On The Road with Dave

Some of my readers may know that I first began "On The Road With Dave" with frequent commentary about Multi-level Marketing and in particular the Amway Corporation and it's then spin-off company, Quixtar. I was a frequent reader and commenter and later contributor to the website, Quixtar Blog. Quixtar Blog was sometimes a site where critics of MLM would gather to vent and rant about their experiences with Amway and Quixtar and other MLM companies. I provided "pro" arguments about the business and debated quite a few critics.

Shortly after Quixtar's launch back in 1999, (and I will always believe in part due to The Quixtar Blog) Amway Corporation began a concerted effort to build a web presence and began producing blogs of its own authored by various Amway/Quixtar staff.

One such blog, The Real Quixtar Blog was originally authored in pseudonym by a guy named "Kia". (Know it all) Later Kia, announced he was Robin Luymes, Manager of PR and Editorial at Quixtar. I liked Robin from the very beginning. He was making strides to write his blog with some authenticity and included personal stories, opinions, and events on his homefront as well as "corporate" PR writings and answering hundreds of questions in comments. When Amway Global decided to drop the Quixtar moniker and revert back to the Amway brand; Robin dropped The Real Quixtar Blog moniker and became "SuperDu".

SuperDu was an even more personal blog than corporate-ese and Robin excelled even more. I liked the slant of SuperDu even more. Then last year, I met Robin Luymes while on a trip to Prague to discuss blogging with some Amway PR folks. Robin was an excellent host, told some great stories, and I could see how he was genuine in his writings, because he was genuine in person. He was "real".

Last month, Robin left "SuperDu" and Amway Global. "SuperDu" is scheduled for what Amway Global calls a "sunset". You should pay it a visit, before it comes down.


But, the sun is not setting on Robin Luymes. Robin has launched a new website at Luymes Public Relations, LLC; complete with a new blog discussing Public Relations among other things.

Robin says,

"In this blog I expect to share about my views and experiences as a PR professional. That will include my opinions on best practices for the public relations profession, including use of social media by organizations. I likely will talk about my personal life as well, especially how that relates to my profession and my business. Many of my posts will draw upon past experiences, including those with Amway Corp., my employer for nearly 18 years, and as a reporter for the Grand Rapids Business Journal before that."

I want to wish Robin best of luck in his new endeavor and to let him know I'm rooting for him and, oh yeah; I'll be adding "Luymes Dot Com" to my "Links I Like"

Labels: Amway Global, Blogs, Public Relations

Last week, I announced my new job at a new call center. At the time, I held off announcing the name and giving any details about the job, until I found out about the corporate policy regarding blogging about my job. I'm a big promoter of corporate transparency and as you know I have always been pretty honest about my day-to-day life, but I didn't want to break any rules the first week on the job. I also didn't want to end up like this person and create a major Social Media faux pas.

I'm happy to report that I now work for Ryla, Inc. Ryla was founded in 2001 in Georgia by Mark Wilson just a month after the "September 11" attack on the World Trade Center. In that time of uncertainty, starting a new business might not have seemed promising but Mark Wilson and the team he developed, has grown Ryla, Inc into a company with a 2009 revenue of 100 million dollars. Wilson was named a 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Southeast Regional finalist. Ryla has been listed 3 consecutive years as one of the nations fastest growing companies on the Inc. 5000.

Ryla is headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia but recently spent 8.5 million dollars to open a regional headquarters, corporate data center and regional customer contact center in Saraland, Alabama. The expansion means over 1200 jobs to the Mobile, Alabama area and was greeted by extensive press coverage, a whirlwind of job fairs, and a visit to Saraland by Governor Bob Riley.

Now, before this article starts to sound like a Public Relations press release, what's it like working there?

So far, not so bad. I'm still in the training environment preparing for a job as a customer service representative for Verizon Wireless. It's intensive training. The attitude at the company is upbeat and positive. Ryla has a corporate culture unlike any I have ever worked for. Having a positive attitude is promoted and stressed throughout the company. There are "cheers" performed in the training class and management stops by often to talk to employees and encourage their work. There is always a sense of duty for the clients that Ryla services, such as Verizon; and you are always aware that without these clients; Ryla does not not exist and neither would your job. Ryla truly wants to live up to their slogan of providing, "The Best Job You've Ever Had".

A lackadaisical attitude won't get you far. When you are at work, you must be professional, be positive, you need to do the job you were trained to do and remember rules are rules. If you can't hack that, you can't hack the job.

My training class started with 60 people and we've lost 3 or 4 in the past week who decided it wasn't for them. Overall, I'm in a class full of some pretty cool people with a diverse background. Young, old, experienced, inexperienced, traveling from all over Mobile and Baldwin Counties to work for Ryla. A few have even expressed interest in coming to see me perform at my next comedy gig and have already sent me MySpace friend requests.

Our trainer is Kate West. She has a background in pharmaceutical sales and started working for Ryla as a contractor, she has since joined the Ryla company full-time. Kate makes the 8-hour classes interesting with personal stories, motivational video clips and she has that positive attitude and a desire to make each of her class graduates ready to hit the ground running. Our class has been dubbed, "The Untouchables"(Each class has a nickname) Several times a night, she yells, "Are You Heated Up?" We reply loudly, "SMOKIN'!". (Yeah, I suggested it)

For a look at what a training class is all about--

Take The Ryla Virtual Tour and click on Training.

Ryla has one of the lowest employee turnover rates in the Teleservices industry, so I'm gonna do my best to provide them with another quality employee without breaking any disclosure rules.

"Did you hear the one about the customer who called in to the call center and asked"...wait--never mind.

UPDATE: MARCH 12, 2010

This entry at On The Road With Dave has become a depository for former Ryla Teleservices employees to leave comments expressing dissatisfaction with the company. It is the policy of this blog to allow free discussion of entries posted; however, this company currently provides me with a paycheck and I appreciate the employment and my creditors and local utility companies appreciate my timely payments of my bills.

If you must leave a negative comment--own it. Leave your name in the comment. Anonymous comments can no longer be approved on this entry. If you hated the job, you can say it, but you'll have to identify yourself. After all, I identify myself with every word I write.

Labels: Alabama, Miscellaneous, Mobile, Public Relations, Social Networking

Chip Martin, over at "Chip Martin's Blog" mentioned "On The Road With Dave" in his latest blog entry.

A few weeks back I suggested a new website to Chip that I thought he'd find interesting. He did. It's for an advertising agency, BooneOakley, and the entire site is done via YouTube



Go read what Chip has to say.

Labels: Advertising, Blogs, Public Relations

Chip Martin is no dummy when it comes to advertising. That's why I read his blog on a regular basis. So when he wrote about an advertising company out of Durham, North Carolina called The Republik; I had to go take a look.

"Dave, why did you not link The Republik website?"

Well, as Chip points out; the only way to get there is to destroy Republik's old site.

Have you ever seen a website that makes you wanna just pick up a gun and shoot your monitor? Well, now you have the choice of .44 Magnum, Sniper rifle, or shotgun. The Republik invites you to blast holes in their old site, reload, and blast again, before taking you to their new whiz-bang website, The Republik.

These guys look pretty good. Their website sells their service, or as they would call it; "pulls" their clients in. It's tongue-in-cheek, serious, informative and there are a few surprises to keep you on the site.

And what website these days would be worth it's salt without a blog? I can't think of one and The Republik agrees with me. After blowing their old website to smithereens and then perusing their portfolio, you can keep up with their ideas on advertising by reading their blog, Change Or Die.

So, pick up your weapon of choice and destroy The Republik...consider it your Saturday Diversion.

Labels: Blogs, Diversions, Miscellaneous, Public Relations

I'm not a doctor; but I sort of work for them. It's not as good as playing one on TV, but with this economy, you take what you can get.

As some of my readers know, I work for a home medical equipment company and pharmacy as my "daytime gig". Yes, even aspiring comedians have to pay bills and eat on a regular basis and a full-time job is a necessity at this time.

Ordinarily, there's not a lot of excitement at work worth blogging about, except that time I wrote about work and voting. But, we have something new at work that's pretty exciting...a website.



MEDI-STATRX.COM was unveiled August 15th, 2008 and is set up to serve patients and physicians on a national basis.

We, at work, are pretty proud of it and I asked one of my bosses if he'd mind if I blogged about it. Since, he was the chief designer and put in some countless hours and a few sleepless nights, he was pretty jazzed about the idea. I even managed to add a little "copy" to the new site, so I'm pretty jazzed, too.

Medi-Stat Rx was founded with the goal to provide health professionals and clients with specific medications through innovative professional compounding services. Medi-Stat Rx prides itself in high quality customer service one customer at a time.

To put it simply, compounding is the process of mixing medications by a pharmacist or physician to meet the unique needs of an individual. The ability to compound medications gives the patient a much wider scope of prescription medication strengths and forms.

Throughout history, there has always been a need for pharmacists to compound drugs in individualized dosages. Mass produced products contain standard drug strengths that may help one patient, but can be adverse to another. A compounding pharmacy solves this problem by using a pharmacist to tailor mix drugs to fit the uniqueness of the patient according to a doctor’s prescription. Medi-Stat Rx prides itself on its service and experience in providing prescription compounding and nutritional supplements for the individual.

Originally founded in 1996 under the name Newman Pharmacy, Medi-Stat Rx has grown from a small neighborhood pharmacy and durable medical equipment company in Mobile, Alabama to a nationwide presence in the compounding community. In the beginning Medi-Stat Rx’s primary focus was on respiratory medications and equipment. Through the evolution of pressures of an ever-changing medical industry we moved our interests into the newly revitalized compounding industry. Medi-Stat Rx has expanded its product lines to include Sterile Injectables, Hormone Replace Therapies, Topical Pain Creams, Skin Care Products and other highly specialized medications to meet individual needs of each and every patient. Medi-Stat Rx adheres to the strict guidelines set forth by United States Pharmacopeia to ensure the highest quality medications are available to our patients.

So, if you've got the time, if you think you might need our services, or you just want to keep me gainfully employed; check out Medi-Stat Rx-- there's even a photo of me on the site, but you'll have to squint.

Labels: Alabama, Diversions, Public Relations

It starts off like most obituaries:

William Wright Sorrels

William Wright Sorrels, age 83, of West Point, passed away on July 12, 2008 at the Veterans Home in Kosciusko, MS. He was born on July 28, 1924 in Cordova, TN.

I had to read it a couple of times. I always thought that this man was to "ornery" to die. Maybe he wasn't all that ornery. He wasn't really mean; he was cantankerous, he was stubborn, he had values, he was--he was a journalist. He was a teacher. He was my teacher.

"After finishing high school in West Point, Mississippi he joined the United States Navy where he served from 1943-1946 with the Seventh fleet in the Southwest Pacific. After returning from his tour of duty, he attended Mississippi State University, then transferred to the University of Missouri where he received his Bachelor of Journalism. He was an honor graduate and a Kappa Tau Alpha and Sigma Delta Chi Scholarship winner. In 1969 he received his Master of Arts degree from Memphis State University. He was also an exchange journalist in Venezuela. He was an accomplished newspaper journalist. He worked from 1949-1953 at his hometown newspaper, the Daily Times Leader in West Point. His next assignment came from Honolulu, Hawaii where he worked with the Honolulu Star Bulletin. From there he went to Memphis and worked for the Commercial Appeal for 23 years. He served as their managing editor from 1969-1977"

Bill was at the Commercial Appeal for the assassination of Martin Luther King and the death of Elvis.

"Then he went to Evansville, Indiana and worked for the Evansville Press, where he was their editor and president until his retirement. His second career began at Mississippi University for Women in 1984 where he held the Harriet Stark Gibbons Distinguished Professor of Journalism Chair. He loved this time spent with his students, who called him "Wild Bill". On many occasions, he was known to say that when he began teaching at the W, his mother told him that she had never been prouder of him. He was the Author of seven published books, including The Maroon Bulldogs and The Ole Miss Rebels. He also worked for Life magazine as their Mid-South correspondent from 1956-1960, and was the editorial adviser to the Craft & Art Market magazine."

From 1990 to 1993, "Wild Bill" Sorrels was the Advisor, Editor and Teacher for Dave Robison. Don't hold that against "Wild Bill"; he tried his best.

We butted heads on a weekly basis as I honed my skills as a Reporter for the MUW campus newspaper. Later, I held a disastrous position as the newspaper business manager. I'm not sure who cried and pulled their hair more--Wild Bill or myself.

Former journalism students of Bill's can easily recite from memory two of Bill's favorite expressions, "WHO SHOT JOHN?" and "TWO DEAD, THREE HURT IN CAR CRASH".

Simple lessons of journalism. Get to the point. The "story" should give you the facts in the first line--the first paragraph. Tell the reader first, "Who shot John?"; and after that, flesh the story out. As most of my readers know, I rarely follow that rule. BUT! I always remember it, thanks to Wild Bill.

My wife and I both attended MUW at the same time and actually took a Journalism class together on Media Law. Bill took a liking to my wife(as a student)and that led to another expression I often heard from "Wild Bill".

"DAMMIT ROBISON! DO I HAVE TO GET YOUR WIFE IN HERE TO WRITE THIS STORY?"

My wife, as a law student, wrote the facts. I tended to add a bit more commentary.

"ROBISON! First you learn to be a reporter, THEN, you can be a feature writer!"

Well, dammit Bill, you'll probably hate this blog entry, but I had to write it and I had to write it tonight. This is one story that I have to meet the deadline on.

"DAMMIT ROBISON! Have you ever met a deadline on time?"

Yeah Bill, This time I did.

William Sorrels is survived by his wife, Joyce Cade Sorrels; two children, Deborah Sorrels Webb (husband Randy) and John Clark Sorrels; three grandchildren, Shannon Williams (husband Charles), Clare McCreery, Logan Sorrels; two great grandchildren, Leven Williams and Catherine Williams; two brothers, C. H. Sorrels and James Sorrels, and a sister, Catherine Crosby. He is preceded in death by his parents, M. Lorene Wright Sorrels and Chelsea Howard Sorrels, Sr.; one brother, Ed Sorrels, two sisters Margaret Smith and Virginia Williams.

Graveside services will be Wednesday at 11 AM at Greenwood Cemetery with Rev. Steve Davis officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 to 11 AM at Robinson Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be John Sorrels, Randy Webb, Joey Vallarian, Bill Cade, L. Q. Patterson, Lee Coleman and Charles Williams. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church EPC, PO Box 366 West Point, MS 39773. Robinson Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements.

Labels: Columbus, Mississippi University For Women, MS, Public Relations, Writing

Back on March 3rd, I was scheduled to meet with some computer programmers from Canada who were taking a road trip, via RV, across the southeast part of the United States.

These guys are bit more than just programmers. One is the company President of Fresh Books, Inc. The other two--executives with the company. A fourth guy accompanied them, but he was an Irishman and their chief videographer.

Their plan was to travel from one convention in Miami, Florida to another convention in Austin, Texas and stop along the way in eight other cities; meeting their clients and other "interesting" people. I was to be one of the interesting people. Along the way, they would blog about their adventures and shoot some video of who they met.

I held off blogging about the meeting because after we all met, talked, drank, and they shot some video--I was expecting them to cover the night on their blog first.

I suppose 4 guys in an RV after several days and a schedule to meet lost some of their enthusiasm for up-to-the-minute updates. Plus, I suspect that the "interview" they shot was less than stellar.

But, here's a quick recap just so you know I wasn't fibbing about the meeting.

The guys arrived at Felix's late. It was a bad weather night. Thunderstorms were forecasted and the weather guys were right.



Upon arrival I met Mike McDerment, the CEO but he was seriously distracted. The Gang had stopped for gas at some point and Mike had lost his wallet, credit cards, the whole she-bang. Throughout the evening he excused himself from the table and conversation to make numerous phone calls backtracking the miles and stops inquiring about a possibly found wallet. Also, I assume he made a few calls to the home office for options.

Before dinner, I advised the guys to try our local seafood and personal favorite, grilled grouper. There was some talk about my suggestion of the grouper with meuniere sauce.

The sauce with some creole origins sounds French, and it's one of those words I can't pronounce without it sounding like "manure" sauce. (Face it, you kinda pronounced it that way when you read the word, too) I told the guys it tasted a helluva lot better than the way I pronounced it. And they finally believed me.

Surprisingly, the big hit at dinner was a simple side vegetable that none of the Canadians had ever experienced. Turnip Greens.

Now, I know I grew up in the south and greens are a staple, but I don't like them and especially would not order them with seafood; but two of the fellas ordered them and ended up passing the bowl around to each other so all could try the leafy "goodness".

Eamonn O'Connor, the Irish guy, especially liked the greens and related a story about a similar dish he prepares for holiday dinners--although his slaw-like dish has a red tint; but a similar taste.

I connected with Eamonn early on in the evening, as he was a videographer with cool equipment. Part of my work experience was video production.

Dinner conversation was split among the guys with myself and one of their Mobile, Alabama clients, Michael Thornton of Art and Logic.

Saul Colt and I talked about Comedy and Stand-Up. Saul had a short career as a stand up comic in Toronto and rubbed shoulders with some big names during the stand up "hey day" of the 90s.

Sunir Shah talked "software" with Mike Thornton, although there was some discussion among us all, about Sunir's trepidation about being in the South with a bunch of electronic equipment crossing state borders in an RV and looking curiously non-Southern.

Mike McDerment and I talked about my then-impending trip to Prague and the phenomenon of blogging, as well as all the guys asked questions about Mobile, Alabama and the local culture, including avoiding or "riding out" hurricanes like Katrina.

Now, I'm proud of being a Southerner, but usually when I meet someone from "up North", I try to remember my voice lessons from Theatre school and I tend to tone down the Southern accent. My mistake with these guys was mentioning that I was trying hard not to use any Southern colloquialisms while speaking with them.

That must have been their cue to begin to badger me for expressions they could use. Their favorite of the evening was inspired by the thunderstorm outside. We were dining at Felix's Fishcamp and The Causeway over the Bay of Mobile. The parking lot had a few inches of water in it. They had heard "it's raining cats and dogs" but had never heard the expression; "It comin' a frog-floatin' gulley washer" I imagine Sunir might still be using the expression in Toronto.


After dinner, we found an empty banquet room just off from the lounge and the night's entertainment, and they interviewed Mike Thornton on how he utilizes the software created by FreshBooks.

My interview with Saul quickly degraded into swapping jokes, perfecting the "frog floating gulley washer" expression and generally goofing around. I'm sure no usable footage made it past the video camera.

I took this picture of the guys.


That's Eamonn O'Connor, Mike Thornton, Sunir Shah, and Saul Colt.

We wrapped up the evening and I gave the guys some travel tips for their next destination; which was New Orleans, and thanked them for dinner and the visit and then they were off into the night.

I know they survived and made it to their convention in Texas and then back home to Canada. I haven't heard from them since, but I like to imagine them sitting in front of their FreshBooks office building, sipping a fine Canadian beer, eating turnip greens, and saying things like "Ya'll it's cold out here, eh?







COMING TO MOBILE, ALABAMA? CHECK OUT FELIX'S MENU

Labels: Diversions, Public Relations, Travel

Hey, you wanna read all about my trip to Prague, but don't want to wade through the archives?

Here's ALL the links to ALL the stories I saw fit to print.

ON MY WAY

MEETING TEX

ARRIVING IN PRAGUE

THE BLOGGERS 5

MORNING OF PANEL DISCUSSION

THE QUESTIONS AT PRAGUE

PHOTOS, PHOTO, PHOTOS!

THE LAST NIGHT

GOING HOME WITH A DETOUR


It's great when you read it...in order; without commercial interruption.

Labels: Alticor, Amway, Blogs, Public Relations, Quixtar, Travel

THE QUESTIONS AT PRAGUE


Here's the blog entry that you've all been waiting for.

WHAT WAS DISCUSSED AT THE ALTICOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE?

Or at least, what did they want to know from all the bloggers invited.

Shortly after I returned from Prague, I wrote Rob Zeiger, Director of Communications with Alticor and Dino Baskovic, Alticor consultant and moderator of our panel discussion, and asked for a copy of the questions asked of the Bloggers 5.

Let me say, that at no time during the conference were we told NOT to blog about the conference. It was pretty much expected that we would. But, although I took a few notes, I was more intent on answering the questions as they were ask. So I was happy that Dino sent me a copy of the questions when I requested them. This conference really convinced me that Alticor/Amway/Quixtar really wants to be transparent in its Internet presence.

The conference session opened with Dino giving a short Powerpoint presentation on what Blogging is, What blogs can do, and how Quixtar, Amway, and Alticor are using blogs. The ease of setting up a blog was mention and different Blog platforms like WordPress and Blogger were mentioned.

The Alticor Media Blog and the Amway Media Blog were began to address questions from, who else, but the Media. At the time, Dick DeVos, son of Amway Founder Rich DeVos was running for Governor of Michigan and his connection with Amway was an issue during the campaign.

After the campaign(and DeVos' loss) the two media blogs began to address Alticor lawsuits and troubles with terminated Independent Business Owners affiliated with Alticor.

Dino then introduced the invited bloggers and briefly explained their blogging efforts.

Again, the panel consisted of Dave Robison, yours truly; "IBOFightback" (David Steadson); Bridgett, "Tex", "Big Apple". and Quixtar's own, Robin Luymes.

Although, the conference organizers knew all the attendees' real names, each blogger was introduced as their Internet personae. Their anonymity was important to the organizers.

Our audience consisted of Public Relations and Communications staff from Quixtar; Alticor Global; and Amway in Europe, including China. The China delegation had their own interpreter. (My personal nightmare was how the Interpreter might handle my Southern colloquialisms)

I will answer the questions here at "On The Road With Dave", but it's my hope that the rest of the bloggers invited will answer them as well in the comments AND ANY OTHER Quixtar/Amway blogger(critics, too) can give their answers.

I'm sure Dino and Rob Zeiger will read your answers.

1. When did you first start blogging about Amway, and why?

I began commenting at the Original Quixtar Blog back in 1983 2003. I was a frequent contributor to the blog's forum, as well. I even guest blogged at the site. I was then challenged by Eric Janssen, the site author; to start my own blog as an IBO with a positive, but objective view of the Amway/Quixtar world.


2. Many blogs have their own ground rules, and certainly the blogosphere has many rules of the road. What rules—if any—do you govern yourself by when you blog, and for what reasons?

I don't have any set rules other than I do not actively recruit potential IBOs or sell Quixtar products at my blog. I do not accept advertising at my blog, although like any blogger, I "link exchange" with other blogs I like.

As for my readers, they are welcome to leave their comments. Moderation is minimal, only to delete SPAM and illegal or libelous material. Opposing views are always welcomed, but ultimately my blog is my "show".

3. In your opinion, what do you think of our company’s approach to blogging? If you could, what would you change about the way we blog?

At first, only a few blogs like Beth Dornan's had a real "voice. A blog must have a personal voice, even if it is a corporate blog. That problem seems to be on the mend. Also, at first there seemed to be more "PR" than "blog".

Currently, the Alticor/Quixtar/Amway blogs remain "static" too long. Updates can be sporadic. If a particular blog entry elicits numerous responses from readers, then the corporate bloggers need to update with another entry addressing those responses in detail. The conversation among commenters goes on without much more response from the corporate blogger.

4. How has blogging helped you as an individual, as an advocate for the company, and as an "online citizen"? (In my notes, this question was "Has Blogging made you a better person?)

I'm not sure blogging has made me a "better" person; but it has made me a better writer and a better thinker. As an "online citizen" it has afforded me the opportunity to meet good people with diverse opinions and I have online friends and new "offline" friends that I have met as a direct result from blogging and "social networks" online.


5. Do you participate in other online venues, such as with sites like MySpace or Facebook, or do any podcasting? Do you feel that our involvement in these venues makes sense given the nature of our business? Please explain your answer.

I started my Internet life in the early 90s with AOL. I was in chatrooms, message boards, forums. When I discovered the Internet, it was like I injected the modem line directly in my vein. I am hooked.

I participate in blogging, commenting at other blogs, I have a MySpace page, A Facebook page, a Comedian's Community, I'm also LinkedIN. I have a big ego; I want people to know who I am. (This response got laughs, The Chinese people smiled)

As far as Alticor getting involved in "social networking" sites, I would say that employees or IBOs should feel free to join, if they have the inclination and time. I am already friends on Facebook with Dino, Beth Dornan, and Robin Luymes. The Corporation, itself, doesn't really need a site like MySpace.

6. Our bloggging presence – the way we blog, how we blog and what we say – is evolving over time. We are still in the learning stages. Many of the audience members here are professional communicators from our Amway affiliates all over the world. What advice can you give our audience members as they continue to embrace blogging as a tool of communication?

Be authentic. Use your name. Write what is on your mind. Be Personal. A blog reader wants to "know" the author. Don't rely on the company name "tagged" in all your posts to build your readership. If you have diverse content in your blog, readers will find you doing many different type "searches". They may find you because you did a post on "little league soccer" and then stick around to read other things you have written; including things about the company.

There was a follow-up question to this regarding other Quixtar and Amway IBOs starting a blog and if Alticor should encourage this. I stated that while many IBOs may have passion to write positive things about the company in a blog...not everybody can write a blog or even "string" three coherent sentences together. I'm a blog snob, not everybody can do it, even though anybody can start a blog in as little as 5 minutes.

7. Do You Make Any Money Blogging?

Not directly. I have gained comedy gigs from blogging and of course, a major global Direct Sales company paid me to discuss blogging. (I think the Chinese people smiled again)

8. Many of the people in this audience primarily deal with reporters and are just now beginning to deal with bloggers. There has been much debate in recent years whether bloggers carry the same rights and privileges, as do traditional journalists. Do you feel bloggers and journalists are one in the same, and should we treat bloggers with the same level of professional courtesy as we do with reporters?

This question didn't get answered at the conference by me in detail, another panelist answered it. (I forget who). But Dino, my answer would have been--Bloggers and Journalists are the same when the Blogger is covering an issue that is newsworthy. Bloggers are "influencers" if their readership is influenced by them and in turn make a decision about a company. But, a company such as Alticor should treat ANYONE online with respect and professional courtesy, simply because you don't know what the ripple effect they may have on the online community.

I am trained as a journalist; so you can treat me like one. And needless to say, I did hear a couple of "This is off the record" statements.

9. As a global company, we must cooperate with different governments and respect their laws and customs as a rule of doing business. That said, how has blogging impacted the global marketplace?

Blogging as well as the Internet itself, has made the global marketplace more open. A person in another country that might not have access to certain information about a company in a country other than their own, need only perform a "Google search" to find information, market data, profit and loss, and litigation results. Plus, word-of-mouth advertising and personal testimonies via blogs hold weight across international borders.

10. Do you think that blogging has changed the direct selling industry as a whole? Why or why not?

Yes. Information travels faster via blogs and Internet forums, than knocking on doors and doing cold calls. Therefore, a direct seller and Direct Sales companies have to alter their methods of presentation in an online society.


FINALLY, Dino said that over the past year or so; Alticor was trying to transform itself and its companies and its online reputation. In a one-word, "Yes or No" answer; Do you believe the company is already being transformed?

We all answered, YES.

And I do believe it. Not Overnight. Small Steps. But the transformation is happening.


That's it. There was "give and take" and debate among the panelists during the answers and the audience attendees submitted other questions as well. Some personal.

Dino did asked me what kind of material I did in my comedy act...and I hesitated and then told him, he needed to come see me perform; and I left the audience with my blog URL and the address to my MYSPACE page and told them I would gladly accept them as a friend. YEAH, I got an ego!

Labels: Alticor, Amway, Blogs, Public Relations, Quixtar, Social Networking, Travel

Odkud jste?

If you click the link above; you'll hear a very nice lady from the Czech Republic ask you, "Where Are You From?"

On March 18th through March 20th, I look forward to replying, "Jsem z USA" (pronounced poorly by me as something like "Semz USA"--or "I Am From The USA"

Four years ago, I began blogging at "On The Road With Dave" with the hopes of gaining a small readership of people interested in Quixtar, Multi-level Marketing, and my attempts at getting back into comedy.

For about 3 years, my blog content was directed more at my personal life, network marketing, blogs, and at interests that fulfilled my self-described status as a Renaissance man. In the past year, more things comic-related fill my entries.

Consistency in writing has proven to be the biggest benefit of blogging. I think I have grown as a writer on a wide variety of topics. This consistency has been noticed by a wide range of people.

Case in point: On March 17th, I'll be winging my way overseas to appear on a panel of bloggers for Alticor Corporation in Prague, Czech Republic. Their communications and PR staff will be picking my brain and other bloggers for ideas on increasing their "personal" factor on the "Internets" via blogging. (At least, that's my focus)

Alticor tells me, "With your experience and strong opinions about what works and what doesn't in messaging to and with bloggers, the discussion...should be lively and informative."

"Lively" may be an understatement, as I have learned the cast of panelists involved.

Consultant Dino Baskovic will introduce the discussion with short presentation on the topic of blogging. Dino is a consultant for Alticor. His firm, 36Hours is the designer for the Alticor Media Blog.

Dino also teaches at Lawrence Technological University and owns Vincena.

Leading the panel in discussion will be Quixtar's own, Robin Luymes. Robin is Manager for Quixtar Public Relations and author of the Real Quixtar Blog.

Though not directly comedy-related; I'd like to think that my "uniqueness" as a comedian had something to do with my selection by the corporation to appear among the other bloggers.

I'll be appearing with a cast of bloggers known to some "OTRD" readers and their intensity of focus may need a little levity.

First on the list is the author of The Truth About Amway and Quixtar. Known for years, by the pseudonym "Insider" Or "IBOFightBack"

"Insider" was a long-time commenter at Quixtar Blog and Quixtar Blog Forum and at other Amway and Quixtar-related Blogs. Recently he was "outed" by Quixtar-critic, Scott Larsen. "Insider" now confirms his identity as David Steadson. I must say, I'm glad.

Second on the list is known to me only as a Pseudonym, BIG APPLE. BA is a commenter on the Alticor Media Blog. I don't know much about BA, except his comments seem intelligent and helpful. I have no other links for him/her, but hope to have more after the conference.

The third panelist is known by all Quixtar and Amway related bloggers as simply, TEX. Thanks to me, Tex even has his "own" blog, "Tex's Quixtar Blog". Tex is passionate and prolific in the comments section of all the Alticor corporate blogs as well as Quixtar-critic blogs. His position is decidely "pro" for Alticor and passionately negative towards Lines of Sponsorship leaders known as "kingpins"

Finally; little ole "Dave Blogwriter", rounds out the panel. I'll be doing the same thing I've been doing the past 4 years here at "On The Road With Dave--offering my opinion, finding common ground, suggesting solutions, and listening to feedback. I think that's the ultimate importance in blogging.

My goal is to blog from Prague(that rhymes) after the conference. If that's not possible, I'll be taking notes and offering several days of review of the conference after I return home. One interesting thing comes to mind already. After this conference...more identities will be revealed. This has to mean that the panelists see this conference as so important that it negates their desire to remain anonymous. I think that says a lot about their passion.

I'm only fretting over the long plane ride without the comfort of my Marlboros and I'm a little anxious about getting ripped off by currency exchangers and cabbies; but these fears are subsided when I look at my accommodations at the Marriott Prague and the fact that the corporation as already requested my "services rendered" invoice and W-9 so they can send me my check.

And who knows, I may tell a few jokes while I'm there.

Labels: Amway, Blogs, Public Relations, Social Networking, Travel

I have added two new links to my "Links That I Like" section.

Both are sorta related. One, I have read for a long time and have blogged about in the past. The other is one that was referred to me by the first.

Clinton Detweiler taught me and thousands others the art of ventriloquism through his company, Maher Studios and the Maher Home Study Course in Ventriloquism. Clinton also wrote a newsletter called "Newsy Vents". I told my readers about Clinton when he retired in 2006, with "Happy Retirement, Mr. Detweiler".

Clinton hasn't exactly slowed down since he sold the studio and is still creating and repairing ventriloquist dummies for his many clients. He also is still writing "Newsy Vents" except, it's now his webblog updating readers almost
daily on new projects and stories about budding and professional ventriloquists.

Clinton's blog, Newsy Vents is one of my newest links in the sidebar.

Next up,

Some of my readers know that I didn't graduate college until I was 31. I took a Journalism and Public Relations degree and opened a video production company. My company worked with corporate clients in producing public relations and safety videos. It was my thinking, that if I could not be famous in front of the camera, then I would become famous behind the camera.

Ventriloquist Dale Brown had another idea. He brought his art of ventriloquism into his Public Relations company. Dale and his partner "Chip Martin" worked together using ventriloquism and "regular" public relations techniques and skills to service their many clients. Chip is the editor of the firms' newsletter to clients.

Thanks to Clinton Detweiler; I learned of the "Chip Martin" Blog when Clinton advised his readers to "Seriously, Check This Out".

"The 'Chip Martin Blog' contains brief marketing, PR and IT tips along with fun bits of humor from Chip. The posts are brief, pertinent and useful. As a ventriloquist businessperson, I'd encourage you to check out Chip's blog. Not only are the posts seriously helpful, they are designed to bring a smile to your face occasionally as well.

Chip is the business partner of ventriloquist Dale Brown. Many of you know Dale through his lectures at the Vent Haven conventions. Or through his books written for vents: Audience Participation, Banquet Performing, Trade Show Ventriloquism, Making It Up As You Go (Ad-libbing), and Putting Money Where Your Mouth Is (Marketing)."

Remember, Brown and Martin, Inc offers tips from the Public Relations field to all businesspeople, not just ventriloquists...an MLM person could benefit, too.

"Chip Martin's Blog" is now featured in the sidebar of "On The Road With Dave"

Two new links--covering two different topics--they are "Links That I Like"

Labels: Blogs, Public Relations, Ventriloquism

For about two years now, I have wanted to buy the dot com version of my name.

Unfortunately, DavidRobison.com is taken; and although the owner is not using it, he doesn't seem to want to give it up, either.

Also, Dave Robison dot com was unavailable.

Okay, sure, there were other extensions available for those names; but I really wanted the dot com extension. The idea of purchasing the other extensions didn't/doesn't really interest me.

Well, on Father's Day, I was surfing the "Internets" and decided to type in those familiar domain names. Lo and behold, www.daverobison.com was available.

And hey, it was Father's Day; and I deserved a present for all my hard work and toil raising three kids.

So, I purchased it.

Now I own:

www.ontheroadwithdave.com

www.venturesentertainment.com

and now you can check out

www.daverobison.com

It's just a starter page from GoDaddy at the moment. I've reprinted a blog entry from On The Road With Dave to the site for now; but my namesake domain will serve a future purpose.

Labels: Blogs, Comedy, Public Relations

I'm a sucker for all things "shmaltzy", sentimental, or inspiring; which is probably why I was first interested in multi-level marketing and why I gravitate to advertising, Public Relations, and writing.

So, when automaker, Saturn, began airing their Re-Think American campaign on television; I was immediately impressed.

While the commercial is supposed to be about Saturn's innovations in building a better American car; the overall message of the commercial strikes deeper chords regarding thinking outside the box, status, and business as usual. With at least two heart-tugs for me with images of being married and family.

ADWEEK explains the campaign this way:

The spot contrasts easy stereotypes (bling-encrusted knuckles, heroin-chic goth girls, billowing smokestacks and body-building mesomorphs) with cultural flashpoints (a hand with a wedding band, a mother and infant, a solar-power grid and a triumphant Lance Armstrong).

There is no voiceover; titles convey much of the message, noting the 100,000-mile warranty on each vehicle, plus Saturn's claim to offer the "most affordable hybrid" car on the market.

The "Rethink" theme is extended into print, outdoor and online work, including billboards with headlines like "Rethink Supersize" (accompanying Saturn's Outlook SUV) and magazine ads with copy challenging buyers' preconceived notions on any number of subjects.

"Saturn is seen as a new car company," said Eric Hirshberg, CCO at Interpublic Group's Deutsch/LA in Marina del Rey, Calif. "We [at Deutsch] know it has been around for a long time and we think of this as a relaunch. But it got us thinking about how few new car companies, especially new American car companies, there are."

The "Rethink American" campaign attempts "to recast a cultural moment in America through the lens of the American car," Hirshberg said. "Saturn can't operate as an automotive company; it has to operate on the cultural level."

The goal, he said, was to move away from the brand's previous "Aw, shucks tonality. When it was an entry-level brand for non-hagglers, that tone meant a lot. But Saturn has always been so much more than nice. They haven't stopped behaving like a leading progressive brand; they stopped advertising like one. We had to give them a more assertive tone."

I may not rush out and buy a Saturn tomorrow, but I have a new respect for the company, and you can pretty much believe that I'll be talking about the commercial to friends; and they might be in the market for a new car...and isn't that what makes a successful ad campaign?

Labels: Public Relations

Everyone makes mistakes--even me.

I can't remember the exact date; probably too much booze has erased the "particulars", but I do remember the conversation...and I wished I didn't.

The name on the door says "D. Robison, Public Relations, and I'm a PR Guy.

The door doesn't lock good, so that means anybody can walk in. On this day my informant, Dudley, walked in as my partner, Skyler, and I were reviewing a possible client's file.

Dudley always reminded me of Ernest T. Bass on "crack", but he had a knack for getting odd jobs at golf courses, restaurants, lounges, and hotels. He heard things--bad things--PR things.

"I got something for ya, 'Mr. D.' it could be big!" he blurted out.

"Okay," I said, "Whaddya have?"

His eyes darted towards Skyler.

"Not while he's in the room. He gives me the willies." Dudley protested.

"ME! Give you the willies? rebutted Skyler, "You'd creep out Stephen King and Michael Jackson's love child!"

"Alright, Alright," I tried to calm the situation, "Skyler take the file in the back room while I talk to Ern...I mean Dudley."

Skyler left the room, taking the January copy of Penthouse with him.

"Okay Dudley, spill it" I said.

"Okay, Okay, here's the deal" He started. "About three weeks ago I was talking to dis guy who offered me some work up north, it sounded good, the money wasn't bad so I hopped a bus to Michigan; damn it's cold up there...anyway I was working at this convention center, ya know, cleaning up, taking out the trash, whatever.

So, anyway, ev'ry body up there must be in the mob, cause they all do stuff for this guy they call "Da Boss". They even want to elect him Gov'nor."

"Wait a minute" I interrupted. "Da Boss? Don't you mean DE-VOS?"

Dudley was quiet for a beat, and then said,

"Whatever" and he continued.

"So, one day, these guys are walking around the yard of this place and they mention Quixtar"

"Quixtar? Really?" I asked.

"Yeah yeah yeah," Dudley said, "Quixtar...so my ears perked up cuz I know you are always 'innersted' in what goes on there"

"Right," I agreed.

Dudley continued. "So, I followed them around most of the day; making sure I don't look too noticeable, and then it happened."

"What happened?" I asked.

"Well, this one guy, goes to buy a cup of coffee at this street dude's cart and he pulls out the money and drops a piece of paper from his pocket on the ground. He don't notice it, but I do. So, when they walk across the street I pick up the paper and pocket it." Dudley finishes.

I light a cigarette and ask the inevitable question.

"You still have the paper?"

"OF COURSE I STILL HAVE IT!" Dudley exclaimed, "Which is why I'm here...you want it?"

"How Much?" I ask.

Dudley said, "$20 bucks", without missing a beat.

"20 bucks? Is it really worth 20 bucks? This week has me a little short." I lamented.

"Jee-zus Mr. D! I thought I could count on you, man. That hurts me, man, that really hurts me"

I lowered my head.

"Alright Mr. D, I'll let you look at it...and if you think its worth the money; you pay me...if not; I walk." Dudley bargained.

He threw the paper on my desk and I took a look.




It appeared to be an uncompleted checklist for the development of the, "Then" un-designed website, ThisBizNow.

I told Dudley, "Dude, this isn't anything. It's obviously not the original plan, just a working copy, these guys at Quixtar probably have all kinds of folks working on this."

"But Mr. D," Dudley said, "The checklist ain't complete, what if all this doesn't get done? Shouldn't you tell someone? You could be in da dough, for coming in with dis."

"No, Dudley," I held my ground, "This doesn't seem to be anything to worry about; after all, the only thing they haven't done on the list is to buy one measly domain name; and I'm sure they have bought it by now"

"Fine, just fine," Dudley said indignantly, "I bring you good info, and you snub it; you thumb your nose at it...that's okay by me...I'll sell the info to some one else."

"Who ya gonna sell it to? Who else would be interested in a website about Quixtar and a similar domain name that's probably not even available now." I countered.

Dudley headed toward the door, "Ya know what, Mr. D? I bet Bo Short would gimme 20 bucks for this slip of paper." And with that, Dudley walked out and slammed the door.

I crushed out my cigarette and leaned back in my chair. I mean, I really thought it wasn't anything to worry about.

My partner, Skyler, walked back into the room minus the "client file", and yet with a somewhat satisfied look on his face.

He looked at me for a moment and then frowned and said.

"And, I thought I was the dummy!"

I pulled a bottle out of the desk drawer, poured myself a shot, and hoped my mistake would not come back to haunt me.

Labels: Diversions, Public Relations, Quixtar