u/adulteratedMILK04

Hi All,

Do you actively avoid any company/ies because of their environmental impact, sustainability or ethical concerns? Like even if their products are cheaper or more convenient?

If so, which companies have you stopped buying from or just try to avoid?

Also curious whether any founder, CEO or other prominent figure whose opinions or actions have influenced your decision to avoid a certain company/ies.

I saw many messages on TG to join this WhatsApp group as it is available for free and contains important links, etc. I was a little naive that time regarding studying abroad, etc so I joined it. Little that I knew, I was a sales lead. Here's the transcript of a whole WhatsApp conversation of mine with that study consultant from over a year ago.

SC - Hey (my name),

Hope you’re well.

I noticed that you’ve requested to join our ‘Study Abroad’ group.

How many years of full-time work experience do you have (in total)?

Best,

Tanmay Singh

MBA & MIM Admissions Coach

Co-founder, Faith Career

Me - Hey Tanmay,

I did request to join the 'Study Abroad' group.

[I share my details]

Thanks.

SC - Duly noted.

I am going to ask you a few questions so that I have a better idea of your candidature. Please respond as soon as you can because this would allow me to help you quicker.

Where are you pursuing your undergraduate degree from? What is your GPA/CGPA/percentage so far? (Please mention the scale too)

Me -

Umm, help in what case?

Is that a paid group or something?

SC - Our groups are not paid. Everyone is welcome.

I understand your curiosity. I’m the Co-founder of Faith Career. Therefore, if you are in our groups, I need to know more about your candidature, so that I can assist you accordingly.

Please note he clearly says he welcomes 'everyone'.

Me - Refuses to join. I thank him for his time.

SC - (My name), I understand that this might be a new experience for you but I want you to trust me.

I’m running an entire community of 1500+ individuals. This means that I am certainly doing something right.

What’s the name of your college?

Me - I shared all the details he asked me (10+ questions)

SC - Alright.

Let me have a look at my calendar & write back to you with a proposed time slot for our Discovery Call.

In the meantime, if there is more information that I should have about you and/or your candidature, please feel free to share. This is a safe, judgement-free space.

Do you WFH (work from home) or office or hybrid?

Me - Discovery call?

I don’t understand.

Why so much formalities for joining a WhatsApp group?

SC - That's because it's not just 'a WhatsApp group.' It's a goldmine of useful and reliable information.

Furthermore, if you are in our groups, we need to have a Discovery Call with you to determine if we can help you with your applications.

Please let me know so that we can proceed further with our Discovery Call.

Me - Thank you for the call but I would like to respectfully decline the discovery call as I do not need any help or my applications as of now. I just wanted to access the information on the group.

If it doesn't work out, I guess I'll be fine without one. Thank you for giving your time.

After this, just look at the shift in his tone. I was surprised.

SC - Since you’re not looking for help, I don’t know how we would be able to assist you. Could you please leave all our groups and the community as well?

Your departure will make space for someone who is genuinely interested in seeking our mentorship because they are serious about their career growth.

Thank you

Me - I appreciate your time. However, I'm realizing this group and our chats aren't aligned with what I was looking for. My intention was to engage with members of the group, connect with like minded people and learn from their journeys; not to participate in an education consulting firm's application support process.

That's why I was skeptical with the process from the very start. Had I known a call was mandatory and the group's purpose was centered around this, I wouldn't have taken up your time (and vice versa) with the initial questions.

Also, I feel the comment of "serious about their career growth" was absolutely unnecessary as an individual's career aspirations are valid regardless of their participation in your 'company consultation'.

Please be a bit mindful with such messages. I will be leaving the group. Thank you for your time and have a good day.

He saw the message but obviously didn't reply after.

I know information is not for free and there's no problem in being a lead. It's a business after all; but his message really triggered me.

My_qualifications