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.
Today, MLM Blog mentions that the Andhra Pradesh High Court reportedly stayed the investigation proceedings against Amway in India, allowing the company and distributors to continue business as usual.
It took me a little bit to find the article on the web that exonerates Amway, as it wasn't included in the MLM Blog entry.
But, it seems that the investigation was sparked by a complaint from a husband, a wife, and a dowry dispute.
"Direct marketing firm Amway today claimed the Andhra Pradesh High Court had stayed investigation proceedings against the company, allowing it to function normally in the state.
The injunction on investigations against the company came during hearing of a complaint filed by one Sathyanarayana, alleging that Amway was indulging in prize chits and money circulation schemes banned by the government.....
.....The company claimed that Sathyanarayana had filed the complaint to settle scores with his wife, who had initiated dowry harassment case against him. Since his wife happened to be an Amway distributor, he concocted the complaint, Amway said.
Earlier, the state police had raided Amway offices and sealed them acting on Sathyanarayana's complaint."
It seems like every MLM/Network Marketing website these days is well stocked with GoogleAds selling the e-courses, books, tapes, and newsletters from industry-known marketing gurus; guys with household names, provided your household is involved with Multi-level Marketing.
Almost every one of these MLM gurus have the same bio on their websites.
He is a multi-million dollar earner and has made his way to the top in four....five...an even dozen... leading Network Marketing companies. He is a highly-recognized trainer, personal coach and mentor to thousands of top-performing home business owners. His stories, teachings and articles have been featured in several magazines including Yadda Yadda Monthly and WhatEver.
He has spoken and trained for many Fortune 500 companies such as Blah-Blah-Blah and Yackity-Shmackity.
The thing I want to know is; what company and downline are these gurus building RIGHT NOW? Are any of these MLM/Network Marketing Gurus actually building a network now; or are they just selling books and tapes?
Dave breathes a sigh of relief as the computer boots up.
That's right friends, I am now online with my "new" old computer.
As you might recall, my old computer with Microsoft XP, complete with my old version of AOL, as well as ALL my old Microsoft Word documents,(including "On The Road" drafts) died a quick death last week.
Semi-luckily, I live close(across the street) to a computer repair and sales shop.
They were able to assess the situation and tell me that I was in need of a new computer. They would upgrade me to a refurbished Windows 2000 system in a Dell Tower with a CD burner and 20 gigs on the hard drive, (more than 3 times what I originally had) and they could install my OLD hard drive as a "slave" into the new tower so I could access my documents; as well as my beloved "Spider Solitaire".
How much?
A mere $135.00 bucks. Not Bad.
So, thanks to CBS Computers, I now am online in my own home and not grabbing time at work to check my mounting email, and I'm able to post to "ye olde blog".
A few problems, however.
1. I had to install a new version of AOL, instead of the version I was comfortable with. This means I no longer have all the reference email I had saved to my AOL filing cabinet readily available.
2. Windows 2000 can not read my Word97 documents as they originally were. It converts them to WordPad(which I hate). And Word97 won't load on Windows 2000; which means I'll be shopping for a new version of Word software.
BUT, I couldn't have asked for nicer customer service from CBS Computers. The father-son team of Pat and Mike (I'm not kidding) were attentive,helpful and sympathetic to the plight of this blogger and his fear of the "Technologically New".
All for what I considered a decent price.
If you are a Lower Alabama Resident in the Mobile, Alabama vicinity, you should consider shopping at CBS Computers for New, Used, and Re-conditioned Computers, Laptops, and Accessories. (There you are guys, I promised a plug.)
LOS ANGELES - Unhappy customers who sued "Dr. Phil" McGraw over his now discontinued Shape Up! diet plan have reached a $10.5 million settlement agreement with the TV psychologist, an attorney for the plaintiffs said.
The lawsuit, filed in 2004 on behalf of three disappointed consumers, claimed McGraw defrauded fans with his yearlong venture into the diet supplement business, making false statements about the pills. McGraw has denied the allegations and admitted no wrongdoing or misrepresentation in the settlement.
Henry H. Rossbacher, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said thousands of eligible customers nationwide will be able to choose either replacement products or a small cash reward as part of the settlement. It wasn't immediately clear how much each person could receive.
Rossbacher said a fund would be set up with $6 million in Nutrilite vitamins and $4.5 million in cash.
Insurance will cover the costs of the settlement and McGraw will have no personal obligation to contribute to the fund, Rossbacher said.
Other reports read as "in other vitamins and 4.5 million in cash."
I went to a branch of the Mobile Public Library today to try and post an entry at my blog.
I was greeted with a screen on their computer that says that weblogs and personal pages are blocked. I could not even READ blogs that had a "blogspot" extension in their URL address. The same goes for MySpace and Typepad extensions.
I asked the librarian why this was; and she informed me that "kids come up here and spend all day on MySpace". She did offer to override the block for me, (since I appeared un-kid-like), but I told her not to go to the trouble.
So, I went back to the computer terminal and tried to check my email accounts, and was informed by the screen that "web-based email has been blocked".
I went back to the librarian's desk and told her that I could not access my email. She informed me that "we can't let people check their email, cause we have too many people like salesmen on the road who check their email and aren't official library patrons." It takes away computer time for people doing actual library-type internet work.
She again offered to "override" the block, but by then I was ready to check out my books and leave.
Well folks, I just wanted you to know that I have driven all the way down to my office and now am posting this little entry on my employer's computer and internet connection, to let you know that my computer problems are being fixed.
I took "ye olde computing machine" to the shop yesterday, and my initial diagnosis of a power supply problem was confirmed. Also, upon further examination, it was revealed that whatever "fried" the power supply, also took out some components on my motherboard. (A motherboard, whose replacement; I was also informed, does not exist anymore.)
Thus, Monday I will own a rebuilt tower, for a mere 100 bucks; that will take me from the realm of Window's XP to Windows 2000 AND increase my gigabytes from the measly 7 or 8 that I had, up to a respectable 20 Gig hard drive. PLUS the "computer guy" promised to include my old hard drive into the tower as a "slave" so I can still access my Word documents and photos I have saved.
I have already found my "Sunday Thoughts" quote for tomorrow and have put it into "draft" mode and if I can log in to the internet somewhere tomorrow, I will publish it on schedule.
My traffic to "On The Road" has dropped a bit, due to my lack of updates this week, but it appears all will be back to normal by Tuesday. Hang in there with me.
If I recall, it was a song of excitement and happiness.
But, an electric boo-boo is what my computer experienced last night. It appears that I have a "short" somewhere. (please, no jokes filled with sexual innuendo or directed at my virility)
Anyway, the old XP made a funny noise, the mouse went haywire and it clicked off. Once it went off, it won't come back on. No power.
So, I'll be taking the box to the shop this weekend, and I'll update you when I can.(That means using the computer at work, when they don't have me running in 10 different directions like I've done all week)
But keep checking back, I don't want to lose that awesome Alexa ranking that has been building.
FACT: Quixtar was the partial inspiration for the "best" blog on MLM Marketing available on the Internet.
FACT: Quixtar is responsible for tens of tens people visiting the "best" MLM Marketing blog available on the Internet.
FACT: Quixtar is the sole choice of the author of the "best" blog on MLM Marketing available on the Internet.
FACT: The preceding facts are no where to be found on the new revised website, QUIXTAR FACTS.
BUT, there is plenty of information and facts available at the new website, punctuated with disclaimer statements, advisements, and disclosures.
For example in the "Culture" section; Quixtar takes a crack at "cult allegations" pertaining to Quixtar IBOs.
Quixtar also offers an acknowledgement of the usefulness of Business Support Materials at the newly revised website. In addition, they disclose the fact that profit is inherent for those IBOs selling these materials, and they finish with a cursory advisement for determining your own level of comfort in investing in these materials.
I found the section a bit weak, in addressing the criticism of these "systems" materials, but was happy to see the advisement on investment in the Business Support Materials section.
"The Quixtar opportunity is available to virtually anybody, so there are many IBOs who do not have a business background or training. Business Support Materials, along with the mentoring and personal involvement that is so much a part of IBO organizations, can be invaluable to the growth and success of developing Quixtar IBOs. Of course, like any other business expense, IBOs are cautioned to ensure their purchase of such business tools are in line with their business budgets and expectations."
I would have preferred stronger language, and maybe a reference that even those business expenses may not be necessary to building a Quixtar business.
One part of the new site I specifically like is Quixtar's apparent new interest in knowing first-hand about IBO wrongdoing. This statement tells new IBOs and onlookers that Quixtar is listening, provided they are told directly about specific personal incidents.
Quixtar also covers the issue of Search Engine Optimization or Marketing, as they refer to it. They offer no apologies to wanting to achieve a #1 position in search engine results, but now admit to using "best practices" to achieve these results.
The new website isn't going to satisfy everyone's concern, including some of the IBOs that gained some acceptance on the new site. I still feel stronger statements are needed regarding certain issues; but the site seems to be in line with Quixtar's new strategy to be "out there" in presenting their message to existing IBOs, prospective recruits, and onlookers and critics of the Quixtar Opportunity.
Back Stage Secrets Of The Amway Empire Revealed! / "MLM Mondays"
(Dave's note: In light of tomorrow's date, I'm posting a short blurb from MLM Universe one day early for this weeks edition of "MLM Mondays")
"More "plans" or presentations were made last night on behalf of the Amway corporation than any other Network Marketing program in the country. Here's their secret:
--Massive exposure through Massive Action.
Hey, want to know why your banker joined Amway before he joined your deal? They showed him the plan before you did! While you were stammering around and fumbling through your script, someone from Amway got on the phone one night and simply asked the guy was he happy with what he was doing and was he open to other opportunities..."
"MLM Mondays" is featured every week on (what else?) Monday; and offers information, advice and tips on operating an MLM-affiliated business. On The Road With Dave does not guarantee any results from the information, but offers it as opinion.
"The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined to clench their fists."
For the last month or so, as I drive around and listen to the radio, I have stopped the "Scan" function on my radio to more and more urban and R&B stations.
I've always been a fan of R&B, but mostly I listened to the "old school" artists.
But, my tastes in music has always been eclectic. I can listen to old time rock and roll, country, classical, and much to my wife's disdain, even disco. (Hey, cut me some slack..I grew up in the late 70s and early 80s!)
I even surprised my kids a few years back when they caught me singing, "I'm gonna lose my mind, up in here" and couldn't believe I knew the song. But, I had grown tired of the latest rounds of "rap music", so I had been avoiding the "urban" stations.
But lately, I have rediscovered some great music and "talk" on Mobile, Alabama's two R&B and Urban stations.
You may recognize BLX, if you've had the chance to hear "Inetta The Moodsetta" on-air resignation. It's being played on morning radio shows of multi-formats all across the country, as well as the Internet. I was lucky enough to hear the resignation when it happened.
If you've ever wanted to quit your job with a flourish, you need to take a lesson from Inetta.
Michael Baisden hosts the syndicated "Love, Lust and Lies", an afternoon talk and call-in show with "old school" R&B thrown in.
He proclaims the show, "Grown Folks Radio" and discusses some interesting topics and has a great call-in audience. While his show is targeted to a black and Latino audience, he likes his "white folks listeners" as well. Thanks Michael, cause I'd be listening whether you liked it or not.
This week there were shows about plastic surgery, black men changing their preferences from "booty to boobs"; teaching black kids to speak "white"; and the dangers of "short engagements". It's definitely a "mix" and you'll always find a topic you can relate to.
Michael has his shows available at his website.
It's unlikely you'll hear me singing a rap song, the next time I go to a Karaoke club, but you are likely to hear a tad more bass coming out of my speakers in my car, and you'll probably see me singing along to something that isn't played on any "easy listening" station.
Don't worry, my kids say it's just a phase I'm going through.
According to the Alticor Media Blog, they do, in fact, have something to do with the gubanatorial race. They are meant to protect the Amway business name from the associated race:
"Mucho coverage of our announcement yesterday that we are going up statewide in Michigan with TV ads protecting the Amway name, which has become a political football this election season.
Because it is political season, all the furor has quickly gathered around the political questions: "Were you in cahoots with the campaign? Who’s your firm? This is all to help the campaign, right?"
We refer you back to one of our very first posts: We have a business to run. And day after day, we are making business decisions for business reasons.
Democrats work here, Republicans work here. Democrats write this blog, Republicans do. Republicans worked on our commercials, Democrats did...."
"...So, to those who are scrambling to find deeper meanings and darker motives: Here is how we finished up our internal memo to employees announcing the ads yesterday:
These ads are about us and not about any political campaign. The ads do not support any candidate for any office. They explain who we are and what we do and will make you proud to be an employee of the Alticor family of companies. The ads will be shown under the name Amway, our international export brand, because that is the name that the critics have cynically attacked.
We want everyone to do their civic duty and vote for the candidate of their choice, Democrat, Republican or Independent.
Like the man says, "you got a problem with that?"
You can stay tuned for the upcoming Quixtar ads this month appearing NATIONALLY, not just in Michigan, on your local and cable network stations.
A friend of mine who is an RBC Life Sciences associate forwarded me an email last week announcing his company's implementation of a podcast program.
Many Quixtar critics have suggested this as an effective way for Quixtar to bypass upline-provided training materials and make training and motivation readily and inexpensively available for Quixtar IBOs.
Quixtar's website does have mp3 recordings available for IBOs; but the current library is far from current.
I think this could be a great idea, provided the "broadcasts" were made available in other forms along with the iPod format.
RBC Lifesciences announces the program complete with a short introduction to "what a podcast is", for those less computer savvy associates.
What Podcasting Can Do For You
"If you are not familiar with podcasting, you soon will be. You hear and see the word everywhere. The Oxford Dictionary pronounced it the new word of the year--beating out bird flu.
9 million U.S. adults have downloaded podcasts in the last 30 days. Research shows that in 2010 podcasting will attract an audience of 50 million active viewers and listeners.
The word comes from combining two words: iPod and broadcasting.
(Dave's note: Remember when you had to explain what a "blog" was? Web and Log?)
It is a new way to create audio and video content and distribute it to audiences quickly: anywhere, anytime. A podcast can be viewed on your computer, heard on an iPod or MP3 player, even viewed on a video iPod.
Podcasting is currently the rage in the entertainment, music and video industries bit it also revolutionary possibilities in marketing. With your video iPod, you can carry your marketing message anywhere, anytime.
Imagine sitting in a restaurant with a friend who is talking about the need to have more energy. You mention a new product called TripleFX, hand him your iPod and he sees a short video that tells the Triple FX story...."
(Dave's second note: The email then explains different product scenarios and planned product "broadcasts". I'm not sure I like the idea of whipping out your iPod over dinner at a restaurant, but I do understand, where RBC is coming from with the ease of presentation)
"....RBC Life Sciences in on the technological edge of podcasting. Over the next several months you will have podcasts on our major products available to you FREE on your RBC Life Sciences website. You can view them on your computer as flash videos or subscribe to the podcasts and have them automatically loaded into your iTunes or other podcast aggregator. Once you have them on your computer it is an easy step to load them on your iPod or MP3 player and have your sales pitch ready to show or hear anytime, anywhere."
The email concludes with announcing the first product podcast availability at the RBC Life Sciences website.
I remember when I first joined with my current Quixtar sponsor; listening to him expound on the idea of using the internet to form "virtual communities" and bypass the old ideas of listening and BUYING books and motivational tapes. He spoke about "new technologies" coming down the pike whereby we could have "rallies" via internet broadcasts. At the time, I thought he was just one of those "Mac/Apple computer snobs"; bragging about his computer's future capabilities.
Those plans seem far more real these days. I find myself listening to podcasts on a weekly basis now. But then again, back then I didn't even know about those "weblog thingies"
RBC Life Sciences may claim the lead in podcasting for MLM; how long will it take for other companies to catch up? How 'bout your company?
"MLM Mondays" is featured every week on (what else?) Monday; and offers information, advice and tips on operating an MLM-affiliated business. On The Road With Dave does not guarantee any results from the information, but offers it as opinion.
I don't know what meeting was held, or who said what to whom, but Beth is putting out some excellent, informative blog entries, and still representing her company, Quixtar, in a manner she is paid to do.
Another case in point:
Beth just released another entry tackling the issue of "books and tapes" and the motivational organizations that sell them.
"...If someone who doesn’t think the audio or book they purchased helped their business, they may be entitled to a refund and should ask for one. If someone feels that BSM purchases were represented as not optional or voluntary, they should share their concern with our Rules division. In fact, we’re redesigning the "contact us" section at Quixtar.com to make it even easier for someone to file a complaint or raise a question or concern about IBOs, products, or the company.
We want everyone who touches our business to have a positive experience -- for IBOs to achieve their goals through our business opportunity and their customers or clients to have our products deliver beyond their expectations. And the only way we can continue to improve those experiences is through feedback that helps us create a better business for all IBOs and better experiences for their customers. Which is why we do want IBOs and customers to "contact us" with their experiences, thoughts, and opinions. While we like to hear when someone is satisfied, we need to hear when they’re are not."
I'm not sure why I have never done it in the past, but I am adding Beth's blog to my "Links I Like" sidebar. Go read, Inside Quixtar Communications.
