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EJ Isn't That Way, or so They Say

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May 23, 2010 6:30 pm

I started with EJ 6 months ago. A couple of weeks in I chose my location out of 6 in roughly the same area. A week after I was getting angry calls from an FA who didn't like my choice because it was too close to her office. Then a few days after that I received a call from locations suggesting I go to a new location, one they hadn't given me before but was recommended by a senior FA. After consulting with my RL I was persuaded that it was best for everyone that I take this newly created location for my prospecting.

A week later 2 senior FAs in the city interrupt a training meeting to show me a map with areas highlighted - basically carving up the area I was told to take and giving me the worst parts of it while they claimed the rest. I was frustrated and called the GP of locations and asked to be given my original selection back because it was the better of the two and if I was going to have reps cutting me out of the best parts of this new location then I would rather have my first choice. He agreed, saying as several other EJ HQ folks along the way had told me - This isn't the Jones way. 

Then the RL tells me only a week before I go into actual prodcution that I should go back to that second choice with the carved out map. I agreed only to consider it. I would receive calls every week from the reps in the area telling me to get out of the area I was in because it wasn't available anymore and insisting that I couldn't even follow up with my prospects because I shouldn't have been allowed out there to begin with.

Just a couple of weeks ago I receive a call from Locations telling me I HAVE to go back to my first choice because one of the senior FA's and the RL decided to "control the growth" in that city and make that whole section of the city unavailable for new FA's.

So I'm back at this second location trying to prospect when a 4 year FA calls me into his office to discuss where I've been and ends up shouting and making threats because I was too close to his office, even though the contested area is within a mile of the intersection I was told I HAD to take.  I called Human Resources and was AGAIN told that this wasn't the Jones way and that reps don't have protected areas and can't tell a new FA where they can and can't knock.  But, that I should just stay out of this rep's area so that we can all get along. 

So far the only one who has suffered is me. I have prospects on two different areas of town, work in a city where the senior FA's resent me, and can't prospect without someone complaining about it behind my back.

What I want to know is what's my recourse? If this isn't the firm's way, and it isn't supposed to be happening why is it being allowed? It's hard enough to prospect and grow a business without being pushed in every direction by other FA's in the area.  I'm exceding expectations but developing a bad attitude.

May 23, 2010 9:30 pm

Stop being so wishy washy with your RL. If you have HQ backing you go with the 'Jones way' and tell him that's what you are doing. Most of this is your own fault for not being steadfast in the beginning. I worked for Jones and some of the FA's want to try and bully you. In the end, they have no recourse against you so you tell them to F' off and eventually they will. The RL is being weak by pandering to these FA's and he knows it. If you stand up to him with the backing of HQ you'll be fine.

May 23, 2010 10:12 pm

I agree.  If you want a spot, you have the right to claim it.  AND, a senior FA has no recourse to you!  They have no way of taking it out on you.  The biggest problem with EDJ is that there are no sticks, just carrots.  If a senior FA doesn't like you, what can they do?  I agree, F 'em...

May 24, 2010 1:40 am

Location means nothing. Call everyone in your city with local tax free bonds. Location is of no importance.

May 24, 2010 2:34 pm

I have a couple of observations for you. The first is whether or not you have the ok from locations is if you continue to push against the two senior FA's they will commit to making your life miserable. I would go to them and work it out. Your RL doesn't sound like he really wants much involvement in the situation. Understand that at Jones you have no territories and ypu can prospect where you want to. I am certain that if you go and talk to the senior FA's they will be reasonable, if not then you just go forward but at least give them the opportunity before you go forward.

Good luck!

May 24, 2010 3:39 pm

Remember, RL's have no impact on your earnings. If you want to kill it, go kill it. Otherwise, you can blame your RL's, location, etc for lack of production.

You could be on the middle of an island in the Florida Keys calling people in Washington about 5% Redmond tax free bonds and you could be a top producer.

May 24, 2010 4:23 pm

They're correct about the location.  It really doesn't matter. 

My opinion about "vets" who get hostile with you about where you're office is located is that they're struggling.  Guys who are routinely hitting Seg 4 numbers don't really care where you are doorknocking or where your office sits.  They obviously see you as a threat to their way of life.  Which is stupid.  Even if you were the best doorknocker in the world, you're not going to put a dent in the investable assets in your target area over the next 2-3 years.  Obviously there are enough assets there for Jones to justify an additional office.   PM me and I'll show you how you can figure out that info.  It might be good to have some ammo ready the next time they give you a hard time.   

It's odd that your RL hasn't put these guys in their place.  If these "vets" can control him like a little puppet, then I would begin to question his leadership skills.   

May 24, 2010 4:26 pm

I forgot to add, if it's really bugging you that much and you're not getting anywhere with your RL, you might try calling your Area Leader and talking with him about your situation.  Maybe a phone call from him to your RL or the vets who are giving you a hard time would help them understand the situation.