Quixtar Ada-tudes: A View from the Top : New Quixtar Leadership

New Quixtar Leadership

Friday, August 03, 2007 by Jim Payne
Category: Announcements, First Circle, Quixtar Strategy

Since the day I walked in the door of Quixtar two years ago, we've been all-hands-on-deck, working hard to build the best business we can for IBOs and the best products for consumers. I am proud of how far we've come in such a short time, and the development of our First Circle plan gives me a tremendous sense of optimism about the future of the Quixtar business.

While Quixtar has been a top priority for me, I also have responsibilities for Amway affiliates globally. The Quixtar business deserves a managing director that can give it 100 percent focus and attention. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that Steve Lieberman will join us August 20 as the new Vice President and Managing Director of Quixtar, reporting directly to me.

Steve is an accomplished consumer products executive with more than 25 years of global industry experience, much at S.C. Johnson & Son. He's a graduate of the State University of New York and received his MBA from the University of Chicago.

That adds up to a terrific background for a leader who will be asked to help us advance First Circle, improve our company's reputation, develop a stronger consumer focus, and infuse innovation in all we do.

I'm one of the biggest fans of the Quixtar team, Quixtar IBOs, and this incredible business. And I know Steve will be able to take our transformation to the next level, working with a stellar team and committed group of IBOs.

You won't hear from me as often in the Opportunity Zone, but you'll still hear from me!

Comments

Tex said: August 3, 2007 10:59 AM | #

Steve,

Welcome. Will you have a regular presence on this blog?

Editor's Note from Anna Bryce:

Hi Tex,

Steve takes on his new role on August 20. We'll share more after that about his presence in the Opportunity Zone.

David Edmondson said: August 3, 2007 5:33 PM | #

Jim:

I am sure with you and the Quixtar team behind him it will be another great step forward.

Thanks for your presence on here with us for the past few months. Your integrity ad honest approach really helps us, out here in th field.

Exciting Times!

David

rdknyvr said: August 3, 2007 10:06 PM | #

STEVE L’s IN-HOUSE FOCUS GROUP

Steve Lieberman’s appointment and history of success is very exciting, and suggests an idea. In addition to surveys and focus groups with IBOs and Customers across the country, why not constitute an “executive focus group” comprised of all the managers working at Alticor companies in Ada, London (Ontario), and Buena Park. Instead of sourcing products through the company discount store, go through the procedure of getting set up as online Customers to personally experience and understand the process, and go 100% personal use at home and in the office, except for perishable fresh foods and prescription drugs (if any). And as a ‘Customer’, actually pay full retail. Order “core line” products through a Personal Retail site set up for this purpose, and also get set up as a regular Customer to be able to order Store For More products and Partner Stores (but do not buy DoubleX via Ribbon Gift certificate – retail price only). Each month through the ‘transformation’ period, have IT collect an anonymous questionnaire from each focus group member on their favorite products, possible improvements, new product recommendations, value-for-price assessments, and fidelity of usage.

Along with Steve Lieberman, include Jim P, Tom Curran, George Calvert, Diane Bennett, Jim Hunking, Lydia Ayora, Rob Davidson, Ray Alexander, Todd Krause, Beth Dornan – all the OZ bloggers – and Doug and Steve. I’m suggesting this group because retail price would not be an issue at this senior managerial compensation level, and all of the questions on which Beth has requested feedback would be there for examination by those ultimately making decisions on them. And all ‘profits’ from this focus group’s purchases (retail margin and PV/BV bracket bonus) could be directed to Leyla Kayi’s projects. Combined with the outstanding consumer consumables leadership that Steve L is bringing, the feedback should be valuable to the team Beth referenced in this post: http://insidequixtar.opportunityzone.com/2007/07/17/Tell-me-what-you-think---What-are-our-most-retailable-products.aspx#comments

Has everyone suggested above done their Gensona DNA tests? Completed their Personalized Health Profile questionnaire? Subscribed to the monthly Customized Supplements packets – Complete Recommendation? Doing the “sip 2 eat 1” on a personal basis instead of other available snacks? Spouse/dependent young adults (as appropriate) fully on Artistry/ NAO/ Tolsom? 100% use of the SA-8/ LOC/ Personal Care products at home, in the car, at the cottage? Sourcing as much as possible through Partner Stores? Need to lose weight – using Trim Advantage plus BLI newsletter subscription for coaching?

Nothing in this proposal is meant in any way to be disrespectful, and I apologize if anyone perceives it that way – not at all intended to be. But it does follow a tradition in the “Good to Great” companies, and many others (Lee Iacocca comes to mind) of 100% use of your own products, in the context of experientially understanding First Circle Customer development.

Jonathan James Collier said: August 4, 2007 4:28 PM | #

Excited to hear that the team is growing. I know you guys are working really hard up there. Keep up the great work!!

Bridgett said: August 6, 2007 1:04 AM | #

Regarding rdknyvr's comment on August 3, 2007 10:06 PM, I SECOND this idea.

I was part of a health products focus group by the Corp. several months ago. And I was shocked and deflated when I saw the drinks that were available to us with the meal that was provided—Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Aquafina.

Couldn’t one or two of the thirty or so employees who were there thrown a few cases of XS Energy Drink, XS Sports Drinks, Zsenzo Teas, and/or eSpring waters in to their cars on their way over?

One employee decided to bring in her own vitamin water. An IBO grabbed an XS Sports Drink out of his bag, and set it in front of her on her table. She said, “No thank you. It doesn’t have enough B vitamins in it.” To which the IBO replied, “There’s your market research. You don’t need us to tell you what to fix and what we need. You already know.”

I was talking to another employee at this focus group about how fantastic Rhodiola is. And she’d never tried it. This product has been available for two years, on back order several times, and she’d never tried it.

If she had tried it, and fallen in love with it like everyone else, she would understand the IBOs’ deep frustration of the ridiculous back order issues we have with a number of products.

It is SHOCKING to me that the employees, particularly upper management, are not 100% personal use with our coreline products. For us IBOs who are not full-time in this biz, we make the bulk of our money in other ways. But the employees? Their entire livelihood is based on the movement of products from this Corp.

You’d think they’d have some loyalty, wouldn’t you?

I beg you to take rdknyvr's suggestion. You will see, first hand, by EXPERIENCE (which is by far the best teacher), what works and what doesn’t work regarding our products—in terms of need, quality, and value.

You won’t have to wait YEARS for growth to come to a standstill.

You’ll be able to tell within ONE MONTH if something is a horrible product—like the deodorant stick, right Jeffrey :-) or overpriced (too many products to list).

You'll see what products need just a little tweaking.

You’ll see what products you’d like to have, but are not available to you (if you go 100% personal use). So you will see what needs we are not filling that we could be.

You'll be able to see the errors in the system of ordering and receiving product. You'll be able to experience the lousy customer service and their lack of knowledge of very basic facts.

Be a customer, and 99.9% of your answers regarding what is wrong will be answered. Really. I promise. :-)

Great suggestion rdknyvr.

ibofightback said: August 6, 2007 11:26 AM | #

Great posts both Bridgett and rdknyvr. Nothing like getting executives "at the front counter" so to speak - either as IBOs or as Customers.

Daid Edmondson said: August 6, 2007 1:17 PM | #

I resound the above! If you are asking us to do it and you aren't ,the integrity is compromised.

I do know everyone have their favorite things they use. However, this is a business not a hobby. I take it very sriously. I have changed every product i could for the ones my buisness offers. Plus they are are better.

rocket said: August 6, 2007 1:40 PM | #

Now THAT is a great suggestion from the front lines.

IBO's are right to challenge management to order and use the products in order to get a true and accurate understanding of the business.

Then and ONLY then will Amway management get an appreciation of why so many aspects of the business are not conducive to the everyday Joe and Mary six pack.

When back orders and slow shipping affect the people who run the company, and the cost is understood and appreciated as an objection, management will understand thoroughly, and thus be in a better position to address the problems.

Until management is affected by the obvious problems, then you can't expect to have a firm comprehension of what the problems are.

I'm not in sales, but I wouldn't buy a Chevy from a Chevy salesman who drives a Honda.

Acknowledged, it's pretty tough to be able to enforce that with employees, but if they are truly committed to making it a better opportunity for the IBO, then why would you say no?

The corporation has been allowing the business "leaders" to preach about product loyalty to IBO's for a number of years. If that isn't an acceptable business practice then the corp. should stop the "leaders" from asking the IBO's to do what the Corp. won't ask its employees to do.

I know people are going to say stuff like "that's the difference between business owners and employees" etc.. BUT the basic premise for the employee of Amway and IBO's in Amway is the same...to move products. One is to actually move the stuff (IBO) and the other is to make ideal conditions to do so (Amway employee). Unless they both have a full understanding of the other's role, it's not going to be a well oiled machine. There won't be the team cohesiveness either.

It's pretty much a no-brainer.

Jeffrey said: August 6, 2007 4:38 PM | #

I say a resounding "Amen!" to all the above posts.

I definitely think it should be a requirement for everyone from senior management to the newest A/Q employee to use the Body Series (BS) Anti-perspirant stick for three months. You can bet that at the end of two months, we would have a GOOD replacement product. The landfills around Grand Rapids would be full of half-empty containers with broken off deodorant sticks and everybody would stink so bad they would have to call in sick to work.

OK, so I might be exaggerating a little tiny bit, but ARE YOU LISTENING TO US IN THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT? Get rid of that horrible product and give us something we can use and sell that actually works.

And, by the way, welcome to the Lion's Den, Steve.

rdknyvr said: August 6, 2007 5:29 PM | #

Jeffrey,

The one to try is SKU 100277 -- Clear Solid deodorant. Does not break or crumble like the other one (100276 -- Invisible Solid) does, and it actually is more effective. No aluminum compounds... says there is a fragrance but it seems quite odor-neutral to me.

Tex said: August 6, 2007 11:22 PM | #

Jeffrey,

I got one of the first anti-perspirant sticks when they first came out and broke off, and the corp replaced it, as they did for all IBO's who got the early version that had this problem. However, I have used many sticks since and have not had this problem repeat a single time.

I'm not against the employees using the products (although I also don't think this should be mandatory), but let's be honest on our criticism.

Josh said: August 7, 2007 1:18 AM | #

Wow,

Talk about a thought that truly brings all IBOs together! Great stuff everyone!

It is very discouraging to hear in some of the blogs, the authors, endorsements of outside products and services.

I do not think new employees should be bound by this, but all those employees who make decisions on the direction of this company should be using the products. And those who post on here, should be posting about our products, good and bad!

Keep rolling with this until we hear from Steve or Beth or Kia, or God forbid Jim make a comment! :)

Matthew said: August 7, 2007 2:13 AM | #

Is it possible for something to be THIRDED? I second all those "seconds"....the focus group experience of Bridgett is astounding, disheartening, and, I hope, a turning point in the corporation's honest look in the mirror as to what role they have played and can play in turning this ship around or sinking it to the bottom of the ocean.

I applaud the corporation for opening up this dialogue, and opening itself up to all that entails--the good insights, the bad blood, and varying forms of ugliness.

The key now is: What will the corporation do in response to the outstanding ideas that have emerged? Rdknyvr's comments are so on-target, and so vital to the future success of this business, that I nominate him for an "XS For Life" compensation package. I am not being glib here----this stuff is priceless, are the fine folks in Ada aware of that? Time will tell.

Jeffrey said: August 7, 2007 10:25 AM | #

I don't really mean they should make using products by employees mandatory. I just meant that the product I mentioned has been horrible for me. I think if the people in R&D that developed it really used it, they would see first hand that it still is a lousy product. I've bought and sent back four and decided that was enough. Yes, I have bought the other deodorant, but sometimes I need wetness protection. When I need that, I use the roll-on, even though I don't like roll-ons very much. I will say this about the roll-on: that product really works great. I never, ever have a problem with odor or wetness when I use it. The problem is that many people don't like roll-ons, so they will never even try it. Not only do we need an effective, top-quality anti-perspirant/deodorant stick, we need a gel, an aerosol spray, and a "sport stick" anti-perspirant/deodorant stick that is "industrial strength." If we are going to compete, we have to have choices--after all, that's what our main product catalog is called. And those products shouldn't cost twice what they cost at the store. A little bit of a premium to show they are better, but not twice the cost.

Maybe if IBOs were 100% loyal until it hurts, like me, the company wouldn't have so many slow moving products that they feel they have to drop.

Also, if the company made a sample size for every single core line product, we could actually move more of this stuff. The local K-Mart in Urbandale has several baskets of sample size (1 and 2 oz. containers) of everything from hand lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, etc. Where is the 2 oz. size of Body Series Refreshing Body Wash? Has anyone tried to sell this product to a customer lately? If so, please tell me how. How do we get the entire line of Satinique shampoo into someone's home? A 1 oz. bottle of LOC? Don't have it. How about hotel size Bar Soaps? They're in the Grand Plaza for the regular 4-in-1 bar. How about one for the G&H so I can give out samples? 1 oz. Dish Drops? Ain't got none. Probably because almost nobody would buy it and use it.

Here's a thought: if the company wants to re-introduce the Amway name and have it carry some class, open product stores like the one I saw at the Alticor headquarters during the corporate tour. I don't mean warehouses. I mean classy stores where IBOs and Registered customers can go into the store and place and pick up orders, see DVDs, and even try samples. Have rooms that IBOs at all levels can rent for product demo meetings, skin care and cosmetic makeovers, etc.: anything to do with promoting or moving products.

I could go on, but I have to go out and move some more PV.

Steve Y said: August 7, 2007 6:10 PM | #

I agree with most of the comments left so far about improving some of the product lines and the thought-process about how to do that.

I would also like to throw in my two cents from the business development side of the house, and reference a great article from Forrester Research that outlines a lot of what we face today in the Web 2.0 world...

Here's the link: http://www.forrester.com/Research/Document/0,7211,43163,00.html#

It may require you to register as a guest, but the article is free, and has some great thought-process as to what we're up against in the coming years. There's no denying that it's a user-generated, ground-up, outside-in world out there, and I applaud Quixtar for asking some good questions to help move that way. But we'll also have to see some things from the perspective of our customers, and this article really lays that out well.

Jim & Co, please take a look at it - it's a quick read, but packs a punch.

Thanks

Steve

rdknyvr said: August 7, 2007 8:21 PM | #

STEVE L -- BACKGROUND CHECK

Steve Lieberman could really turn out to be just what the doctor ordered for the Quixtar Transformation. A cursory google search on his background and companies where he has worked, based on Jim P's post above, plus the more complete letter from Jim P at IBOFB's site suggests a track record and range of experience that shows an amazing congruence with our Quixtar product portfolios. Here are a couple of starter links if anyone is interested... http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2001_April/ai_72297193 http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2007/snapshots/7.html http://www.scjohnson.com/ http://www.enzy.com/go/EnzymaticTherapy/Home.aspx?alias=EnzymaticTherapy&tabalias=Home

The above don't "prove" anything except the kinds of companies and the corporate visions Steve has been associated with, and perhaps has helped to build.

There is a quite humorous story that starts the Introduction to the book "Treasure Hunt" by Michael Silverstein... from the product description it could well have been an SC Johnson executive out doing the face to face customer research... if that is in fact Steve L's style, the above suggested 'executive focus group' may not be out of the question!!! :)

One other thing... lets not take ourselves too seriously here on these blogs... none of us are 'lions' (I know that reference above was meant good-naturedly) and those of us who choose to contribute here (were that there were more contributing!!!) are doing so courtesy of our good and gracious colleagues at Quixtar.

Tex said: August 8, 2007 9:16 AM | #

Josh,

You gave the distinctive impression in earlier posts that employee product use should be mandatory.

You also ignored my post regarding not having a single problem with the deoderant after the initial one, that was replaced free of charge without being requested by me.

Do you think they don't track reported problems and adjust the manufacturing processes to correct issues?

Since when does increased pricing prove the products are better?

I don't believe in the 100% loyal mantra, and I hope more IBO's catch on, despite upline teaching 100% loyalty is the correct approach. If I don't get value for the product, I don't buy it, and other IBO's shouldn't, either. The 100% loyalty is also transferred to the system tools, and puts many IBO's in a bad financial position.

The corp probably doesn't have the volume to provide all the variety of products you are advocating AND have low prices. Prices can be lowered with bigger manufacturing volumes, so it makes sense to provide a lower variety until the volume increases more.

With the guarantee, I don't think we need sample sizes, and stores would create more overhead that would make it more difficult to bring prices down, in my opinion.

rdknyvr said: August 8, 2007 9:58 AM | #

Steve Y, excellent article link... many thanks!!!

Josh said: August 8, 2007 1:36 PM | #

Tex,

I am not sure if your post was really directed toward me or perhaps Jeffrey. Either way I will do my best to answer.

The impression I want to leave is two fold.

1) Employees and Management who make decisions regarding the direction of the this company should be using the products everyday. Whether that is mandatory or a very strong urge will do fine. Even offer the products at a discount to the employees, have these employees have discussion groups about the products.etc etc.

2) These same people should also be required to attempt to build the business for a set period of time. Get some real field experience.

I can only hope they correct the manufacturing process to correct issues.

Pricing doesn't prove anything, the research and development does. That is what is behind many of our products.

I follow your logic on 100% loyalty in the products. If it sucks I don't use it or promote it. Many times it is something I don't use or would have considered using. Same applies to BSMs.

Upon reading the end of your post, I am fairly confident you are addressing Jeffrey and not me. So I will end it here.

rdknyvr said: August 8, 2007 2:26 PM | #

Mentioned Steve Lieberman under Susan's Sales Speak, "What's in a name" posting.

rdknyvr said: August 8, 2007 8:55 PM | #

IBOAI/ALTICOR SPECIAL MEETING UPDATE

In case anybody is watching the IBOAI site, the message below was posted earlier today (Wed.) sometime. Not sure what it all means, but perhaps the Corp will be forthcoming with more information soon??? IBOFB, you usually have 'sources' on these things... anything more you can post at your site? http://www.iboai.com/MediaCenter-QuixtarAmway.asp

"A Special Meeting of the IBOAI Board of Directors was held on August 6 and 7, 2007 in order to discuss its serious concerns about elements of the proposed Global Business Transformation that would include the use of the Amway brand worldwide, including North America. The Board has a great deal of ability to influence the Company and make recommendations, but does not have the right to veto a Company decision. The Company has consistently assured us that the transformation includes a profound, positive change in the way business is conducted and a major financial investment that will benefit IBOs, and that the Board of Directors will help the Company define the nature of that change. In our Special Meeting, we believe we achieved consensus with the Company that the proposed changes need to be introduced very gradually, over the next 18-24 months, and in a manner which truly protects IBO interests. We will continue to do all we can going forward to influence the Company’s decisions on this and other subjects."

Jeffrey said: August 8, 2007 10:24 PM | #

I'm not going to argue with Tex anymore. If someone says something is red, he says it's white. It's tiring. I'm done for awhile. I just know that the transformation of this company is going to take a lot longer than 2 years. I still don't think anybody in Ada is listening. Bye.

Jeffrey said: August 9, 2007 3:42 PM | #

OK, I now need to apologize (again). I should not post when I'm mad, so I won't. But I do want to clarify a couple things:

The company is aware of the tool scam and tool profits. If they choose to do nothing, it will bring down the business. Ranting and raving about it on every single post is not going to stop it or change it. I have worked for enough large corporations to know 2 things: Nothing happens fast unless it brings in massive amounts of dollars immediately, and most all decisions that executives make defy logic. (Kind of like politicians.)

Another clarification: The Lion's Den statement was made in jest. This is definitely not the Lions vs. the Christians. This is give-and-take company employees to IBOs and vice versa. There's something else we should already know: IBOs don't think like employees and employees don't think like IBOs. That will never change no matter how hard we try to do it unless we all actually trade places for a year or two. I do know this much: If I was ever going to go back to work a regular job and not do the business, A/Q is the company I would want to work for.

This is the last time I will bring this up, I promise. but it needs to be clarified. Most people will not have to build the business under the circumstances that I have to build it under. Everyone knows that I have been fighting the state of Iowa for 2 solid years trying to get custody of my grandchildren. It has almost bankrupted us, financially, physically, and emotionally. My 4 year old granddaughter is gone and I think she is dead. Nobody knows or nobody is saying. My other granddaughter has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We have to continue to fight for visits. We had to again fight to get our grandson for a week this summer, even though that was in the original agreement. Not very many people know what it's like to fight with the government. It's almost worse than the old Russian KGB. My family was literally destroyed by the ineptness and incompetence of the employees of the state of Iowa. Then, when I come on here and the worst problem someone has (who is not and probably never will build the business) who is all hacked off because his upline Diamond makes a few bucks on a couple hundred CDs every week, it makes me disgusted. If it bothers him that much, he needs to either quit the business and forget about it completely, or turn the company into the FTC.

I continue doing this business because I have nothing else to hang onto. If I quit, then what? No hope. Ever. Yes, I get frustrated with the business and the company. But then I look at it this way: I could be a GM dealer and have ten million dollars invested and be mad at the company for all the blunders they have done. Or I can have my little mad, then go out and sell some products or show the plan to someone, and my only overhead is my computer in the corner of my living room. And they say no. So what?

Going Platinum is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I'm not doing it for me. I'm doing it so someday, maybe, my family can be complete again. If that is all I ever get from this business in my entire life, it will be worth it all.

Thank you all for listening. And a special thank you to Beth and Robin. I really do appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Tex said: August 10, 2007 2:28 AM | #

Jeffrey,

I don't argue with anybody, I give my opinion, others give theirs, and the rest of the readers can use the information to help determine where they stand.

It's not that people don't care about your personal life, it's that it isn't our business, we can't do anything about it, and this is a Amway/Quixtar blog. I have personal issues as well, but I don't constantly drag them into the blog discussion.

If you think the upline "makes a few bucks on a couple hundred CDs every week", you don't have a clue how much more money they make on tools versus the A/Q business, or the implications on the honesty, ethics, integrity, or morality of the business.

No hope without the Amway business? There are many more opportunities than this one and a GM dealership, don't let yourself be "brainwashed" into thinking this is your only hope.

rocket said: August 10, 2007 1:43 PM | #

To whoever edits and sensors this blog, you can either publish this here and respond, or delete it, and I'll post it on my own blog. Either way, this is a serious point that needs to be made.

Do you see this Quixtar? This man Jeffrey has pinned his financial future on this organization. Do you see his circumstances?

Do you think he has a reasonable expectation of achieving what he's trying to achieve?

Aside from the price of products and the problems with your leaders, do you really think what he's trying to do is realistic?

He's planning on this being his life's Saviour. Where he got this idea I have no clue, but I would suspect it comes from your "leadership".

You folks need to do the right thing and either make it achievable or else be honest and clear about what his chances are.

Jeffrey, no disrespect, but I sure hope you have a plan b. I say that out of genuine and honest concern. You have a terrible set of circumstances to deal with. PLEASE don't let this be your only way.

I would hope that those involved in this ethical organization would have the common decency to email you and explain what is and what is not realistic. Or else make it possible.

Because right now it's not, and everybody knows it except Jeffrey.

Don't you people dare let this go on. This is one of the reasons your business is in the state it's in.

Don't let this charade continue. Give Jeffrey honesty, not corporate spin.

Or else genuinely help him by making it possible.

Jeffrey, all the best. I hope you do well, and I will be thinking of you.

rdknyvr said: August 10, 2007 3:24 PM | #

Rocket, give it a rest. Jeffrey will succeed regardless of 'Job's comforters' like you.

rocket said: August 10, 2007 6:10 PM | #

OK, so you show compassion to someone who is better than 95% flogging a dead horse, based on the companies' own statistics, and the job mentality insults begin.

That is classy. I'm surprised the job insults made it through the company filter...

Sorry for caring.

Editor's Note from Anna Bryce:

I believe he was referring to Job from the Bible, not a job mentality.

Josh said: August 10, 2007 11:59 PM | #

Rocket,

A couple quick insights. It sounds like Jeffrey already has a plan A, namely his current job. Quixtar seems to be his plan B.

Your statistics on percentages are flawed with regard to those in this business. You cannot take the percentage of people that achieve a certain level as a measure of failure.

This business and corporation is the closest you find to ethical and moral. If you don't believe me look at corporate America. Find the standards they abide by.

Jeffrey is a sharp guy and if anyone can get this done it is he. What a great story it will be for both his team and for this company. I personally cannot wait for that!

Nowhere in his post did I hear he was going all out, quitting his job, and focusing solely on this. He does seem he has drawn a line in the sand and is moving forward. Instead of victim's mentality, he has a forward thinking mentality.

This business is not a simple spin of the roulette wheel at a casino. Quixtar doesn't send some people a Platinumship and others nothing. Everyone starts at zero. As long as there are new Platinums, Emeralds, and Diamonds every year, it proves that it works for those that work it!!

rdknyvr said: August 11, 2007 1:47 AM | #

Rocket, I wasn't meaning to insult you, I just disagree with your perspective... I think Josh nailed it pretty well... as did Anna B.

Respectfully,

rocket said: August 11, 2007 12:26 PM | #

OK, here's the definition for those not in the know (as I previously was)

A “Job's comforter” is someone who apparently offers consolation to another person but actually makes the other person feel worse.

I see, just like certain IBO's who say that someone not interested in Quixtar/Amway isn't as sharp as they thought they were, or just don't get it, or can have fun with their job for the next 60 years.

Obviously, Jeffrey is going to have a hard time selling the products as many feel they are too expensive.

Furthermore, it is very well known that to succeed in this endeavor, you must put in hundreds of hours every month of your time. Based on what I've read from Jeffrey, he likely needs to be very selective about here he spends his time. Everyone who achieves the "freedom" level makes a great deal of that from the books and tapes, not from the movement of products. I know it's being addressed, but for now, that is the perception of the general public.

No amount of desire to succeed by Jeffrey can change that, which is precisely my point. The opportunity is simply not ripe for success at this time, and to encourage a massive investment of time with no guarantees of tangible results is irresponsible and extremely self serving for Quixtar/Amway. Jeffrey would likely make more money and have greater results securing another part time job, then at least a positive cash infusion could be counted on.

As far as this being great for Jeffrey's diamond story, there are THOUSANDS of people who had terrible circumstances that were also convinced that this was the answer. They suffered damage to their credit, ego, and family life. Many have declared bankruptcy and have a decidedly worse life that BEFORE the opportunity.

The corporation knows it, and anyone not blinded by the smoke and mirrors knows it as well.

No disrespect, but that is my point, and it is made with honest concern for Jeffrey and his situation. Again, I hope it goes well for you Jeffrey, and this is NOT in any way meant to disrespect your abilities or intentions. From what I've read you are obviously a survivor, and good human being going through horrific circumstances.

You deserve a more definitive reward for your time, and I'm not so sure Amway or Quixtar is it.

I have been following this business for over 10 years, after being involved in the True North organization in Canada in the mid 90's. I would say I understand this business better than a 1 year IBO, and I just think this is a bad thing for Jeffrey.

A part time job can guarantee you $$ for your valuable time.

Quixtar/Amway cannot.

rdknyvr said: August 11, 2007 3:03 PM | #

Rocket, thanks, I respect your right to your point of view, especially if True North is where you got your experience... I just disagree with you overall, but thanks for sharing.

With appreciation,

Jeffrey said: August 11, 2007 6:27 PM | #

I am in no way minimizing other people's problems. There are scores of people that have problems as bad or worse than mine. I remember a long time ago when Crown IBO Dennis Beecher told a story of when he was a mortician. A family had gone to Disneyland: the mom and four or five kids, but the dad stayed home that day. There was an accident on the interstate and the entire family was killed. Can you imagine even for a second what it would be like to lose your spouse and all your children all at once? Does it get much worse than that? Dennis said that's when he started looking for something else, and a couple weeks later, a neighbor contacted his wife, Kay, and showed them the business. The rest is history. On another front, this week, another soldier from Iowa was killed in the senseless, illegal Iraq war. That makes 57 from Iowa alone. He was someone's brother, son, nephew, grandson, cousin, and friend. It makes me very sad.

I do have a part-time job. I throw 130 newspapers everyday, 7 days a week in the middle of the night, whether it's freezing cold, hot and humid, rain, snow, sleet, whatever. I've done the route when snow was three feet deep, it was 10 below, and the snow was blowing sideways. I've done the route when there was a power failure and the only lights was my headlights. I make $600 a month and $300 goes for gas. Paying a substitute so I could go to Connections cost me $120.00.

I just got my bonus from A/Q. $240 for 2 hours work I did over 10 years ago. Let me think for a moment: should I throw more papers or should I pursue Quixtar? Ummm, I think I'll do Quixtar. Then when it becomes Amway again, I'll still do it. Yeah, I get frustrated, like I have already said. I rant and rave. Then I stop and think. Yes, think. This is a pretty good deal.

Products priced too high? Yeah some of them. A bottle of Antioxidant Complex is $62 wholesale, $87.50 retail. Bummer. But a colonoscopy is $2300.00. Take your choice. At least I can take my Anti-Oxidant Complex and keep my pants on.

Tex said: August 12, 2007 1:06 AM | #

Steve,

Looks like you will have plenty to do when you come onboard, the TEAM development is encouraging, but there will probably be some short term pain and much more needs to be done. Buckle up and hang on, it is going to be an exciting ride.

Robert said: August 15, 2007 10:11 PM | #

I would like to know what this new appointment has in common with the resignation and subsequent termination of all of the IBO leaders on the IBOAI Legal & Ethics comittee. Coincedence? I think no.

Editor's Note: Not a thing. It was announced before Team's leaders made the decision to not change their business, file a lawsuit, and announce a competing company. -- RL

Tex said: August 21, 2007 11:39 AM | #

Welcome aboard, Steve.

How was your first day of work?

Tex said: August 28, 2007 3:37 PM | #

Steve?

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