Competitive Edge Research & Communication

“What I’ve learned from working at CERC”

By Gerald Cirrincione, 2010

Working at Competitive Edge Research & Communication, I’ve learned many things, but most of all I’ve learned about integrity.  CERC President, John Nienstedt has forged a team and company culture that’s single-mindedly devoted to integrity in all its aspects.  As a team member, I’m challenged constantly to be accurate and clear in all my work.  The Floor Support personnel continually monitor my work as I interview respondents on the telephone.  They give me immediate feedback in real time, teaching me better ways to communicate accurately and clearly.

I’ve learned that integrity means not allowing any of my own unconscious biases and assumptions to inadvertently creep into my work.  Integrity means recording what the respondent actually SAYS, not what I myself might just IMAGINE they INTENDED to say.  Integrity means reading every interview question completely and all the answer choices in a neutral way, repeating the question when necessary to get a respondent to explicitly select one of the answer choices.  Integrity means probing effectively and impartially to get a respondent to reply fully to an open-end question and then to type their response word for word.

Competitive Edge Research & Communication is a great name, but another company name might be INTEGRITY IN RESEARCH & COMMUNICATION, because working here I’ve constantly learned more and more about integrity, and I look forward to learning even more.

PLUS, I’ve learned the way cool Competitive Edge cheer!

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By Thomas Stone, 2010

There are many reasons.  Some do it out of sheer boredom; some out of compassion, willing to help a stranger keep ajob; some to learn about issues.  Some do it to vent.  Others, I suppose, out of loneliness.  Their life has a void and my call has helped to fill it.  Winston Churchill once said, “The only difference between loneliness and solitude is that, with one, it is your choice to be alone.”  Too often I’ve heard the heartrending voice of the elderly close a call with, “Thanks, it’s good to talk with someone.”

I’ve learned strangers will share intimate, detailed stories about things close to their heart, and that I make them comfortable enough to share them.  These stories have brought laughter, insight, and on rare occasions, heartfelt tears.

As I conduct my polls, calling throughout the country, what working here has essentially taught me is that despite hatred, bigotry and a litany of other misplaced human emotions, people are generally good.  I suppose that is the most valuable data I will take with me from my tenure here at Competitive Edge.

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“Why I Love Working at CERC”

 By LaDonna Etheridge,  2008

I started working for this company in November of 2007, and it has changed my life. It gave me a sense of purpose again. Everyone was so nice, helpful and structured; something I really needed at that time.

This job gave me more than a paycheck, it gave me a way to support myself; it showed me how to be a part of a team. CERC also lets me go outside of California and touch the lives of other people. I get their viewpoints and make a change in their lives; I help them change and shape our world into a better place. This job has also shown me that a lot of people really do care about this world like I do. I hope this never changes.

I love the drawings for the Padres tickets and “The shirt off John’s back”. The anticipation while waiting to see if my name is drawn is great. All the extra ways of getting bonuses are fun and exciting so I try to do more so that I get a green slip put into the bucket for the extra chances at winning the draw. I also like working towards the Top Interviewer of the month, bringing in referrals to earn an extra $20, the birthday celebrations, and the paid lunches.

This company is great and I cannot wait until I get to go to a Padre’s game with John. Thanks for all you have given me.

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By Alicia Flores, 2008

I have been employed here at Competitive Edge a little over five years, non-stop.  I came to this job through another employee.  I came in was hired on the spot!

The first project I worked on was for a large well-known firm.  Never in my life did I think I would read information about the product I used to consume.  When I saw the commercials on television, I was proud to say that I was a part of that experience.

As the years went by, I began to pay more attention to politics.  Before, I used to make decisions based on what I heard from other people.  Now, I listen to the pros and cons; I do my own research and then I make an educated decision.  Also, with this job I find out what’s going on in other cities across the states.

Aside from the projects, I’ve gotten a chance to work with a great team – the Staff, the Project Manager and the Floor Support.  Let’s not forget all of the wonderful and fun events I’ve been to, like the Christmas Party, Movie Night, and Dinner Out with a Staff member, and the Company Picnic.

How can I not love working in this environment where everyone knows your name?  Working for Competitive Edge feels like a second home and that make me feel good!  I look forward to many more years.