Let's get serious!

Hi folks. You might know me as the guy who consults and posts jobs for VerTek LLC, but I am also the guy who has his own company, teachITnow, Inc. that developed training tools for you through my work at NCTI, SCTE, TCI, Anixter, Charter, Comcast, and Cox.  

I'm an old cable dawg. I cut my teeth in 1983 figuring out how to run a T1 over a Midsplit B-Plant in Rockford, IL. Lots of people mentored me, and I got bit by the cable bug back then. It crawled into my DNA. I was on the board of my local SCTE chapter for 17 years. 

Now, at 68 years old, I have something to say. Some of you think I'm an effing idiot, and you might be right. But seriously, I am PISSED. I am pissed that the contractors don't get appreciated for being the ESSENTIAL WORKERS they really are; dedicated, hot and sweaty, freezing cold, doing dangerous work for people to watch TV, talk on the phone, and play Fortnight. 

And, I am pissed that there are too many unethical and dishonest contractors out there who give the good ones a bad reputation.

I know why I am pissed but I want to hear it from you. 

Remember I am asking for myself and not VerTek, or SCTE, or Charter, etc. I will not share your comments such that they could identify you. Here's a survey form that is TOTALLY ANONYMOUS (no names or emails or phone numbers collected).

It's OK to be suspicious, and I expect some of you will get nasty. I'm an adult, I can take it. 

So, please fill out this form HONESTLY. I'm the only one who will see it. 

State of The Cable Contractor Form - Totally anonymous and secure

Thanks, 

Doug Marlowe, President

teachITnow, Inc.

www.teachITnow.net

How to advertise for talent in 2021

 How to advertise for talent in 2021

Ah, hello there. This chasing talent is exhausting. What frosts my mug is when I hear from a client that they had a crew all ready to start and "THEY NEVER SHOWED UP!"

So what are we doing wrong?

1. They advertised the glory and not the guts

2. Benefits! Guess what, they are  not that important these days except health care. 

So what's a recruiter to do?

Sell the glory and the GUTS. If its challenging, hard work, manually stressful, and requires a keen eye and great problem solving, SAY IT. You have to be honest about the risks and rewards.

Call them out on their ethics. 

My daddy whupped my behind if I ever lied to him. Taught me that my word was my contract. At the end of the day, all you have is your reputation. If you're the type to promise and not deliver, move on. If you can't be honest with us WE DO NOT WANT YOU.

Let them know that divas need not apply.

This work requires TEAMWORK. We won't tolerate divas. You work together or not at all. And, our work sites are a NO WHINING ZONE. If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Grow up, you're an adult now.

Rates are low in some places, we all know it. So, tell them.

You might find better rates elsewhere. We can't help that. Every job has risks. We want you to succeed, so talk to us before you reject a bird in the hand. Some locations are paying mobilization.

Tell them you are fun to work with

Hard work needs a team that appreciates you. We have fun, too. We encourage it. But, as in life, SAFETY FIRST!