What is it?

Zammy replied:

Oh sweetie!
This has obviously been bothering you for a while!
Recruiting isn't always easy. There are so many reasons people won't join a company and so few reasons they will!
This forum will be a particularly difficult place to find people to join your company lovey, as most of us are already consultants for another company whom we love, and for me at least, I think it would be impossible to put enough passion into 2 businesses to make either one work.
Stay passionate about your company and get your name out there as much as possible, attend as many trade fairs and expos as you can, as these will be the places you'll find new customers and hopefully some new consultants too.
Parties are THE best way to find future consultants, as these people are experiencing your product first hand and they can see how a business with you might benefit them too.
1 in 5 hostesses will join a party plan, why not yours?
Take heart Richard, you have a wonderful product and legitimate business opportunity, eventually you will find people to join you!
*big hugs*
Chin up lovely, it's difficult to hear you're feeling so down!

FM-Fragrances-Australia-World replied:

Hi Shannon,

Thank you for your kind wishes and thoughts! In general I was refering to general an not here per say!!! though a couple here and there:)

For example:

I have received a Package from Graham from Tri-Star, and it was an amazing package and would have cost him about $10.00 or more to send out, and it is the same with my Miessence Care packages, they can be $7.00 min and up, to get out, and that is not cheep when you consider how many get sent out.

This morning I have informed Graham that I wish to order a product, and what my initial thoughts are regarding his products, as if anybody is prepared to spend $10.00 or more on me, I fully believe you give support back either in the smallest or largest fashion, I am starting off with one product and will more than probably get more down the track, as the cleaning line fits in with what I believe about horrible Chemicals.

I guess I am coming from the point of view from the outside world or even here, when people go out of their way, to really inform you, supply you with samples and information so that you are 100% informed about your purchase, company and so on - Unless you hate whatever the product is, then dont order it..

However to be told, ooooh it's lovely, and yes you are so right etc,etc,etc, and then nothing is a bit of a let down.

I think I would rather be told I hate the bloody stuff so I will never ever expect an order or any further info from that person, than to be told I love it and be excited at the prospect that somethng may happen, and it does not.

I also understand from here per say that we all have our own ventures that we believe in and wish to make work, however we also have from here brand new people who DON"T have a company product yet or venture - and it just seems from what I see, it's a 8 inch plastic world, or the cheepest possible product that does the job regarless of what is in it, or the consquences.

As mentioned if I was not 100% confident in the product or what I believe in about people putting crap on their skin, and god knows why they do, (again I don't understand it) I would be selling attic ladders.

The only thing I can really think of about product purchase, is people in general (unless they have a reason) Do Not Care about what they use on themselves or in the house, and about the impact it has on their health or their childrens or other people living in the house, as long as it is the cheepest and more or less does the job, that is all In my opinion most care about, and if that truley is the thought pattern, I feel very sorry for those people, as their care factor about themselves must be at a permanent low.

Richard

Zammy replied:

I am with you on the topic of giving feedback when someone sends out samples and even just brochures. However, I've found that largely, if you want feedback, you need to follow up with people individually. For instance, after our recent release, I posted out approx 50 catalogues with info on the current promotions and to date I've received a response from 2 people and no orders. From past experience I wasn't really expecting much of a response, the fortune is in the follow up I have learnt and I have had to call the ladies who have already booked, to ensure the booking is holding, I will also need to call all the others to see if there's anything I can do for them now, be it an order or a booking or just to keep them on my mailing list.
I have found people are so busy with their lives, that responding to other peoples correspondence seems quite low on their list of priorities, not out of rudeness, but a simple complacency and a "I'll call her tomorrow" attitude.
I'm a firm believer in contacting anyone who's gone out of their way to show me their product and I will even act as an advocate for a product I believe in, whether I sell it myself or not (just ask Graham about that one), but people like us are in the minority honey.
As for why people use inferior products....I'm sure there are a number of reasons and justifications that could be given to you.
My own would probably boil down to "I simply can't afford it" and "I'm lazy". To be completely blunt with you. I'll certainly be investing in some of your products and some of Grahams as well, as I know that they'll be better for mine and my family's health, but in the mean time I'll have to use the more harmful chemicals as I already own them, they are cheaper in the short run (I know with the natural products they work out cheaper in the long run due to needing to use less etc) and to change a persons pattern takes a concerted effort and reasonably strong desire, which a lot of people will be lacking due to time constraints.
I hope that makes sense honey, I'm not defending the people who do these things, just trying to help you see how they may be thinking.
One reason people may choose the plastic world of party plan, is the people the know are likely to purchase those products.
I know if I tried to start an organic company, I would receive very little support from my friends and family, even showing them the brochures and samples I have received has generated very little interest. It really is quite a select group of people that will be genuinely be interested in your product darling and that really is a shame.
I might suggest having a chat with Graham, your businesses are similar and perhaps he has faced some of the same challenges that you are facing and may be willing to share some ways to overcome the hurdles!

ExMember148 replied:

Hey Richard, I haven't taken offense (well only slightly ).  But there are so many answers I (or others) could probably give you.  And probably not all that you want to hear.  You have a fantastic attitude and sooner or later it will pay off, just keep going - please!!

However, personally, I believe we are here for a good time, not a long time, so hang on and have a hell of a ride.  Saying that, I am often flat out buying a bottle of disinfectant or a bottle of shampoo from the shelves at Woolies, I am that busy in life.  So as far as actually researching what is in products etc, I (personally) don't have the time or energy at the moment to care.  I am happy to go to sleep at night and wake up in the mornings (well sometimes I am happy).

As far as selling, I could sell ice to eskimoes, yes that is true, but as Zammy said, none of my friends would give me the time of day if I was to start selling makeup/cleaning items or even jewellery  (hey Kath - Julie the Jewellery lover - NOT!! )  for that matter.  They would just laugh and think I was having a go at them!!  So its kind of - what floats your boat!!

Graham replied:

G'day Richard

I know how you feel. Things can sometimes really get you down..I found a little laminated poem in an op shop once.  Here's what it says

.

DON’T QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low, and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

.

.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out,

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

.

.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,

It’s when things seem worse,

that you must not quit.

© Russ Berrie and Company Inc.

.

.I have never been a great believer in motivational quotes. Most of them drive me nuts to be honest as they are all basically the same story told in a different way.However, I guess it is just what tickles your fancy because I DO like the one above and this one as well:

.

THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2" in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "Yes."

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to pour their entire contents into the jar - effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued "there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.

Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."

.

.

.So,next time you are feeling a bit down, read them again,and remember to enjoy the beers.

mangoscrapping replied:

Absolutley love that poem, I have just printed it off and going to frame it for my office

thanks

FM-Fragrances-Australia-World replied:

Hey Graham,

Fantastic Post!! of yours, you can't help but feel motivated after reading both of those poems.

Richard.

Graham replied:

Glad I could help. 

Like I said, most motivational stuff drives me nuts, but I like those two.

The only others I like are these two:

.

TATER PEOPLE

Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work. They are called "Speck Taters".

Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work. They are called "Comment Taters".

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don't want to soil their own hands. They are called "Dick Taters".

Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet. They are called "Agie Taters".

There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing the promised help. They are called "Hezzie Taters".

Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not. They are called "Emma Taters".

Then there are those who love others and do what they say they will.
They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand.
They bring real sunshine into the lives of others.
They are called "Sweetpo Taters".

             and

.

DON’T WALK

Don’t walk in front if me

I may not follow ------

Don’t walk behind me,

I may not lead---------

Just walk beside me,

And be my friend

© Russ Berrie and Company Inc