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.
Do you want to motivate your prospective MLM leaders in your downline?
For that matter, do you want to motivate anyone on your team?
You don't have to sell them a CD or cassette tape. You don't have to beg them to attend a meeting featuring some motivational speaker or upline leader. You don't even have to offer them new and exciting products each month that aren't all that new OR exciting.
All you need to do is learn TEN very short speeches.
"Dave! I don't have time to learn no stinking speeches!"
You have time to learn these speeches, as they are only one line long; AND they are intuitive enough that you should know exactly when to use them and with sincerity.
Here's "Dave's Top 10 Motivational Speeches".
(In no order of importance)
10. CONGRATULATIONS!
9. "I'm proud of you."
8. "I knew you had it in you."
7. "I'm thinking about you."
6. "Talk to me. I'm listening."
5. "Tell me everything. I want to know exactly how you accomplished that."
Welcome to the long-awaited newly-revised version of "On The Road With Dave"
Consider it "On The Road With Dave Dot Com; Version 2.0
Consider it a World Premier.
Consider it Opening Night.
But above all, consider it for a daily visit.
Tell your friends.
Tell your family.
It's rated-B for Blogalicious!
Okay, okay, enough of that.
I want to thank Eric Janssen of Quixtar Blog fame for all his help and advice on the new design. You couldn't do better than to have Eric as a website consultant.
You'll notice a few things different around here, most notably two links at the top of the blog page.
One is Comedy This Exit, a new blog that will feature comedy news from "Skyler and Dave"; with schedules, show details, and inside information from "on the road".
The second is a fun little experiment from my ventriloquist dummy, Skyler Leglantier.
Skyler will be giving an infrequent look at working with me, working on the road, and he even promises to deliver an advice column that promises very little helpful advice.
But, you'll still receive my ramblings here at "On The Road With Dave", only now you'll be greeted with a cleaner and more attractive design.
For comparison purposes, you can take a look at the "BEFORE" at my Blogspot place holder.
I think I have a "hit premier" on my hands, what do you think?
Jerry reports that Passport LLC is giving up the MLM compensation plan for their company.
Jerry also offers news that Passport will be working with another company as well.
Passport's stated aim from their inception was to change the face of MLM Marketing; I'm not sure what this new change means to that aim; but I'll be following the story and I'm sure the blogosphere will be covering it in-depth.
Remember, you heard it here second. Thanks Jerry and keep us informed.
My regular email address is linked in my profile, for those who are unaware. But, every domain should have its own email contact source.(or so I think)
Send email to dave@ontheroadwithdave.com, if you are so inclined. But remember the easiest way to state your case, offer a rebuttal, or start a debate is still using the "Comments" feature.
For those itching to read Quixtar Blog after a week or so of the site being down due to server migration and an assortment of "bugs"; you can all now rejoice.
I've been watching the blog, Network Marketing Inspiration, by Andrew McLellan from Canada, for the last several weeks. During that time I have read some pretty good articles. Andrew was kind enough to link to "On The Road With Dave".
"We've heard the benefits of Network Marketing compared to Corporate America (be your own boss, no ceiling on income, set your own hours, etc.), but I want to do something different. I'm going to talk a little bit about some core benefits that I believe go a bit deeper."
Andrew's comparison's are well thought out, but one of the side-effects of being a blogger is knowing you are going to encourage another blogger to comment on your thoughts.
So, Network Marketing Inspiration has inspired my thoughts on Andrew's thoughts. And of course, Andrew is welcome to throw the ball back into my court.
"In Corporate America, your success comes from being unique. The more unique you are, the more valuable you are to your company.
In Network Marketing, your success comes from duplicating your results and the results of your team members. This duplication is the product of an established and proven system that can be replicated by your organization."
Also, in Network Marketing, your success can come from being unique and finding a niche and encouraging your organization to duplicate not your niche, but duplicating the effort and thought to find that niche. The system should inspire duplication of principles, but not necessarily actions.
"In Corporate America, you work for a supervisor or boss. They're generally the ones who evaluate your success and have the ultimate decision whether you're promoted, demoted, receive a raise, or even get fired.
In Network Marketing, you work for your downline organization. THESE are the people that will determine your long-term success. Your responsibility is to work alongside your team to make sure they can successfully duplicate themselves. Comparatively speaking, your downline will determine how successful you'll be - so the harder you work for your downline, the better results you'll see in the long run."
Also, in Network Marketing you CAN not only work for your downline organization, but you can also emphasize your own efforts, actually becoming your own boss. If you take care of your businesss efforts first, your downline will be inspired to follow your efforts. They will learn quickly that they have a responsibility to their business as well; and your "working for them" will be less of a workload for you, and more of a pleasure.
"In Corporate America, giving advice to your competitors is frowned upon.
In Network Marketing, giving advice to your competitors boosts the reputation of the industry and benefits everybody in the long run. The better reputation that Network Marketing has, the more positive opinion the public will have."
I could not have said it better, nor would I want to. In fact, I think Corporate America could take a lesson from Network Marketing, and that includes some Network Marketing corporations.
"In Corporate America, when you don't produce results, you run the risk of being demoted, downsized, or fired.
In Network Marketing, when you don't produce results, you actively seek more training or learn more ways to produce results."
Also in Network Marketing if you don't seek to change your poor results, you in effect demote, downsize and fire yourself.
"In Corporate America, you work to build your own reputation.
In Network Marketing, you work to build the reputation of your organization."
Also, in Network Marketing, you can build YOUR reputation by building the reputation of your organization. But truly, the reputation of your organization is dependent on the ethics and principles of each individual you choose to work with. Choose wisely, there is no reason to recruit wildly to increase your numbers.
I waited a week to write today's entry, because I simply couldn't fathom having to write such an article, but after a week, I still haven't been able to make sense of the incident, so I'll write about it anyway, and see what you guys think. Here's the story:
So, last week I'm driving around Mobile and I pass by a nightclub with a marquee advertising a comedy show every Thursday night. Well, that week I had been researching regional booking agents and actively scouting for clubs that have an "open mike" within a few hours drive. (My current act is about ready for some previews) Now, to discover simply by accident that my own city is experimenting once again with a comedy night at a club was music to my ears. (okay, it was more like music to my eyes...Poetry to my eyes...well, whatever)
Anyway, I decided to visit the club the night BEFORE the comedy night; just to check out the atmosphere, the stage, the crowds, etc.
I dressed in my favorite "going-out" clothes, (Admit it, you have some too)and headed to the club a bit early, hoping to maybe even speak with a manager or bartender and do some reconnaissance.
I pulled in to a virtually empty parking lot at around 8:30PM. (that's still early, so I wasn't too worried) and barely noticed the car that pulled in behind me as I was parking.
I got out of my car and went to the door of the club.
Locked.
I noticed another entrance to the side of the club and thought, "Okay, wrong door" and headed to the side entrance.
By then and while I was headed to the side entrance; the guy and his girlfriend/wife? had emerged from their car and approached me.
"Can I help you?" he asks.
I said I was planning on going in the club but the front door was locked and I was trying the side entrance.
"We open at 10", he said. And then he added, "we are under new management now, we ain't a sports bar anymore, we are strictly 'A Club'" And he said it with somewhat of an attitude; like a sports bar was bad, that the old management was bad, and that now that they are a "CLUB", they were somehow much, much better.
By now, I notice that the guy is kinda looking at me suspiciously; inspecting my attire. (Were my jeans unzipped?)
I tell him I'm interested in the following night's comedy show and I assumed by now he was the manager, employee, etc, so I ask him about the comics that would be performing.
"Are your comics local or regional?" I asked.
Then he did it again. He looked me up and down, again and paused before he answered.
"Okay" I say, "that's cool, I used to do some comedy and I'm getting ramped up to do it again; will you be doing "open mikes", as well?
He looks at me again. (What's wrong with me, do I have a "booger" on my nose?)
He said. "We are just doing this one night a week, we WON'T be doing 'open mikes'".
And then it dawned on me. Some days I'm way to slow or naive'.
I'm a WHITE guy.
Here's this nice, well dressed African-American male, telling me that:
1) This ain't a sports bar. (obviously I appeared to be sports-oriented; I'm not)
2) Our comics are from Black Entertainment Television
3) We aren't interested in new comics that apparently look and dress like you.
So, I thanked him for his time, told him I was just dropping by that evening to check out the "CLUB" and have a beer, but I wasn't going to hang around till 10PM , 'cause I had "work" the next day. But, I said, I might drop in and see "the show" the next night.
He looked at me again with somewhat of a sneer and said "Okay dude, alright."
I never went to the show.
I've been to all kinds of bars in my life; "dive" bars, sports bars, "gay" bars, biker bars, disco bars, redneck bars, and yep, even "urban-hip-hop-rap-predominantly black-and-I'm the-only-white-guy-there" bars; but I didn't go back to this club.
I like discriminating comedy, but I'm just not ready for comedy clubs that discriminate.
"When I was a Boy Scout, we played a game when new Scouts joined the troop. We lined up chairs in a pattern, creating an obstacle course through which the new Scouts, blindfolded, were supposed to maneuver. The Scoutmaster gave them a few moments to study the pattern before our adventure began. But as soon as the victims were blindfolded, the rest of us quietly removed the chairs. I think life is like this game. Perhaps we spend our lives avoiding obstacles we have created for ourselves and in reality exist only in our minds. We're afraid to apply for that job, take violin lessons, learn a foreign language, call an old friend, write our Congressman - whatever it is that we would really like to do but don't because of personal obstacles. Don't avoid any chairs until you run smack into one. And if you do, at least you'll have a place to sit down."
I get asked that question, or a variation of it, lots.
Those asking the question usually are asking in regards to the controversy of the "Systems" of training promoted by some Quixtar distributor organizations or they are involved in another MLM company that they feel is superior to Quixtar.
It's funny how as a Quixtar IBO, I'm able to "sponsor" or recruit others into starting a Quixtar Independent Business of their own with a variety of reasons and selling points, but when faced with the question myself, I sometimes just quote the standard reasons why anyone starts a business; independence, money, a feeling of accomplishment, better lifestyle, etc.
But, I do have specific reasons why I chose Quixtar.
COST
The relative small expense of $45.00 to have access to a worldwide opportunity offering (dare I say) millions of products in a variety of price ranges and the chance to build an organization of people all interested in developing their own unique niche in the marketplace.
RANGE OF PRODUCTS
QUIXTAR'S product selection ranges from a Core Line of commodities including household cleaners, nutrition, and beauty and healthcare that encourage repeat sales, as well as a range of name brand products, clothing and appliances people recognize and respect. Services include insurance, communications, and financial services. The ability to specialize in one line of products or develop a niche market was a key factor for me in choosing Quixtar.
Also the opportunity to have a career in Professional Sales or Commercial/B2B sales was a huge attraction. Quixtar's Support at the Corporate level to encourage commercial applications of Quixtar products is unmatched (in my opinion) by any other Network or Multi-Level Marketing company.
The "inclusivity" of the product range was a major reason.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
While some companies merely contract to have a product made for their use and then apply their own company label to the product, Quixtar manufactures over 400 of their main products. They hold hundreds of patents in product development and design. Their manufacturing facilities cover more than one million square feet in innovation, design and efficiency. In just the area of nutrition, control of the product is literally handled from the ground up as natural farming and processing of nutritional resources for the Nutrilite product line are handled "in-house" through organic farming subsidiaries
SIMPLICITY OF THE COMPENSATION PLAN
The compensation plan of Quixtar was the basic model of the entire Multilevel marketing industry. Designed in the late 1940s, it set the benchmark of the legitimacy of MLM, and yet does not remain stagnant in its application.
Our compensation plan follows a true business model.
We do not pay out on a referral or "level" basis. It's all volume-based (85% of all companies, and 90% of all volume in Direct Sales is through this type of plan). You get paid for the volume you and your organization produce.
In order to make any money with Quixtar you have to create VOLUME. If you don't have any volume, you are not going to make any money. (I don't care how many people you recruit. Your success with Quixtar is not about head-count alone).
HISTORICAL STABILITY
While Quixtar officially launched in 1999, its foundation is over 45 years old. Yes, our roots lie in the stability and infrastructure of the Amway Corporation. Amway is still flourishing and expanding overseas, and Quixtar has evolved, even revolutionized, the basic concept of Amway.
I maintain the opinion that what is offensive about Amway and Quixtar are the "motivational organizations" discussed at the critical websites about Quixtar and Amway.
If you take away the stigma of these organizations you are left with the power of a 45 year old infrastructure, and the technological advances of an internet system, coupled with a proven compensation plan, a rich history and historically proven policies.
ADMIRATION OF THE FOUNDERS
Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel began Amway as a means to honor their commitment to their own downline which was participating in a company that was going downhill. They began a new company to insure the people involved with them, would be able to continue their individual businesses. This commitment to "the field" has lasted two generations now. This is almost unheard of in business. We all (in the Direct Sales industry) run around talking about freedom but if you don't have decades of integrity at the corporate level, how the heck are you going to have residual income?
FOCUS ON INDIVIDUALITY
As I said before, if you remove the stigma of the "motivational organizations", you have all of the good, and none of the bad. Quixtar makes this possible. You simply log on to the Quixtar website and YOU are in control. Products, Services, Information and Education are all available at your fingertips.
STUBBORNNESSSS
I list this reason in the middle, but it is probably by far, the main reason I chose Quixtar. My first MLM experience was with Amway with limited success. Somewhere in my mind was a feeling that had conditions been different, I could have succeeded with Amway. Quixtar's launch initiated some of these changes, and I felt that the time was right for me to prove that I could be a success with these changes. That reason also weighs in heavily with those I sponsor. Most people "looking" at a business opportunity are also looking to prove something to themselves, and Quixtar provides the changes they have been looking for.
REPRESENTATION
Each IBO has representation to the Corporation through the Independent Business Owners Association International (IBOAI).
What this contract does is assure that the corporation does not change the compensation plan in mid-stream. This is probably the single biggest reason why the compensation plan we use has existed for 40 plus years. The only changes have been to "add" money through negotiations with the company founders: the DeVos and Van Andel Families.
It also virtually guarantees the company will not go public. Many will tell you that going public is good to see the finances. This is debatable. What it does is put "shareholders" in charge of the compensation plan (they own the company). You, as an IBO are at the mercy of the shareholders.
And while many critics point to the current leadership of the IBOIA as a root cause of the negative image Quixtar has in some circles, the ability to "overthrow" that leadership is as close to any IBO succeeding in their business and being elected to the same board.
As a Democrat living under a Republican administration, I don't throw out my citizenship during this President's term, I merely wait to elect someone that meets with my political views.
INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
As a Quixtar IBO, you can "distribute" products and services through Alticor's multibillion-dollar infrastructure in over 80 countries. This is powerful. There is no second place in this area. There is no single MLM company that gives its distributors such wide potential in the international Market.
THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE
Finally, the reason that most attracts me is the challenge of change. Quixtar took the first step, by putting the control of the business back into the IBO's hands. MLM has suffered a negative image and been the focus of critical exposes' and websites for many years now.
Now is the time to change these perceptions. The evolution of Quixtar coupled with the concept of Community Building, ethical permission based marketing, and full disclosure and we have the chance to rebuild that image; while building our own unique individual brand.
And no greater opportunity exists to make these changes in the industry, than by working within the framework of the benchmark of the industry. I believe that benchmark is the Quixtar Corporation
My vision is not only to succeed in Quixtar, but also to become the example of how the industry of MLM and Direct Sales should be operated. One day, there will not only be people with this same mindset that will achieve the upper levels of achievement in Quixtar, but also they will represent the newest IBO by serving on the board of the IBOIA.
I only read this particular article, so I don't know a lot of Andrew's slant on the MLM Industry as a whole, but today's entry makes sense.
"A few people a month contact me and say they want to get involved in Network Marketing. One challenge they have is that they’re either jobless or in a serious financial bind...."
"...It’s very difficult to start and maintain a Network Marketing business when you're in a financially unstable position. It adds pressure to what you’re trying to accomplish every single day, and that’ll show when you tackle any aspects of the business - making it more difficult to focus on success."
He goes on to say,
"My advice to people who are in this situation, whether they want to hear it or not, is to focus on getting a J.O.B, pay off debts, and move towards a financially secure position. While doing this, you should take advantage of the time to research the company and sponsor you’d like to work with. This way, when you DO have the resources to start a Network Marketing business part time, you’ll have educated yourself to some degree and more prepared for what lays ahead."
If you expect MLM to be the magic cure or similar to a lottery windfall in clearing up your debt, then you are living a fantasy. Businesses rarely succeed overnight and have expenses of their own. Undercapitalization and debt are death knells for major businesses and will affect a small MLM venture as well.
