working from his impressive shop. I come up against him most days. usually blasts me out on romans,'cos we couldnt do blackouts, and have just had to beat him with a beat a quote, from £3.500 down to £1600 for 38 vertical blinds in a mansion.
So it just proves that it is tough out there, but is being made even tougher by the company we are all reprsenting.
so to hell with them, make sure you earn what you have to earn,run YOUR business your way, and if they dont like it, tough. With the mark up on blinds they still make money on whatever price you sell them at.

If things are so tough, why do they continually spend fortunes on catering at each meeting etc, etc, i could go on, but people would take the huff with the truth.

The cuts should start there, not taking away our bonus, (thats if we had one to start with), not penalising with clawbacks etc,.............................
bloody hell, i'm off on one again.....sorry....

[hereticus]

Russell….nice to see you posting again ! And how refreshing it is to see some new threads where advisors are sharing ideas on selling tips and using SAM.

I agree completely with Russell that there is too much negativity on this forum and that we should be working together with each other, and together with the company, to make the most of our combined experience and also to help take Hillarys where it needs to go. Of course there are always going to be problems and criticisms but we can only make progress if our comments are constructive.

I’m fed up with reading comments such as ‘I wouldn’t p**s on Hillarys’ and postings exhorting us to go on strike or set up in competition. How does this help anybody ? If any advisor is that disenchanted then clearly this is not the job for you so why do you stick with it ?

The management of Hillarys have been more responsive to advisors in the last three months than in the previous three years (or more). Despite the comments of a minority of hard nosed militants, most of us must recognise that there is a climate of change, that some of the things we wanted have already taken effect, and that we are receiving regular communications / updates regarding progress on other matters.

I was in Nottingham this week on the Shutters course and therefore met with a number of other advisors – from as far afield as Dorset, Humberside, Yorkshire, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Swindon – a nice bunch of guys, all doing a good job, all wanting to further their success with Hillarys, and all with valid comments and criticisms regarding Hillarys and the company / advisor relationship, but none of whom was in any way negative about the future. Talking to them individually about this forum most said that they had taken a look but didn’t like the negativity so hadn’t got involved. This is our ‘silent majority’ – the many advisors who have been frightened off by a few extremists.

It isn’t the criticism I object to, but the language and manner it which it is being put over by a few with the result that many good people, with a lot to contribute, are declining to engage in this forum. Let’s clean up our act, widen our appeal, and become more representative of the real situation.

[rappers]

I haven't posted here recently for exactly the reason Hereticus gives, the vast amount of negative postings. I recognise that not everything is as it should be - but that has applied in every job I've done since I left school and my last paid employment for 20 years in the newspaper industry was a nightmare compared to Hillarys.

Let me just leave a few positives. I'm not overwhelmed with business this month, though Jan and Feb was good, but because I encourage all my customers to contact me directly I always have a fair percentage of self generated leads. I do this by ensuring my phone number is on blinds, paperwork, order wallets, control weights, business cards, brochures etc. I never leave a sales or fit appointment without ensuring my customer knows how to contact me directly.

I've not had any significant problem with wood venetians - I must be alone according to this website, and this week I've fitted 11, all fine, no problem. I've had one DoR this week - a vertical louvre with a flaw in it; no problem, DoRd it on Monday afternoon and it came on Wednesday's van.

As for the 3 for 99 promotion, so what. Inevitably a few customers will want it and nothing else. In this area the advert shouts 3 for 99, but whilst most customers don't even talk about the offer, those that do can usually be upped to another offer. The point is that even if you do the 3 for 99, you've taken the business from another company, and there's a better chance of getting repeat business and recommendations.

What you can't do is win them all. Inevitably
, no matter how hard you try you won't convert every visit to an order, but if you have the right attitude, the right approach you will win. People buy from people, and if they like you they will buy from you.

As for the collection of blinds, the new vertical book is fine; the roman book is superb and the wood collection range far superior to any of my opponents. Stock levels are currently a problem, but no doubt that will soon be sorted

Advisors must recognise that they are all self-employed and this business is the easiest thing in the world to run when compared to just about any other business. Just look around at all the plumbers, joiners, carpet fitters, kitchen fitters, electricians we all come into contact with. Would you want their problems when compared with ours, I certainly wouldn't thank you.

I fitted eight verticals in a house yesterday, in and out in 90 minutes which allowed time for a chat with the tiler there. He had been given earache because the gap between the bath and his tiles was too large, he had to run around and get his own supplies and his hourly rate for the job was barely three quarters of what I was earning. I was paid by card immediately, and I'll never have to return unless the customer wants more blinds.

I'm not saying being a blind man is easy, sure there are loads of pitfalls, but compared with other types of self employments, we've got it made. And if the cynics think I'm nuts, then all I can say everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and Hillarys is definitely the answer for me - and I guess a good many others too, judging by the number of Advisors registered to this site but who don't post.

[JoY]

It's all very well saying you don't post because of the negative postings..... but how long would this site survive if no-one posted at all. Just imagine every time you logged on there was nothing new to read??

I'm sure Hillarys believe that we will eventually all lose interest in this site...and that it will simply fade away.

Lets not let that happen. Keep posting with ALL your views. How boring if they were all nice!!

[q]

Fitted wood vens today, all wrapped very nicely in bubble wrap , all worked fine (no need to encourage the blinds to touch the window cill) , it would appear they have changed the raise & lower/tilt cord, the cord has a smoother feel, therefore easier to operate, wood vens do seem to be improving. Or is it just me?

All positive so far........... now for the bad news, 1 blind sent without the box of brackets , quick trip to the car to raid the spares, sorted,yet another order H/O will assume was correct.

[desmorse]

Yes, I found wood venetians better lately. Not perfect, but definitely better.
And remember, every time you get a DOR, keep the spare brackets!!!

[dibsdobs]

Hereticus

I am sorry if some of us do not share your optimism for the future. After all Hillary's have had a lot longer than 3 months to resolve issues.

The "old chestnuts" that we are raising have been known to Hillary's for many years. They have, in the past consistently and purposefully failed to resolve them.

The fact that they are only now sitting up and taking an interest in our grievances, suddenly singing from a different song sheet. Is largely due to the collective airing of such grievances on this site.

I am afraid, that the longer this site continues, with no more than a few of us posting, Hillary's interest, or indeed initial fear, of us as a voice for change will wain.
As is evident by there lack of participation.

I agree that some views may be considered extreme or militant. No more perhaps than yours could be conceived as self righteous or holier than thou.

We are all a little impatient for change. But we are still here waiting. For me this is Hillary's last chance to really make a difference.

The longer that nothing happens the less chance it will.
This site will dwindle as the initial enthusiasm that we could make a difference dwindles with it.

Your argument that the vast majority don't post on here because it is to negative, is in my view laughable. They don't post on here, because, in truth, theres not a lot to talk about, they are largely apathetic, and what they want to say, is already being said by others.
If the so called silent majority, about 380, all posted there lovely positive comments, then the negative would get swamped. So go on then.

I await in anticipation of the changes to come, my long history with Hillary's and its see-saw politics, means I will not hold my breath.

As for "the real situation". I think the comments on here are representative of the real situation. Its just that not all of us are as willing to put as much faith in the rhetoric we are now hearing from the same people, who ignored us before.

[dodgybracket]

hereticus said:

Russell….nice to see you posting again ! And how refreshing it is to see some new threads where advisors are sharing ideas on selling tips and using SAM.

I agree completely with Russell that there is too much negativity on this forum and that we should be working together with each other, and together with the company, to make the most of our combined experience and also to help take Hillarys where it needs to go. Of course there are always going to be problems and criticisms but we can only make progress if our comments are constructive.

I’m fed up with reading comments such as ‘I wouldn’t p**s on Hillarys’ and postings exhorting us to go on strike or set up in competition. How does this help anybody ? If any advisor is that disenchanted then clearly this is not the job for you so why do you stick with it ?

The management of Hillarys have been more responsive to advisors in the last three months than in the previous three years (or more). Despite the comments of a minority of hard nosed militants, most of us must recognise that there is a climate of change, that some of the things we wanted have already taken effect, and that we are receiving regular communications / updates regarding progress on other matters.

I was in Nottingham this week on the Shutters course and therefore met with a number of other advisors – from as far afield as Dorset, Humberside, Yorkshire, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Swindon – a nice bunch of guys, all doing a good job, all wanting to further their success with Hillarys, and all with valid comments and criticisms regarding Hillarys and the company / advisor relationship, but none of whom was in any way negative about the future. Talking to them individually about this forum most said that they had taken a look but didn’t like the negativity so hadn’t got involved. This is our ‘silent majority’ – the many advisors who have been frightened off by a few extremists.

It isn’t the criticism I object to, but the language and manner it which it is being put over by a few with the result that many good people, with a lot to contribute, are declining to engage in this forum. Let’s clean up our act, widen our appeal, and become more representative of the real situation.

In reply to Hereticus, I see that you are happy with the
fact that "Hillarys have been more responsive to Advisors in the last 3 months, than in the previous 3 years or more"....

So then I have missed the communication about the refunding of Stolen Commission have I?

So I have also missed the one about Communication, where they advise the Agent if a deduction is to be made, because I had one last week and the first place I see it is on the statement?

Just how hard is it to "Communicate" is it?

Can you have a chat with your cronies in Head Office and suggest that if they want to make huge leaps in Advisor confidence then addressing these 2 points only will win them huge Brownie points?

There is a mega-meeting on today (Monday) for everyone in management at Colwick. Maybe that is when they announce the changes. If so well done..

If no announcement on these 2 Outstanding Forum points is made or shoved under the rug again, then I suggest you wind your neck in, in the nicest possible way,(!) and stop posting oily messages that do nothing to bring Hillarys and Advisors closer to the common objective, but actually serve to wind up the " hard-nosed militants" amongst whom I assume I am classsed as I do not sing from the conciliatory script that you have seen fit to follow.
Life is too short , mate, they have had time enough...

Or is this where the hidden agenda of off-loading every Advisor who does not toe the party-line begins, so leaving huge tracts of the country to you and your fellows
Dodgybracket

[farmer]

dodgybracket said:

hereticus said:

Russell….nice to see you posting again ! And how refreshing it is to see some new threads where advisors are sharing ideas on selling tips and using SAM.

I agree completely with Russell that there is too much negativity on this forum and that we should be working together with each other, and together with the company, to make the most of our combined experience and also to help take Hillarys where it needs to go. Of course there are always going to be problems and criticisms but we can only make progress if our comments are constructive.

I’m fed up with reading comments such as ‘I wouldn’t p**s on Hillarys’ and postings exhorting us to go on strike or set up in competition. How does this help anybody ? If any advisor is that disenchanted then clearly this is not the job for you so why do you stick with it ?

The management of Hillarys have been more responsive to advisors in the last three months than in the previous three years (or more). Despite the comments of a minority of hard nosed militants, most of us must recognise that there is a climate of change, that some of the things we wanted have already taken effect, and that we are receiving regular communications / updates regarding progress on other matters.

I was in Nottingham this week on the Shutters course and therefore met with a number of other advisors – from as far afield as Dorset, Humberside, Yorkshire, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Swindon – a nice bunch of guys, all doing a good job, all wanting to further their success with Hillarys, and all with valid comments and criticisms regarding Hillarys and the company / advisor relationship, but none of whom was in any way negative about the future. Talking to them individually about this forum most said that they had taken a look but didn’t like the negativity so hadn’t got involved. This is our ‘silent majority’ – the many advisors who have been frightened off by a few extremists.

It isn’t the criticism I object to, but the language and manner it which it is being put over by a few with the result that many good people, with a lot to contribute, are declining to engage in this forum. Let’s clean up our act, widen our appeal, and become more representative of the real situation.

In reply to Hereticus, I see that you are happy with the
fact that "Hillarys have been more responsive to Advisors in the last 3 months, than in the previous 3 years or more"....

So then I have missed the communication about the refunding of Stolen Commission have I?

So I have also missed the one about Communication, where they advise the Agent if a deduction is to be made, because I had one last week and the first place I see it is on the statement?

Just how hard is it to "Communicate" is it?

Can you have a chat with your cronies in Head Office and suggest that if they want to make huge leaps in Advisor confidence then addressing these 2 points only will win them huge Brownie points?

There is a mega-meeting on today (Monday) for everyone in management at Colwick. Maybe that is when they announce the changes. If so well done..

If no announcement on these 2 Outstanding Forum points is made or shoved under the rug again, then I suggest you wind your neck in, in the nicest possible way,(!) and stop posting oily messages that do nothing to bring Hillarys and Advisors closer to the common objective, but actually serve to wind up the " hard-nosed militants" amongst whom I assume I am classsed as I do not sing from the conciliatory script that you have seen fit to follow.
Life is too short , mate, they have had time enough...

Or is this where the hidden agenda of off-loading every Advisor who does not toe the party-line begins, so leaving huge tracts of the country to you and your fellows
Dodgybracket

its not that we are militant, dodgy bracket, we are supposed to be in this together, both Hillarys and us working together. How do we get the point across, without appearing to be militant.

My Motto is, "if there is a problem, lets know about it so we can fix it "

Militant springs to mind when its an us and them scenario, like in the 70's when all we had were strikes, etc.

If people take offence to constructive critisism, then tough....we get enough of it

[dodgybracket]

Thanks for support, fellow radical, militant person that you are Farmer.

If we ever get a result on the Stolen Commission, it will not be on account of the actions of those who find it necessary to praise the speed achieved by a snail which I swear hasnt moved a fraction in the past 5 years!!!!!

Interesting to note one Loyal Forum Member is currently gently extracting himself from Hillarys without giving notice ( because if you do that you get no money until 28 days after you have left--nice folk eh!!!)

A little illness a little holiday and a lot of fitting should do that nicely??

Nice to see a nationwide -virtually--3 for £99 is hitting an area near us all by the end of the week--according to the moles.

Dodgybracket

[RED]

dodgybracket said:

Nice to see a nationwide -virtually--3 for £99 is hitting an area near us all by the end of the week--according to the moles.

Nice to see the hole we are in getting deeper.
Why oh why, dont they just give us control over our own leads back and watch the work fly in.
Tony Boyd, if you are reading this, remember my words to you 3 years ago when we went on diary booking nationwide?. "The house of cards will come tumbling down". Remember.
I wish I had been wrong and you right.

Red

[desmorse]

stonehills said:

dodgybracket said:

Nice to see a nationwide -virtually--3 for £99 is hitting an area near us all by the end of the week--according to the moles.

Nice to see the hole we are in getting deeper.
Why oh why, dont they just give us control over our own leads back and watch the work fly in.
Tony Boyd, if you are reading this, remember my words to you 3 years ago when we went on diary booking nationwide?. "The house of cards will come tumbling down". Remember.
I wish I had been wrong and you right.

Red

Tony Boyd left Hillarys last month

[RED]

desmorse said:

stonehills said:

Nice to see the hole we are in getting deeper.
Why oh why, dont they just give us control over our own leads back and watch the work fly in.
Tony Boyd, if you are reading this, remember my words to you 3 years ago when we went on diary booking nationwide?. "The house of cards will come tumbling down". Remember.
I wish I had been wrong and you right.

Red

Tony Boyd left Hillarys last month

Did he? I did not know that. Good luck to him anyway, decent bloke.

Red