Now Appearing in an Extended Engagement! Join David Robison as he takes you into his world and his daily life of reviving a stand-up comedy career. Prepare for side trips exploring the "art" of salesmanship and business ethics and his experience with Multi-level Marketing. Enjoy some frequent detours describing his observations on life. Read the exploits of this self-proclaimed Renaissance-man and blooming blogger as you go
On The Road With Dave.
This week is shaping up to be a stress-filled, hectic, non-stop, on-the-go, only-stop-for-sleep sort of week.
So, if I'm inconsistent in blog posts,please forgive me. I should have a full explanation of the week's happenings as they wind down. Feel free to keep on paying me a daily visit,(Lord, knows I thrive on those daily hits from you guys)but don't get too bent out of shape, if I miss a day or two this week.
Until then, I'll be doing my best imitation of a duck in the water. Calm on the surface and paddling like hell underneath. ;D
...a cheap, thoughtless, perfunctory gift that nobody ever asks for. Unreturnable, because all you get back is another box of chocolates. You're stuck with this undefinable whipped-mint crap that you mindlessly wolf down when there's nothing else left to eat. Sure, once in a while, there's a peanut butter cup, or an English toffee. But they're gone too fast, and the taste is fleeting. So you end up with broken bits, filled with hardened jelly and teeth-shattering nuts, and if you're desperate enough to eat those, all you've got left is a...is an empty box...filled with useless, brown paper wrappers."
Rallies, conventions, and seminars are touted as the lifeblood of the MLM Industry. These functions are designed to capture the hearts and minds of the representatives; to inspire them to go out and sponsor, to sell, and to bring in that almighty dollar.
But, I see a new "rally effort" on the rise; A rally of support and generosity.
My good friend Tom Taite with Pharmanex sent me the following article about the Vitamin Angel Alliance:
"We now have authorization from The Department of Homeland Security to ship to all states the region," said Howard B. Schiffer, Vitamin Angel Alliance President, "We've had supplements shipped to the FEMA Specialty Needs Centers in Louisiana and have now opened up distribution points in Jackson, Mississippi; Slidell Louisiana; Houston, Texas; Pearl, Mississippi; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana." Vitamins Angels has also initiated contacts to help set up shipments for the emergency personnel and relief workers who are helping deal with the aftermath from Katrina.
"The response for the natural products industry has been outstanding" reported Schiffer, "It's important to remember that this is going to be a long-term relief effort. We're going to need about 20 million supplements to get these people through the next 6 months."
To date pledges and donations have been received from Arizona Nutritional Supplements; Earth Power Inc.; Florida Distributors, General Nutrition Centers, GNLD International; Healthy Horizons and Diamond Herpanacine Associates, Hero Nutritional Products; Highland Laboratories; Mason Vitamins; Nordic Naturals; NOW Foods; Nutri-Force Nutrition; Nutrilite; Pharmachem Laboratories; Pharmanex; PL Development; Pro Health; Rainbow Light Nutritonal Systems; Swiss Medica; Tishcon; Twinlab and Vitatech International.
While only two MLM companies are on the list; it is a start that is worthwhile and important to an industry trying to thrive in an age of criticism of "all things MLM".
Even as we continue support for Hurricane Katrina victims, we are preparing support for Hurricane Rita relief.
We plan to ship 1,300 cases of eSpring water to those impacted by Hurricane Rita. This will offer a first wave response once the hurricane passes. We will also begin assembly of 25,000 hygiene kits and 11,000 cleaning kits, all containing our coreline products. This is in addition to the 20,000 hygiene kits currently making their way to those who have still not found permanent housing, both in the Gulf region and in West Michigan. During the employee Tent Sale, nearly seven pallets of food were collected for hurricane victims, and will be delivered this week.
Donations continue to come in through Quixtar.com. To date, IBOs and employees have donated nearly $170,000, which will be matched for a total donation approaching $340,000 to the American Red Cross. Our combined corporate efforts now total approximately $1.8 million.
Our relief efforts are making a real difference. Especially for a heart patient in Gulfport who had been trying to get his medication for a week. With time running out, his care provider contacted International Aid, who found the medicine in Grand Rapids and transported it to Gulfport on one of our corporate planes. The medicine most likely saved the man’s life.
Dr. Miles Fish, the President of International Aid, recently sent us a statement about ongoing Katrina relief efforts: "Even a casual observer of the disaster area will quickly conclude that no one agency, business, or branch of government, will be able to provide a sufficient response. However, miracles can happen through partnership. Alticor has demonstrated this spirit of partnership continuously since the day Katrina made landfall. Their donations of finances, essential products, manpower, and aircraft have enabled International Aid to ease the suffering of thousands of victims since the first day after the storm. International Aid is proud to count Alticor as a partner because together we are making a difference."
I would like to advocate that all MLM companies and their representatives adopt a new type of rally. Rally your efforts to help your fellow man in time of trouble.
There's no need to attend a large motivational rally or seminar in a convention center, auditorium, or sports arena to become inspired to build your business. That inspiration should come from helping those people that now call the civic center or sports arena their temporary home.
MLMers talk a lot about being rich. Occasionally, they talk about what it was like being poor BEFORE they got rich. I think for the most part, however, that most MLMers are middle-class looking just to improve their finances. In most cases, MLMers are taught not to even recruit poor people, cause poor people can't afford MLM products and poor people can't or won't run a business.
That sounds to me like MLMers are predudice against poor people.
In recent weeks, we have been exposed to the plight of poor people living in the South due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. And although we all feel sorry for these poor people and have donated money to help them: I think some of us secretly feel relieved that we are not them. Not relieved, that we were not affected by the hurricane, but relieved we are NOT THAT POOR!
Mr. Scalzi writes about what it is like being poor. Honestly, I have to say that several of the examples cited have been part of MY life at one time or another; and they may have, or currently still are a part of your life.
But, imagine all of the examples used as if they all fit your current lifestyle, and then imagine what people would think of you. Here's what it is like BEING POOR.
Being poor is knowing exactly how much everything costs.
Being poor is getting angry at your kids for asking for all the crap they see on TV.
Being poor is having to keep buying $800 cars because they're what you can afford, and then having the cars break down on you, because there's not an $800 car in America that's worth a damn.
Being poor is hoping the toothache goes away.
Being poor is knowing your kid goes to friends' houses but never has friends over to yours.
Being poor is going to the restroom before you get in the school lunch line so your friends will be ahead of you and won't hear you say "I get free lunch" when you get to the cashier.
Being poor is living next to the freeway.
Being poor is wondering whether your well-off sibling is lying when he says he doesn't mind when you ask for help.
Being poor is off-brand toys.
Being poor is a heater in only one room of the house.
Being poor is hoping your kids don't have a growth spurt.
Being poor is stealing meat from the store, frying it up before your mom gets home and then telling her she doesn't have to make dinner tonight because you're not hungry anyway.
Being poor is not enough space for everyone who lives with you.
Being poor is feeling the glued soles tear off your supermarket shoes when you run around the playground.
Being poor is your kid's school being the one with the 15-year-old textbooks and no air conditioning.
Being poor is thinking $8 an hour is a really good deal.
Being poor is relying on people who don't give a damn about you.
Being poor is finding the letter your mom wrote to your dad begging him for the child support.
Being poor is a bathtub you have to empty into the toilet.
Being poor is stopping the car to take a lamp from a stranger's trash.
Being poor is making lunch for your kid when a cockroach skitters over the bread, and you looking over to see whether your kid saw.
Being poor is believing a GED actually makes a difference.
Being poor is people angry at you just for walking around in the mall.
Being poor is not taking the job because you can't find someone you trust to watch your kids.
Being poor is the police busting into the apartment right next to yours.
Being poor is not talking to that girl because she'll probably just laugh at your clothes.
Being poor is hoping you'll be invited for dinner.
Being poor is a sidewalk with lots of brown glass on it.
Being poor is people thinking they know something about you by the way you talk.
Being poor is needing that 35-cent raise.
Being poor is your kid's teacher assuming you don't have any books in your home.
Being poor is $6 short on the utility bill and no way to close the gap.
Being poor is crying when you drop the mac and cheese on the floor.
Being poor is knowing you work as hard as anyone, anywhere.
Being poor is people surprised to discover you're not actually stupid.
Being poor is people surprised to discover you're not actually lazy.
Being poor is never buying anything someone else hasn't bought first.
Being poor is picking the 10-cent ramen noodles instead of the 12-cent ramen noodles because that's two extra packages for every dollar.
Being poor is getting tired of people wanting you to be grateful.
Being poor is knowing you're being judged.
Being poor is a box of crayons and a $1 coloring book from a community center Santa.
Being poor is checking the coin return slot of every soda machine you go by.
Being poor is deciding that it's all right to base a relationship on shelter.
Being poor is hoping the register lady will spot you the dime.
Being poor is feeling helpless when your children make the same mistakes you did and won't listen to you beg them against doing so.
Being poor is a cough that doesn't go away.
Being poor is making sure you don't spill on the couch, just in case you have to give it back before the lease is up.
Being poor is a $200 paycheck advance from a company that takes $250 when the paycheck comes in.
Being poor is four years of night classes for an associate of arts degree.
Being poor is a lumpy futon bed.
Being poor is knowing where the shelter is.
Being poor is people who have never been poor wondering why you choose to be so.
Being poor is knowing how hard it is to stop being poor.
Being poor is seeing how few options you have.
Being poor is running in place.
Being poor is people wondering why you didn't leave.
In advance of my new blog design being finalized, I have reserved the name Ventures Entertainment Dot Com as a spot for future comedy bookings.
I used to operate a video production company many years ago called Video Ventures.
I believe the dot com version of that name now points to a porno site; or did at one time; I haven't checked recently.
The site for this new named "venture" won't be available for some time, but a mini blog will be included in the new On The Road With Dave design and will eventually point interested clients in that direction.
Monday, an employee at my wife's employment quit. So, she volunteered me to work temporarily for the week. Which was okay by me, because the extra money won't be bad.
So, I became a driver delivering medical equipment to home-bound patients. Hospital Beds, wheel chairs, oxygen equipment, and medications are the products I deliver.
I've lived in Mobile two years now, but this week I got to see places I haven't seen before, and drive on streets I never had an inkling existed. But the people are nice and I enjoyed the work and the chance to drive around and listen to the radio.
That doesn't mean I didn't work my rear-end off. If you think medical equipment is light and easy to carry and set up, then you are mistaken. Believe me, I worked up "a sweat", and got my hands dirty.
I'm not sure how long the temporary position will last, but this is a family operated business that works pretty informally; so as long as someone is covering the work, they aren't quick to make a change or search for someone new to hire.
In the meantime, I'm learning about the Durable Medical Equipment field, and you never know when that might come in handy.
Somedays you read something or see something that makes you exclaimed, "Woah, hang on a minute" or "Hey, is that for real?"
I had one of those moments today.
Okay first, if you have a blog, you need to get Sitemeter. It's free, and it let's you know what kind of people are visiting your blog, how many visits they make, and certain pages that they read.
For MLM bloggers, and especially Anti-Quixtar Bloggers, it can be a "woah" moment, when they see that Alticor, (Quixtar's Legal Parent Corporation) has paid them a visit.
It starts the conspiracy theorists wringing their hands that maybe, just maybe, they are doing something that is being noticed, even worried about by the "high muckety-mucks" among the Quixtar echelon.
Maybe, they are right. Maybe when somebody in power reads your blog it means that you have struck a nerve, pissed someone off, or even garnered the attention of someone that has harm in mind for you and your blogging cause.
SO, WHAT THE HELL AM I TO THINK ABOUT THE PENTAGON VISITING MY LITTLE BLOG?
From today's visits:
Domain Name (Unknown) IP Address 141.116.130.# (Army Information Systems Command-Pentagon) ISP Army Information Systems Command-Pentagon Location Continent : North America Country : United States (Facts) State : District of Columbia City : Washington Lat/Long : 38.8933, -77.0146
Language unknown Operating System Microsoft WinXP Browser Firefox Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.7.10) Gecko/20050716 Firefox/1.0.6 Javascript disabled Time of Visit Sep 14 2005 1:43:55 pm Last Page View Sep 14 2005 1:44:49 pm Visit Length 54 seconds Page Views 2 Referring URL unknown Visit Entry Page http://www.ontheroadwithdave.com/ Visit Exit Page http://www.ontheroadwithdave.com/ Time Zone unknown Visitor's Time Unknown Visit Number 11,827
Is That A Black Helicopter I Hear Landing In My Yard?
You can go to Snopes and see if any of these are true or not; but they certainly put a few things in perspective for me.
Are ya havin' a Bad Day?
Well, then, consider this...
In a hospital's Intensive Care Unit, patients always died in the same bed, on Sunday morning, at about 11:00 a.m., regardless of their medical condition.
This puzzled the doctors and some even thought it had something to do with the supernatural. No one could solve the mystery as to why the deaths occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, so a worldwide team of experts was assembled to investigate the cause of the incidents.
The next Sunday morning, a few minutes before 11:00 a.m., all of the doctors and nurses nervously waited outside the ward to see for themselves what the terrible phenomenon was all about. Some were holding wooden crossses, prayer books, and other holy objects to ward off the evil spirits.
Just when the clock struck 11:00, Pookie Johnson, the part-time Sunday sweeper, entered the ward and unplugged the life support system so he could use the vacuum cleaner.
Having a Bad Day??
The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez Oil spill in Alaska was $ 80,000. At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were being released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers.
A minute later, in full view, a killer whale ate them both.
Still think you are having a Bad Day???
A woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with some kind of wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she whacked him with a handy plank of wood, breaking his arm in two places. Up to that moment, he had been happily listening to his Walkman.
STILL think you're having a Bad Day????
Two animal rights defenders were protesting the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn, Germany. Suddenly, all two thousand pigs broke loose and escaped through a broken fence, stampeding madly.
The two helpless protesters were trampled to death.
What? STILL having a Bad Day?????
Iraqi terrorist Khay Rahnajet didn't pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with "Return to Sender" stamped on it. Forgetting it was the bomb, he opened it and was blown to bits.
Due to situations that were totally within my control, readers of "On The Road With Dave" were unable to access the site Sunday and most of today. That situation has been remedied. Sorry for the "dead air" you experienced. But, I'm back.
Clinton Detweiler is the owner and ventriloquist figure maker for Maher Studios. He recently began blogging at Newsy Vents. Clinton was the publisher of a book I wrote back when I was 16 years old.
One of the oddest things I think a ventriloquist has to do is buy clothes for his/her dummy. I raised a couple of eyebrows when I took Skyler in for a "fitting" at Old Navy once. Clinton tells about his most recent experience with shopping in bulk for his studio.
SHOPPING FOR DUMMIES
A local discount store was having a one day half-price sale this week on back to school clothes. Needing to restock my supply of pants for male ventriloquist figures, I went to the store and selected 34 pair of boys slacks. It’s not unusual for me to purchase kid’s clothing in large quantities, and I’ve learned to expect some raised eyebrows and/or questions from the store cashier when I go to pay. The cashier this week was about my age and when she began to ring up my cart load of clothes she commented, "You sure selected a LOT of nice pants." I simply replied, "I have three grandsons." Normally such a "tongue in cheek" answer receives a follow up question and I am then able to explain what I do with my large quantity purchase, which is fun. Not this time, however. The cashier without hesitation said, "Oh, I have fourteen grandchildren", and she proceeded to tell me all about them as she rang up my 34 pair of pants! Glancing back at the line of customers waiting behind me to checkout, I knew this was one time I needed to move on without clarification. Nor was there any need to do so - by the time she finished ringing up 34 pair of pants and telling me about those 14 grandchildren we’d BOTH forgotten the original question!
You should see the looks I get when purchasing shoes. "What size do you need?" the sales clerks ask. "It doesn’t really matter as long as they look about right", I often reply. "I’ll just squeeze the feet in and make them fit if that’s what it takes!" Someday someone may call security, but that’s okay - I carry pictures!)
Since I wrote my "MLM Quit Date" and the entries preceding it I've been getting some private comments from some readers worried about my sanity, my commitment, and my seemingly "hard line" and "harshness" concerning getting out of MLM altogether.
Some have said that I have "lot's to teach others", and my proposed departure from MLM would negatively affect some of my readers, possibly driving them away from the MLM industry. Still others, were quick to tell me of their "great opportunity" in THEIR MLM, if I decide to quit.
I agree, I have "lot's to teach". I like expressing my thoughts on how an MLM business should be ran ethically. I think I have some good ideas toward that end.
BUT.
All that "talk" means bupkiss, if'n I ain't doing it myself.
And the "harsh" talk was more directed at myself to "light my fire" and at those "shoulda-woulda-coulda-MLMers that claim to have tried to build an MLM business and later quit, blaming everyone but themselves. And yes, I know there can be plenty of blame to spread around in some cases.
So I'm asking everyone to read the series again, maybe you missed some points; but you did not miss me saying that I will be in Platinum IBO qualification in Quixtar by August 31st, 2006 or I'm quitting.
And if I reach that goal, you can rest assure I will set another one, with the same criteria.
"On The Road With Dave" does not wish to be an official Hurricane Katrina blog, but as it happens, that seems to be the national focus and a great deal of my area is affected by the aftermath, which means in many ways, the Katrina aftermath will be a part of my life for many months to come.
I am weary of the news coverage, the updates, the lack of anything else to talk about; and I just want things back to normal. That's not going to happen all at once.
But, for those still suffering, for those still seeking answers; the information and attention to the area of the Gulf Coast is vital at this time.
Which is why I want to make known the following helpful links:
FOR LOCAL NEWS COVERAGE:
WKRG-TV is offering continuing coverage with live streaming video. Watch WKRG for news from Mobile, AL; Gulfport and Biloxi, MS; and New Orleans, Louisiana. Coverage includes recovery efforts, local needs distribution, and updates on road conditions and travel in the area.
WLL-TV from Baton Rouge is your station for updates in the New Orleans area. Steaming video is also offered there. If you have become a fan of the Mayor of New Orleans in the past week, WLL-TV is the place to usually see his remarks first.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION may be under fire by the media, but for survivors of the storm, they will be the first step in acquiring funds through loans and grants for needed repairs. FEMA offers a variety of programs including temporary housing for storm survivors. Survivors will need to register with FEMA if they expect ongoing aid.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS is taking donations for disaster recovery as well as cooperating with other local shelters to provide care for evacuees. The Red Cross site also has a database for locating loved ones separated by the evacuations.
GOVERNOR HALEY BARBOUR of MISSISSIPPI also has a fund for Mississippi Storm Victims, as well as information for residents and family from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
FOR THE CURIOUS:
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC AGENCY has high resolution photos that can be searched by neighborhoods. Folks can see their homes and businesses damaged by Katrina or hopefully left intact. NOAA also offers photos and info regarding the phenomenon known as the new Storm of the Century.
If you have any more helpful links, I will accept them in the COMMENTS section.
Quixtar has made two announcements regarding Hurricane Katrina.
First the good news.
"We at Quixtar are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and devastation that has occurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Through our parent company, Alticor, we contribute annually to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and donate products for use by International Aid. Both organizations have been mobilized to help victims in the region affected by Hurricane Katrina.
We now invite all employees and Independent Business Owners powered by Quixtar to contribute to the American Red Cross at Quixtar.com. Alticor will provide a dollar-for-dollar match on employee and IBO contributions up to a corporate total of $250,000.
We know many of you are concerned for the victims and are seeking ways to help ease the suffering of those who've been affected by this terrible disaster. At a time like this, it seems like no contribution could ever be enough, but together we can do our part to help those affected by this tragedy.
Alticor and Quixtar are considering additional ways we can support the many needs arising from this tragedy -- financially, physically, and through volunteer efforts. We will continue to inform IBOs and employees of ways they can join us in helping these victims in their time of need."
To Donate to the Red Cross via Quixtar, you can get details at Quixtar.Com
Quixtar Blogger Figure 8 reports about further relief plans at Quixtar and Beyond.
Now, the BAD news;
Independent Business Owners powered by Quixtar will have further problems in recovering from the storm (myself included) because of delayed shipments:
Due to Hurricane Katrina, Quixtar is unable to ship to affected areas Please read this important announcement concerning shipping limitations
Due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, Quixtar has been notified by UPS, FedEx and USPS that all shipments to the following zip codes starting with the following numbers have been canceled indefinitely:
Quixtar is unable to process shipments to Zip Codes starting with the following numbers: 365-366 369,393 394 395 396 700-701 703 704 Mobile, AL Meridian, MS Hattisburg, MS Gulfport, MS McComb, MS New Orleans, LA Houma, LA Mandeville, LA
This affects regular orders as well as DITTOTM Scheduled Orders scheduled for this period.
Please accept our apologies. We will communicate any changes as soon as we are notified.
This inconvenience will make it harder for we affected IBOs to resume our sales and sponsoring efforts and provide ongoing income after the storm. Like many business owners, in the area, we are at the mercy of a devastated infrastructure; even though we may have minimal personal damage and are ready to resume business.
We survived Hurricane Katrina relatively unscathed. After a day of yard clean-up, the only clue that we have been through a storm as bad as it was; is the large pile of limbs, branches, and leaves that await removal at the edge of our street.
A fellow at a local store, asked me yesterday; the typical "How ya doing?" greeting. I said "Better than most this week, and thank God for that." He paused, and responded, "You, just reminded me how lucky I am, I'm out walking, talking and asking people how they are; thanks"
Yes, we were lucky that we are not in some shelter or still stuck on a rooftop surrounded by water.
We opened up our home to my daughter and her husband, and their roommate for a few days while they awaited restoration of their utilities.
We also offered to our other friends, co-workers, and neighbors the opportunity to come and have a hot shower or sit under the coolness of some "conditioned air".
Our only problem thus far, has been the availability of gasoline to continue to go to work.
Yep, even waiting in a gas line for three hours makes us feel luckier than some in our area.
But with that luck comes a certain post-storm depression. I can't describe the feeling. I wouldn't venture to say that it compares to that of a 9/11 survivor, but maybe to that of an airplane crash survivor.
It's a mix of emotions of frustration, guilt, relief, thankfulness, and uncertainty all rolled into one. I hear that the feeling is typical, and will pass.
To everyone that has written to me expressing your concerns, I want to say thanks. I have received comments at my blog and by email from dozens of people that know me only by my words online; offering encouragement, well wishes, and positive thoughts and prayers.
The outpouring of support and encouragement that I have received from people has been uplifting, and proves that the Internet is far from the cold, impersonal and anonymous medium that some seem to tag it with.
If you have the means available, support whatever relief effort you feel comfortable with. We were lucky; many others are still suffering, and will be in dire straits for months to come.
Today is September 1. For many corporations, their financial and tax year is not always January through December. Quixtar Corporation's year runs from September 1-August 31. So, today,is a new year for Quixtar, as well as Quixtar Independent Business Owners.
All qualifications, awards, and achievement quotas for IBOs are based on achievement in the fiscal year.
At the beginning of this past August, I wrote about my "Quit Date" for all of multi-level marketing and specifically Quixtar. Today begins what could very well be my LAST year with Quixtar. (If I don't achieve my goals)
So today, I sit at "zero" sales, "zero" sponsored, for the new year; with nowhere to go but up.
This is on the heals of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina which has brought mass unemployment, uncertainty for the future, freakishly high gas prices, and damaged infrastructure. Combine that with the ever increasing decline in the image of Quixtar due to Internet coverage via the blogging community providing an outlet for opinion from former IBOs, who feel wronged by certain training systems, and you have all the cards stacked against me. (Gee, that feels like a long sentence.)
