Tony's Introduction
mer•chant n. one whose occupation is buying and selling goods for profit.
- 1. You are a merchant. Understanding the environment you are entering is the first step toward success as a merchant. This handbook should help you understand The Advantage experience better by giving you an idea of who we are, where we are going, your role in our journey, and, most importantly, the opportunities we offer. This can be more than a job – it can be your future. Our handbook will also provide you with the information you need in order to make the right decisions and succeed at The Advantage Co.
- 2. Do the right thing. At The Advantage, we always strive to do the right thing, rather than to do things right. You are responsible for making the right decisions. Never compromise yourself or The Advantage. Your integrity and good judgment are vital to our success. You brought your integrity with you, what I hope to develop is your judgment. Your judgment will improve as your knowledge and depth of understanding grow.. Success is the result of good judgement, good judgement is the result of experience, and experience is the result of bad judgement.
- 3. Make sure you fit. We are here to teach you what being a merchant is all about. Take a moment to see things through the eyes of a merchant. I hope to help you better understand our company and the singular role as a merchant that you will play in our success. We have created a particular environment where everyone has enormous opportunity for advancement and personal equity - some of you will flourish in this environment and enjoy it, however, The Advantage is not for everyone.
- 4. Understand, Believe, and Sell. As a merchant it is essential you understand, believe, and sell The Advantage 'Magic'. We are successful because of the efforts of those who have understood, believed, and sold The Advantage 'Magic'. I believe we are indeed magic. A litmus test for 'Magic' will always be the smile on your face - no smile, no 'Magic'. As a merchant it is essential that you are always enthusiastic, it is your job. If you are not smiling, you are not doing [or enjoying] your job.
- 5. Recognition and Improvement. Life at The Advantage is a gradual accumulation of modifications, your successful efforts will give us the opportunity to take on new challenges. Our aim is to be better tomorrow than we are today. Recognition and improvement pave our road to success. As you read this handbook, you will recognize we are committed to creating a positive environment. You must understand the difference between being critical and being negative. The former is the foundation of improvement, while the latter plants the seeds of defeat. We must always recognize the need for improvement.
- 6. Compensation. This Handbook will also explain what is expected of you as a merchant and the compensation you can expect for helping us reach our potential. I recognize that compensation goes beyond money. I want to reward your outstanding effort with opportunity and a sense of satisfaction. I want you to enjoy a job well done, and I want you to reap the long term benefits of our success. At The Advantage, you’ll find our incentive programs and opportunities help shape our character. They reward the attitude, performance, and results that are necessary for our continued growth. Our incentive programs are designed to give you a share of the profits and opportunities you help generate.
- 7. Marketability. Advancement at The Advantage is based on how well you understand, believe, and sell The Advantage 'Magic'. In addition to this career advancement and the commensurate pay increases, you will also be rewarded, almost immediately, by the improved marketability of your skills. This is a very real and substantial reward for your association with us. If you look at how marketable you were before you came here, and how marketable you are now that you are here - the difference you recognize is enormous and profitable to you in both the short and long term. A successful Advantage Co. benefits everyone.
- 8. Our Reputation. Therefore, it is easy to recognize we share with you not only our resources but our reputation. Help make our reputation the best it can be and you will benefit from the association you have with a strong, independent, and successful business. Our reputation is your reputation - and you are its caretaker. It's your responsibility. It is something that you have to deliver on 24 hours a day. Every time you represent The Advantage, you redefine us. Reputation is equal part image and substance, we need you to deliver on both. Be big, be a builder.
