Can We Guess Which Review Was Written by the CEO (see below) - Account Manager ALARM Press Employee Review

1.0
Feb 28, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Got the chance to work with some creative & talented people- but I doubt any of them will still be there by the time you read this.

Cons

-Management - the lack of. No guidance, no training or coaching offered. -No communication between departments. This often results in making false and unattainable promises to the client. -No HR department to rely on. -Threatening environment (from CEO). His management techniques seem to be solely based on aggression and intimidation. -This job takes advantage of the allure of the magazine industry to creative job seekers. Past employees have had masters, art degrees and creativity - and were often lead to believe their talents would be utilized beyond selling ads with false promises. -Unrealistic goals. -Dishonest sales practices: customers do not receive what they are agreeing to pay for, prices are quoted at random. -No follow up with past clients. Making relationships with clients isn't at all valued. -No chance for growth or promotion - if new positions arise they will not hire within.

Explore other reviews about ALARM Press

5.0
Feb 12, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-Fun, professional environment. You will never work with more creative and enthusiastic people in your life. Not to mention, this is probably the only "9-5" where you won't get burnt out or feel like you're rotting away in a corporate black hole. -I have learned a substantial amount and met a lot of great people. -Lots of amazing events to attend in the city, and several opportunities for global travel for events/shows. -Hard work is recognized - I have been promoted twice. -I look forward to coming in every day!

Cons

Not sure why there are any negative reviews - must be from low performers taking their disappointment with themselves out on the company/CEO.

2.0
Feb 18, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Excellent for building knowledge in the A/E/C industry. Casual work environment in terms of dress code. Made a lot of friends that still keep in contact. Salaries were boosted after a massive staff flight late 2013 / early 2014 which was incentive to stay longer in the position. It became easier as time went on. I had fun on occasion. One time I found a way to break onto the roof of the building.

Cons

Ethical qualms with advertising, but isn't there always? Wasn't much opportunity for growth until the company reformatted; even then, it was strictly financial development and nothing really offered in regards to career expansion. Sometimes the idea would be flirted with, but communication always halted for one reason or another. Exclusively hired externally instead of promoted into upper ranks, with one very isolated exception. Watched the company dwindle from 45 people to 10 in 2 years, even though the higher tier of employees continued to travel internationally and furnish their private offices. There was a clear divide and lack of respect for the lower levels in the staff, even though the AMs/AEs arguably brought in all of the revenue (this is not an embellishment; subscription numbers were non-existent and everything else was acquired through material/tangible trade). In the grand scheme, client retention was at the bottom of the list of the company's priorities - at least up until it was already looking grim and management started to realize how important it was - which explains why it was necessary for Design Bureau to fold. The design industry is only so big, especially when your client base is exclusively designers of high-end, boutique built environments.

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