Better Business Bureau; is it?

       At a recent seminar I heard a little bit about negative press.  For those who chose to become public figures; business or otherwise, you must grow thick skin.  Many untruths will emerge.  You see it in the media with our actors and actresses.   Whole industries are created, magazines, photographers and the like.  Are they true?; maybe, maybe not.  Negative press can be good at times and those who know,  may hear a congratulations from another who has already  ‘achieved’ that status.  It is a different thought process, huh?
     Grow thick skin and remember, it may not really be about you.  
     Our speaker has many business and his experience with the BBB is as follows.  He has many online business’s and doing very well, so he was asked to join.   When he decided not to, he found out that they would not recommend his business.  If someone came in and asked about the business, they would say he wasn’t a member and therefore could not recommend the asker to go to.  Go here (somewhere) else instead.       
     There is a small bit about the Better Business Bureau I was unaware of.   The new form of grading involves being a paid member.  Then I looked up it’s history.  A couple years ago this non-profit needed revenue and started charging a membership fee.  Along with this membership fee came an A rating.  Yes!  You qualify as a great business if you pay.  If you don’t, they won’t rate you.  They will go as far as NOT recommend you.  As in, “we don’t recommend you go to them!” The experience of some is; one complaint, even resolved years ago; may result in a less than favorable rating.  A recent C grade turns instantly to an A grade once the membership has been paid.  What?  Extortion at it’s legal best?  There was a test done; a terrorist group, posed as a business, paid their fees and wa-la!, A+ rating.  Factious business? No problem, pay and then an A+ rating.  This was tested and proved again and again.
   The Better Business Bureau can no longer be credited for an unbiased opinion.   Money rules.
    There is a great rumor going around that is was founded by Al Capone…..a continuation of extortion when he could no longer extort.  Not protection, but a business builder or ‘killer’ if you did not pay.   Not true, it turns out the math alone, would make him 13 years old, if his birthdate and BBB’s birthdate are calculated.   A great rumor though!  Fitting with what the BBB does now……    

     Bottom line; pay the fees and join to get this misconception working for you!

     Better Business Bureau?  It is not the independent third party we once thought of.  
      I was saddened to hear this, one more trusted name, refuted.  

 For more info go to: 
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/business-bureau-best-ratings-money-buy/t/story?id=12123843