5Linx - A Great Company Or Just Another "Ma Bell" Competitor?

Founded by Jeb Tyler and Jason Guck (previously with ACN), 5Linx has been identified as being one of the fastest growing companies in North America, by INC. 500. Let's take an unbiased look at this newcomer in the telecom world from Rochester, NY.The Good:5Linx is not just another "Ma Bell" knockoff. They also provide services such as cell phones and plans from all the major US carriers, Satellite TV from DIRECTTV and the DISH Network, as well as GLOBALINX® VideoPhone and VoIP telephone service.Craig Jerabeck has been the President and CEO of 5Linx® Enterprises Inc. since 2001. Along with his executive team, they have 40+ years of experience in the telecommunications industry.5Linx has had some very popular headlines in the national press, especially with servicemen and women. Their See Your Troops Foundation donated one hundred thousand dollars in products and services to connect our troops, via the GLOBALINX® VideoPhone and VoIP service, to their loved ones back home.5Linx is definitely providing a needed service, and it seems they do understand the need for a strong, dynamic corporate image in the public eye.The Bad:The telecom industry is a very competitive business. Many people have services (especially cell phone services) that are covered by a contract, with stiff penalties for early termination. During any primetime TV program, you will likely see telecom service ads from your local cable company, Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T.5Linx's Voice Over Inter Protocol service is definitely using 22nd century, leading edge technology, but their marketing plan is still years behind. They are still on that road of selling to your friends and family".In working with 5Linx, you will need to treat this opportunity with the utmost respect, as you are going "head to head" with the some of the "big boys" in the telecom world. Serious marketers will seek out and embrace technology, and will invest time and money in a professional, marketing training course to help them with their marketing skills. They understand the need to position themselves as knowledgeable leaders in this field, and are prepared to stockpile a massive list of names and dates for follow-ups as those contract expire.In Conclusion:The telecom industry is a world wide business, and a service that almost everyone will use. New horizons are opening up every day, and to partner with a company as progressive as 5Linx puts you in a very strong positionIf you are willing to spend the time on developing a very powerful skill set, 5Linx could be a very attractive opportunity.