I found your article interesting. I was heavily involved in CPP 20+ years ago when I was an undergrad at the U of Calgary. Back then we barely heard from the head office (which I think was in Toronto at the time) and pretty much did whatever we wanted. Royalties were on an honour system and we paid $1.00 per man hour I think which seemed fair. I finished my summer with $11K cash in the bank and no debt (this was in early 80's) and it seemed unreal to me at the time.
I have heard over the past few years that the company has descended into a Cult like organization, using many of the techniques you describe (multiple meetings, heavy use of the "you are a failure unless...", encouraging a break from your existing friend and support network). Kind of sad really since the company started as a means for student entrepreneurs to
learn business skills and run their own business.
I guess increasing overheads combined with pretty ruthless company leadership has turned the organization into a kind of "Herbalife meets Don Lapre" scam (remember him? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mubCkCAEiDQ ) and has forced the techniques you describe to maximize profitability. By the way, CPP is part of a TSE listed public corp called "first service limited" which has a mountain of debt on its balance sheet to service.
I can't say I'd recommend the program to anyone these days,...you're better off starting your own company.
I found your article interesting. I was heavily involved in CPP 20+ years ago when I was an undergrad at the U of Calgary. Back then we barely heard from the head office (which I think was in Toronto at the time) and pretty much did whatever we wanted. Royalties were on an honour system and we paid $1.00 per man hour I think which seemed fair. I finished my summer with $11K cash in the bank and no debt (this was in early 80's) and it seemed unreal to me at the time.
I have heard over the past few years that the company has descended into a Cult like organization, using many of the techniques you describe (multiple meetings, heavy use of the "you are a failure unless...", encouraging a break from your existing friend and support network). Kind of sad really since the company started as a means for student entrepreneurs to
learn business skills and run their own business.
I guess increasing overheads combined with pretty ruthless company leadership has turned the organization into a kind of "Herbalife meets Don Lapre" scam (remember him? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mubCkCAEiDQ ) and has forced the techniques you describe to maximize profitability. By the way, CPP is part of a TSE listed public corp called "first service limited" which has a mountain of debt on its balance sheet to service.
I can't say I'd recommend the program to anyone these days,...you're better off starting your own company.