Welcome to Todd Falcone’s Blog

Degrading the Youth of America

Author Todd Falcone

I’ve been wanting to vent on this subject for a while, and I simply need to get it off of my chest.

What’s with all the companies these days who hire kids to hold signs with handles on the back (some that spin), urging people to go to their business?

I see real estate companies, pizza joints, tanning salons, and others who hire teenagers to stand on the corner waving these signs around?

This chaps my hide in two ways.

1. These businesses are degrading our youth. It takes no effort, no brains, NOTHING to hold a sign. These mostly young people are being paid for doing nothing. Yes…I get the reason for doing it, but it makes my stomach churn. Why not teach these kids to do something PRODUCTIVE? Give them a challenge. Provide them an opportunity to learn and grow, not just stand on the corner and distract drivers.

2. It lowers the business’ image. For me at least, I’m not likely to give business to someone who is so lazy or poor in their marketing efforts that they need to pay a kid to wave a sign. In fact, it makes me want to talk about that business in a negative manner. I probably won’t make the effort to do it, but the urge is there.

I don’t have much else to say other than it’s simply irritating. Yes..it could be me, but I am entitled to my opinion.

If you know any business owners who personally do this, perhaps give them some advice and let them know that there is a better way to utilize their marketing dollar, one that LIFTS their image rather than reduces it.