On The Road with Dave

I just received word from Dino Baskovic, blog administrator for the Alticor Media Blog that the last blog entry for the Alticor Media Blog has been posted.

Under Deconstruction:

"In 2006, our public persona was divided among four companies – Alticor, Amway, Quixtar and Access. Going forward, however, we will do most of our communicating to public audiences under the Amway and Amway Global flags; continuing an "Alticor" blog seems out of place. So we'll lock up the place, flip out the lights, and pack the old threads and recipe cards in archives."

The Amway Media Blog will continue.

I always liked the Alticor Media Blog, even though in its early days, it was used to discuss Michigan politics and Amway's President, Dick DeVos' bid for the Gubernatorial seat in Michigan.

Later on, the blog pulled no punches with its commentary regarding terminated Quixtar-affiliated business owners. I recall many Independent Business Owners miffed over the tone of the blog entries. I, personally, read those entries with a smile on my face. I was thinking, "Finally, they are cleaning house".

I had the chance to meet Dino Baskovic while attending an Alticor conference in Prague. He's a cool guy, that I think has brought a lot of good to Alticor during his time with the company. Dino understands PR, Business, and the culture of being a MLM business owner. Since, the Amway Media Blog will continue, I can only hope that Dino will still have a hand in its direction.

And according to the last entry of the Alticor Media Blog:

"We expect it to remain a place for breaking news, public statements and straight talk. And the OZone blogs are of course alive and well. We hope you visit them early and often.

And away we go."

Okay, I'm sure somebody will say, "Just GO". But it won't be me.

Labels: Alticor, Amway, Amway Global, Blogs, Quixtar

Recently, I announced I did not re-new my Quixtar-affiliated Independent Business. I've received "well-wishes", comments, questions, and I've been the subject of a few other blog posts.

I thought I would address a few concerns from readers and maybe ease the minds of current Quixtar-affiliated Independent Business Owners about what all this really means for myself and my blog, "On The Road With Dave".

First and foremost,

"Dave, if you ever want to sign back up, call me."

The idea and possibility of me signing back up is not that far-fetched. Over the past 25 years I was a card-carrying distributor for Amway twice and then, Quixtar. But, if I were to sign back up sometime in the distant future, I would initially contact my original sponsor for the opportunity to take me back. It's only fair for my former Line of Sponsorship because they invested their time with me, first.

I have no complaints with the people I was involved with. I still think that their "approach" to Quixtar was the most original and ethical concept I had seen in my MLM experience.

Second,

"Dave, you were a major advocate of the changes taking place with Quixtar and Amway Global, why weren't these changes enough to make you renew?

I'm still pleased with the roll-out of changes taking place with Quixtar and Amway Global. As I stated in my last entry; ultimately, procrastination led to my non-renewal. But, there is a bit more to the story.

At this time, my interests are taking me in a new direction and running a Quixtar business takes time. Say what you want about "it only takes 8-10 hours a week in your spare time"; I thoroughly disagree. Quixtar, Amway, Mary Kay, Monavie...all take more time than usually is presented by the businesses. Yes, you can make significant progress working consistently 10 hours a week, but achieving the "dream" requires much more. I can not make that time commitment in my life now. Maybe later.

The new changes taking place at Amway Global, including television advertising, increased transparency(but, not total, yet) and new accreditation practices are all a step in the right direction. If you've been a long time reader of mine, then you know it was always my desire to achieve a certain level of success with Quixtar, so that I could effect some change in policy at Amway from the "inside". Maybe, on some small level, my writings and opinions were a part of that change. I'm content to watch the rest of the transformation from the "outside", for now.

"So Dave, then why did you go to Prague on Amway's dime, if you weren't going to renew?"

Alticor and Amway invited me to attend a conference in regards to my blogging efforts about Amway and Quixtar. The fact that I was an IBO, was a plus, but not the total reason. I offered my opinions and experience about the online perceptions about Amway at the conference and how I dealt with them at my blog. My decision not to renew had nothing to do with that trip.

"Dave, we are here for you as you go through CD withdrawal and you heal from the brainwashing inflicted upon you by the motivational organizations. You are free from the cult."

Ummm...you obviously haven't been reading my blog for very long. I haven't listen to a motivational CD or book or been to a "meeting" in years. Quixtar and Amway are just a business that requires persistence and hard work with a balance of sales and recruiting and teaching some basic business and financial principles.

"Dave, now that you have quit Quixtar, can we expect you to become the newest critic of Amway? Will you be a "broke,loser, quitter?"

What does that pay?

The answer is simply, No.

"What happens to 'On The Road With Dave'?"

I'll still be here. I'll still be an advocate of multi-level marketing and even, Quixtar and Amway. Provided, they are done correctly and as a business, not a pep rally and a shill for motivational organizations.

I will continue to blog at "On The Road" and will still write about Amway stuff and offer up my opinions on MLM from time to time. It seems that the topic is in my blood now, and is expected from some people. Besides the topic "Amway" is always good for website traffic.

Oh yeah...simply because I'm no longer "Amway-heavy" in my blog content is no reason for all you Quixtar bloggers out there to take me off your blog roll. Even some of my "Prague Blogger's Five" aren't linking to me anymore. If you liked me as an MLMer and "Quixtarite" or "Ambot" then keep stopping by and reading. Occasionally, I'll try to make my other "adventures" controversial, so that you'll want to comment on it.

Labels: Amway, Amway Global, Quixtar

It's Official.

I can no longer log in to Quixtar.com

As you might recall I wrote a series of articles about quitting Quixtar back a few years ago. I set some goals; did not meet the goals, and eventually decided I really didn't want to quit Quixtar, but scaled back my activities in Multi-level Marketing and Quixtar. However, I did go on to travel to the Czech Republic last year at Quixtar's behest to speak at a Quixtar conference.

Since my initial writings about quitting Quixtar, many things have happened at Alticor Corporation and in the World of Quixtar and Amway. New policies about corporate transparency, a national advertising campaign, and the corporate decision to revert back to the "Amway" name on a global scale.

Another thing that also happened was my decision not to renew at the beginning of 2008.

I held off renewing with the knowledge that, basically I had until August 31 of this year to renew without leaving my current Line of Sponsorship and I was watching and observing "at a distance" the changes taking place within the corporation. I realized that my status as an "IBO" (Independent Business Owner)affiliated with Quixtar would be placed as "Inactive" on the corporate rolls until the end of August.

I never re-newed.

It's official. I can no longer log in to Quixtar.com and if I want to become an IBO again, I will have to register again with Amway Global. I procrastinated about quitting Quixtar, I procrastinated about renewing with Quixtar...so Quixtar made the decision for me.

Quixtar has Quit Dave Robison.

Labels: Amway, Amway Global, Multi-Level Marketing, Quixtar

Many of my readers will remember when I was super-active in Multi-level Marketing; I was(and still am) a big proponent of "community building on the web"...an early form of social networking and also of blogging.

Eric Jannsen of Quixtar Blog introduced me to blogging, and for that I'll always be grateful. But, Fred Johnston taught me how to start talking to people on a personal basis online, and making friends via the Internet. Fred also was my immediate upline in a MLM company that incorporated in 1999 called Quixtar. Quixtar was to be the online version of Amway by Amway. (Yeah, that ain't exactly how it was presented, but it's close enough.)

My blog is about a lot of things. Sometimes, it's been about Quixtar and Amway; sometimes it's been about my stand-up comedy; sometimes, it's about politics, or something interesting on the Internet. And sometimes, it's strictly something personal about me or a personal opinion.

Tonight, it is personal.

I've lost contact with Fred Johnston over the past year. I know his home state suffered some flooding many months back. The email address I had for Fred has given me no response. I've lost his phone number. When I "google" his name and his old screen name that he used on many Internet forums, the "searches" just take me to entries that are several years old or sites that list his invalid email address.

So, I'm putting out an All Points Bulletin here at "On The Road With Dave" for someone that reads here might also be a mutual friend of Fred Johnston.

Maybe, Fred might even decide to "google" his own name someday and my site comes up in the search and he might decide to drop by.

"Hey Fred! I'm looking for you."

Labels: Amway, Amway Global, Multi-Level Marketing, Quixtar, Social Networking

Back in the early 1980s when I was listening to several Amway cassette tapes a week, it was not uncommon that one of the tapes would have George and Ruth Halsey speaking to a crowd of excited Amway distributors about becoming Amway's first Triple Diamond Distributor. (Triple Diamond was a designation of a high level of achievement in building an Amway business)

From North Carolina, the Halseys had a "folksy", homespun, charming aire about themselves and they spoke like parents to the throngs of listeners. George often referred to his wife as "Momma".

As the first African-Americans to rise to notable ranks through Amway, they seemed to speak in a manner, that if they could do it, so could the listener.

I learned yesterday via "Tex's Amway Global/Quixtar Blog" that George Halsey had passed away.

Tex seemed to think that with George's passing, Amway Global and their critics would have one less "lying, cowardly kingpin" to deal with. And yes, I suppose over the past 25 years since I have heard a "George Halsey and Momma" motivational tape, that maybe George succumbed to the greed and avarice of promoting a motivational system beyond the intended purpose of helping other Amway distributors accomplish what he had done--but, I'd kinda like to have my one lasting memory of George stay the same.

My memory is George loved his wife. When he talked about her, he seemed to get nervous.

"Momma and me," (and then he would cough) "Momma and me," (maybe it was a stifled laugh) "we wanted it bad,"( maybe he was just clearing his throat)

It always seemed like George was going to say something "off-color" or slightly risque' and was trying to catch himself. I was never sure if the coughing and clearing his throat was a nervous speech pattern or something quite different. And then to cap it off--after finally finishing whatever innocuous story he was telling about "Momma and Me"; he would sorta giggle. Like, he wanted us to "catch the drift" he was trying to convey. That's my memory of George Halsey.

FROM GEORGE HALSEY'S OBITUARY:

GREENSBORO — George Thomas Halsey, Jr., 72, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at Moses Cone Hospital after a lengthy illness surrounded by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1301 Alamance Church Road, Greensboro, NC 27406, with the Rev. George W. Brooks officiating. Burial will follow in Guilford Memorial Park.

Mr. Halsey was born on April 2, 1936, in Wilmington, N.C., to the late George T. Halsey, Sr. and the late Inez Halsey.

He was a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, music major where he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. After graduating, Mr. Halsey had a full and exciting life. He was a Greensboro Police Officer then a claims adjuster for Nationwide Insurance Company. In 1975, he was introduced to the Amway Business. George and his wife, Ruth quickly became the first black couple in the history of the company to achieve the level of Triple Diamond. That achievement allowed him to travel all over the world, for pleasure and to motivate thousands. He was known for his big smile, bright eyes, loving and kind nature. He and his family were featured in the Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine, Black Enterprise and several well known books spotlighting their achievements.

George deeply loved his family....

Labels: Amway, Amway Global, Quixtar

Last year, when Alticor and Quixtar announced they were reverting back to the Amway name for all their global operations, I was inspired to write another installment of my "D. Robison, PR Guy" series.

A few days ago, Bridgett at "The World According To Bridgett wrote an entry entitled, "An Ode To Soap", where she is reminded of the importance of the Home Care line of products produced by Amway.

This got me to thinking about the entry I wrote last year.

Occasionally it's nice to remind readers of past articles, so if you've never read a "PR guy" episode, here's your chance.

"THE AMWAY IDOL!" I yelled. You have GOT to be kidding me! There's no such thing as an Amway Idol.

Doug rose from his chair. "Yes there is! It is real. It is powerful." said Doug. "We shall leave it with you and trust that you will hide it away so that it's magic will continue to work for not only our company, but for every loyal Quixtar...I mean, Amway distributor in the world."

Labels: Alticor, Amway, PR Guy, Quixtar

If you read any of the Quixtar Opportunity Zone blogs, or Chuck Lia's "Speaking Of Amway" blog or even "On The Road With Dave"--you might have read comments from a lady named "Bridgett".

Bridgett is a Quixtar-affiliated Independent Business Owner and her comments can be funny, thoughtful, and to some; infuriating. Her comments even led to her being invited, along with me and others, to Prague last March for a meeting with Alticor's Communications team.

At the meeting, I suggested numerous times to Bridgett that she should start her own blog--even if it wasn't Quixtar/Amway related. Bridgett had some issues with the idea that mostly revolved around maintaining a certain amount af anonymity.

I received an email from her over the weekend announcing she had decided to take the plunge into the blogosphere. Normally, I wouldn't link to a new blog until the author has posted several weeks of blog entries; but since this could be some breaking news for other bloggers writing about the Quixtar/Amway business; I felt that since she let me know, I should go ahead and let my readers know.

Although, she will still probably maintain some anonymity, I think her new blog will be an interesting stop in your daily Internet surfing.

Welcome her and her new blog, "The World According To Bridgett".

Labels: Alticor, Amway, Blogs, Quixtar

I'm a winner.

Back in May, Beth Dornan at Inside Quixtar announced a contest to rename her blog based on the eventual name change of Quixtar North America back to Amway. Inside Quixtar would be an obsolete name. Prizes for the contest winners would include an Artistry or Nutrilite sales kit to the best suggestion and Artistry Essentials skin care or Simply Nutrilite samplers to the four runnersup.

Many suggestions were submitted and in the end the winners were announced.

The Winners Are:

1st Place: Dave Robison, Samanta S., and Tex for the best variations on Inside Amway (couldn't pick just one!)

Runnersup:

Chuck Lia: Amway Global Insider

Utah: Corporate Insider

My suggestion is reprinted here.

First and foremost, The name has to include Amway Global or Amway...you need it for Google searches. "Inside" is a given. "Inside" is YOU. So unless someone else in one of the Global markets already has a Inside Amway blog, then you should take it.

Even though you'll be blogging about "Inside Amway" as it relates to the gang at Grand Rapids; you'll still be speaking about Global related topics as well.

If you give the blog another name, then you have to include a sub-title heading with Amway in the line, so the blog can be searchable easily by title.

Example: On The Inside: Views From Amway USA

From The Inside Out: Amway Global From North America

The Insider Blog: Amway Global

Just thinking off the top of my head.

Dave

PS: Stay away from "On The Road With Beth" although Bob, Bob, Bobbling Along With Beth has a catchy sound to it.

I'll await the variation Beth actually will choose, along with the rest of you.

In the meantime, I'd like to thank the Academy and my fellow nominees, I'll take the Nutrilite Sales Kit, please...engraving is not necessary.

Labels: Amway, Quixtar

I don't want to be accused of following in the footsteps of the Alticor Media Blog and falling behind in updating my blog, so I'll let you in on what's coming up next week.

I have several entries I'm working on.

I attended my first Mobile Bay Bears game last week, and took a few photos. You might have surmised that something like that influenced my "Sunday Thoughts" last week. So, expect a summary of my trip to the "Hank".

I was contacted last week by Nashville publisher, Turner Publishing to write a review of a pictorial history of Mobile, Alabama. I received my copy a few days ago and plan to share my thoughts on the book.

Friday night, I performed here in Mobile at "30 Something" with a group of fine comedians and a small audience. That story will be coming over at "Comedy This Exit".

I have a birthday coming up this week, and you can pretty much expect that I'll be in one of my contemplative and reflective moods on that day. I really hate birthdays.

I posted a few comments over at Chuck Lia's "Speaking Of Amway" blog regarding should "Quixtar" bloggers start to blog less and concentrate on actually building a Quixtar business. Nice discussion.

Special thanks to those that attended the mock press conference last week; that entry is still open for more questions.

Labels: Alabama, Alticor, Blogs, Comedy, Miscellaneous, Mobile, Quixtar

I've been reading IBOFIghtback's Blog and Forum, The Truth About Amway, almost since he started the site.

Recently, I got the chance to meet the author and while he was controversial on sites like The Quixtar Blog Forum and earned the name "Spinsider"--when it comes to his Line Of Sponsorship, Network 21--I found him to be a pretty cool guy.

No, I don't agree with all of his opinions, but then again, not everybody agrees with my opinions, either.

His site provides feeds to breaking press releases from the world of Amway and Quixtar and I think he must have a hundred "Google Alerts" going through his Inbox to keep up. I personally like his slant of covering Amway/Quixtar business in the European and Asian markets.

He's been sending his readers to my blog over the past couple of weeks to catch up with my exploits in Prague and his readers have caused a little spike in my traffic.

By The Way, Welcome to all the visitors from "Truth".

I can't really return the favor in numbers, but I can surely return the favor by adding "The Truth About Amway" to my "Links That I Like" in my sidebar.

Welcome "IBOFightback" to "On The Road With Dave".

Better Late Than Never.

Labels: Amway, Blogs, Quixtar

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

GOING HOME WITH A DETOUR

I slept terribly, Wednesday night. The codeine cough syrup I had been using to quiet my cough had began to make me itch. It was a side effect I had experienced before. Usually I can live with it, but at the same time my bronchitis was worsening and the codeine wasn't even helping the cough. At about 3AM, I got up out of bed and decided that since I couldn't sleep, I might as well pack my bags.

By 4AM, I was tired and miserable--but if I went to sleep--would I wake up in time to check out and make it to the airport? I chanced it, and slept until around 5:30AM.

I was to meet "TEX" downstairs in the lobby for breakfast at 6AM. I carried my bags down, checked out, and received my deposit back. (I had to put up a $100 dollars deposit, because I didn't have a credit card to secure purchases from the mini bar or if I had decided to watch some hotel satellite porn) For the record I got back all my money, except the price of a Pepsi.





"Tex" and I had a nice breakfast and caught the shuttle to the airport. I have been telling the story, since I returned from Prague, that I saw Air Force Two( maybe One) at the Amsterdam Airport and now, as I write this, it might have been at the Prague Airport. I was told after I returned from my trip that Condoleezza Rice had been making a trip to the area.


Again a nice flight to Amsterdam. At the Amsterdam Airport, I said good-bye to Tex and began the long security check. I was randomly selected for a more extensive security check. No Rubber Gloves were involved but they did open my carry-on bag and wave a metal detector wand over me and pat me down. I passed the test.

Then it was 10 hours on board a way crowded flight to Memphis, TN. I'm sure that my fellow passengers were happy to land in Memphis, after listening to me cough the entire trip. I think I might have started a trend before the flight was over. I heard many others cough right along with me. Maybe, we were all suffering from the "Prague Blah"

But, me and my fellow flight mates were not just going to land in Memphis. We had the opportunity to land somewhere else first.

As our flight trajectory brought us near the USA and home, a passenger began experiencing a medical emergency. The pilot made that familiar announcement that you hear in the movies. "If there is a qualified medical professional on board we ask that you report to a flight attendant." or something to that effect.

About thirty minutes later, another announcement.

"We have a passenger experiencing signs of a heart attack, we are making an unscheduled stop in Toronto, Canada to assist the passenger. Please remain in your seats as medical personnel board the plane."

We land. We stay on the runway. Fire trucks, ambulances, and other official airport vehicles surround the plane and Paramedics board the plane. We sit. I cough.

Thirty minutes later, they wheel an elderly gentleman from the plane under oxygen and his "vacation" in Canada begins. The trucks leave. We are informed that our flight connections will be informed of the delay and that most of us should make our next leg of the trip in plenty of time.

And I do. I arrive in Memphis with about 45 minutes to spare. Just time enough to pass through Customs, receive my SECOND stamp in my Passport, and board my plane to "Sweet Home Alabama"

My lovely wife greeted me at the Mobile Airport with a hug and a kiss and a container filled with some cold Milo's Tea. (nectar of the Gods)

Unfortunately, my luggage had taken a side trip to Shreveport thanks to the Customs official in Memphis who I handed it to on my way to my flight.

"Mobile, right?" he said.

"Right." I said.

Undoubtedly, "Right" means send it somewhere else. So I didn't get my bags until the next day, but I was home. Who cares?


But, it bummed me out a bit, because I couldn't show off my handmade marionette to the family that night. He's a Scot, I bought him because I have some Scot in me and I think I may look a little like him after a few shots of Tequila.

Well folks, there you have it. The entire Prague, Czech Republic experience. Thanks for taking the trip again with me.

Thanks again to David Steadson, Bridgett, "Tex" and "Big Apple" for being a part of the Bloggers 5. Thank you, Rob Zeiger and Alticor Corporation for thinking I had something intelligent to say to your Staff. Thank you, Robin Luymes and Dino Baskovic for putting up with us, hosting us, and doing all that walking in the city with us.

It was a trip of a lifetime, and I'm glad I was "On The Road" to do it.

Labels: Alticor, Amway, Blogs, Quixtar, Travel

THE LAST NIGHT

After our walking tour of the city of Prague, we arrived back at the hotel cold, tired and hungry. I went and grabbed a quick shower and put my new Czech Republic marionette in my room.

Dinner was planned at a local pub/restaurant with all of the Bloggers 5, along with Dino Baskovic, Robin Luymes and Kate Makled. I spoke with Kate for a little while on the way to the restaurant. I found out her job consisted of "crisis management" public relations. A job description that I remarked probably kept her busy. Kate is directly under Rob Zeiger, the Director of Communications for Alticor. So she's a "big dog", and I felt honored that she decided to join us for dinner. And can I say? Dare I say?...yeah why not...she's a babe.

Dino had received a map of the restaurant's location and at the appropriate time, we began our trek to the restaurant. Bridgett and Kate opted for sensible shoes instead of "heels" to make the walk along the cobblestone streets. It was a smart decision. The streets are pretty and historic, but uneven and a bit treacherous in the dark.

I walked with Dino for a while since he had the map, but early on in the trip, Big Apple took over the job of leading us to the restaurant. Big Apple had been by the restaurant earlier in his tours of the city and was sure he could get us there. It was funny that the group divided up in different smaller groups as conversations changed throughout the walk. Someone would speed up to a group of three to get in on a chat; or slow down to a group of two to join in on a different conversation. It seemed to take a while of walking and a few twists and turns, but we arrived at the pub ready to eat.

I had seen on several menus at different places, a Czech favorite called, Pork Knee. Okay, maybe I'm not a world traveler, but I sorta thought that since the Czech Republic was "old country"; that a dish called Pork Knee was akin to a Southern favorite, "Ham Hocks", the lower portion of the pig leg. Ham Hocks are a tasty addition to soups and beans, not much meat but delicious "soul food".

I couldn't have been further from the truth. I had a mini roasted leg of pig that started right below where a "cut" of ham would begin. Smoked and roasted to perfection, served with a mustard and bread. I opted for some "French Fries" as well. The waitress looked annoyed at THAT selection of "side", but hell, it was on the menu and I like fries with my Pork Knee.

QUICK TRAVEL TIP: I didn't drink a lot of alcohol on this trip because I was on medication so I have to tell you about Coke and Pepsi in the Czech Republic. Cokes and Pepsis DO NOT taste the same as they do in Alabama. I read that it has to do with the water supply. In many countries Coke and Pepsi, while still maintaining a "coke" taste--still taste a bit "off". In my case, they had a "diet" aftertaste; a sweet, almost saccharine flavor. Not unpleasant enough to forgo ordering, but not quite the same as the USA.

I sat with Dino and Robin, and David Steadson closet to me. Dino and David talked "computers" for a while. Dino and I talked about stand up comedy and my experiences in comedy clubs. Robin was a great conversationalist with a wide variety of interests.

After dinner, we made our way back to the hotel. (It seemed faster this time) and we all hung out in the lobby.

I knew that Tex and I had an early flight out the next morning, but the conversations seemed to never come to an end. I took a quick picture with Robin, Dino and Kate. I remarked that I wanted a photo of me and the "corporate geeks". I think Bridgett thought I insulted them, but Dino had mentioned being a "geek" at dinner AND I use "corporate geeks" with affection.

After the corporate ge--ummm...folks left; the Bloggers 5 continued talking until late. We exchanged email addresses, took a few more photos and I eventually said good night.

My last night in Prague, Czech Republic couldn't have been better.

Labels: Alticor, Amway, 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. 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

MORNING OF PANEL DISCUSSION

First, let me say, I slept late. After I got back to the hotel the night before, I took the plunge and grabbed a Pepsi(Damn, no Dr. Pepper) from the Mini-Bar( I know, I splurged, but I was in Prague; cut me some slack) and I took two Nyquil PLUS my prescribed cough medicine with the miracle cough suppressant codeine and I slept.

Wednesday morning, I availed myself to the complimentary breakfast buffet and then went to the shops next door to the hotel and bought a pack of cigarettes. The lady at the newsstand helped me with my Czech koruna or crowns currency. I had some coins and was trying to use a larger bill and she needed coins. She was nice and no, she didn't try to overcharge the "redneck" from Alabama.

A light snow was falling outside and I stood outside smoking and watching the morning pedestrian traffic.

I can't recall if I saw any of my fellow Bloggers Five that morning, but it was scheduled that we were having lunch together along with Robin Luymes and Dino Baskovic, the Panel Discussion moderator.

I decided to go take a shower and put on my suit.

Now, I have to tell you, the conference was "business casual"; which meant that a suit wasn't necessary. But, I NEEDED a new suit and this trip was a perfect excuse to go buy a new one. I remember while my wife and I were shopping for it, I kept joking with her that I wanted an "Amway suit"--blue suit, white shirt, red tie; the unofficial, or maybe even official, uniform of the "Amway Motivational Organizations". She, of course, threaten me with bodily harm at the suggestion.

Instead, I bought a dark, chocolate suit(modern cut, for you fashionistas)with a thin almost indistinguishable pin stripe. I wasn't happy with the cuffs. The tailor made them shorter than I was used to. (Something about "that" being the style) I'm used to a cuff that hits you past the wrists near the palm. That's probably very "eighties" of me. Anyway, I looked good. Trust me.


Anyway, I went back downstairs, wearing my new suit and my "David Robinson" name tag and saw the other bloggers talking. Somebody mentioned that "I clean up good". (Told ya that I looked good) I think I confused them when I asked them if they were "talking about Amway in Prague". I mentioned that Prague was the "Porn Capital" Of Europe; did anybody want to discuss that. Nobody seemed to want to change the subject, oh well, I guess I won't give you the actual link to Big Sister Dot Net.

Dino Baskovic and Robin Luymes joined us a bit later. I remember "Bridgett" asking Dino if he was tired or stressed. He seemed a bit harried.

Dino wanted to eat lunch with us and give us a little pre-panel discussion preparation.

Two things stuck out to me on the "prep".

Dino said that the conference attendees "get it" when it comes to the Internet; but the blogging phenomena and how Alticor was embracing it was new to them.

And we were told that the conference attendees REALLY wanted to hear our opinions.

This was not to be a "PR gimmick". Blogging, and what we had to say about it was important to these people.

Oh, and I guess one other thing stuck out. Dino was very worried about us eating lunch on time. The conference sessions had started on schedule for the entire conference; Dino didn't want to break the streak.

Robin Luymes told Dino to relax. Yes, the sessions had been starting on time, so if this one didn't, it'd be okay. Robin said, "We'll tell'em the bloggers had to eat!"

I thought, "Yeah, the bloggers have to eat. 'We be blogging', we be eatin'".

I still ended up leaving half my club sandwich(yeah, I opted for "American cuisine") on my plate.

NEXT UP! THE PANEL DISCUSSION!

Labels: Alticor, Amway, Blogs, Quixtar, Travel

The Bloggers 5

Tuesday afternoon I met ALL of the panelists that would make up the Bloggers 5 as Robin Luymes affectionately has coined us.

I knew that IBOFightback, Tex, myself, and someone named Big Apple would be present. Once in Prague, I learned a fifth blogger had been invited and had not received word of the invitation until late the week before. In fact, she acquired her passport only on the Friday before the conference. Her name was Bridgett and she is a frequent commenter on Inside Quixtar, The Real Quixtar Blog, and other blogs in the Opportunity Zone. All the invitees were Independent Business Owners affiliated with Quixtar or Amway.

We met in the hotel lobby, grabbed a couch, and a couple of chairs and began talking, comparing notes, debating the merits of Quixtar/Amway Tool Systems and getting involved in a few healthy arguments.



Rob Zeiger, Director of Amway Corporate Communications, stopped by our group to say "Hello" and to welcome us to Prague. Rob is responsible for the Alticor Media Blog as well as other corporate blogs. Rob is also the man responsible with inviting these bloggers to Prague.



Once he introduced himself, Bridgett's first words were, WERE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT BLOG ENTRY?! (I forget which one, but it was at Alticor Media Blog)

Rob took the question in stride, and I suggested to him after a few minutes and a barrage of questions, that he should probably "Step Away From The Bloggers!"

But, he was brave and stayed to talk with us for quite some time. We invited him to go to dinner with us but he was to attend another dinner with conference attendees. We had to keep reminding ourselves that there were a hundred or so Amway Corporate Communication staff attending this conference.

We also met Robin Luymes in the lobby, but we were destined to spend the evening with each other. And spend it, we did.

At the suggestion of "Big Apple", we went to a restaurant/pub around the corner from the hotel for dinner and more conversation.

"Big Apple" is a successful IBO with a strong retailing business and had arrived a day early in Prague. He appeared to me to be a seasoned traveler and had checked out the city the day before.

The restaurant, Celnici, was loud, boisterous, and perfectly Czech. I ordered the Goulash, a thick dark stew served with bread. It was delicious--once it was served.

QUICK TRAVEL TIP--Restaurant service may seem slow in the Czech Republic; but it is not meant to be rude. In fact, I learned it is considered highly hospitable. It seems that if don't order an appetizer, and your other table mates do. Then they are served first, and nothing else is brought out until that course is over. Each course is completely finished. No waiter will come after your plate in mid-bite or rush you to finish. It's not TGI Fridays.

Big Apple and IBOfightback ordered wine with dinner. Which brings me to a small rant.

All of the panelists invited were smart, entertaining, and interesting people. But I can't call them by name, except IBOFightback who was outed at another website and his identity revealed.

The reason I can't call them by name, is I was asked as a Blogger, not to report their true identities.

That's the reason their faces have black bars over them. That makes me mad. And they know it. The panelists were invited by Amway and Quixtar because of the authentic, truthful, and personal opinions that they give about Amway and Quixtar on the Internet. Their opinions were respected enough to be invited to speak to the global staff of a multi-billion dollar company. So why not, reveal their identities?

For Bridgett, it was due to professional reasons related to her "day-job". For "Big Apple", it was due to friction with his Line Of Sponsorship. For Tex, it was personal reasons.

Bridgett's "day-job" is highly interesting. Can't tell you about it.

Big Apple's name...can't tell you...But, there's a funny story about it, involving him ordering wine that directly relates to his personality.

Let's say he has a proper name, "Jonathan". We asked him if we could call him "Johnny" or "John". He said anything would be fine. But, at dinner, "Johnny" ordered wine with IBOFightback(David Steadson). After the wine arrived, "John" asked for a carafe, so the wine could breathe. As he related to David Steadson on the properties of the wine; Bridgett and I suddenly realized, he was, no doubt, "Jonathan".

But, all our personalities meshed. We talked, we ate, they ordered dessert, we talked some more. Dinner lasted at least 4 hours. I was tired. It was 12:30 and I was still sick and taking medication for a cough that would not stop.

I bid farewell to my dinner companions and walked back to the hotel. I hear that they stayed much longer after that.

Prague at night is beautiful. I stopped and looked out over the square where the restaurant was located. People walking, Trams passing by, the architecture of the old buildings illuminated by street lights; I knew I was 5000 miles away from Alabama, but I felt comfortable. It was a good first day.

Labels: Alticor, Amway, Blogs, Quixtar, Travel

ARRIVING IN PRAGUE

The only countries I have ever had a real interest in traveling to were Australia and Scotland. I supposed that I would enjoy other places but I really never had that passion to see exotic ports of call.

But, I did have two travel fantasies that I wanted to fulfill at some point in my life; and they both came true at the Prague Ruzyne International Airport.


In case you didn't know; Passports, these days, have an electronic strip on the front page and airport personnel can scan them. This bothered me. I went through a lot to get my Passport at the last minute, and by golly, if I was going to be a foreign country, I sure as heck wanted somebody to physically get out their little "country stamper" and stamp my passport page with a country name. This finally happened at the Prague Airport.


My second travel fantasy involved a "driver". Being a performer, comedian, I had always imagined that at some point I would arrive in New York City or Hollywood and a car and a driver would be waiting for me. The driver would be holding a placard with my name, Mr. Dave Robison, on it. I would see the driver, identify myself and he would shake my hand, grab my luggage and whisked to the waiting automobile.

Thanks to some pre-arrangement, I had an English speaking driver that would accept US currency to meet Tex and myself to drive us to our hotel.

Both travel fantasies fulfilled inside of 30 minutes of each other. I could die a happy man. (It's the little things that please me)

A couple of things I did not pre-arrange--

I did not prearrange the snow that began to fall as Tex and I landed.

I did not prearrange having small US dollar bills to pay the driver. All I had was $100 dollar bills. I had spent my small bills on airport concessions. But, I gave Tex my remaining small bills and he made up the difference. (I still owe Tex, $27 dollars)

I did not prearrange taking a Valium before riding in a car driven by a young man named Petre, that thought he may be the Czech Republic's answer to Helio Castroneves.

But, Tex and I got a nice tour of Prague on the way to the hotel and did arrive safely despite Petre's attempts to mate his car's front bumper with several rear bumpers of other Czech drivers. And, I was finally allowed to smoke a cigarette in the car--a much needed cigarette, even though I had been wearing a nicotine patch for my flights.

The hotel, Marriott Prague, was worth the wait. We checked in and Tex went to explore.

I was pleasantly surprised to be handed a note at check-in from IBOFightBack welcoming me to Prague, (He had arrived about an hour earlier) and inviting me for a chance to meet and a drink in the hotel lobby after I had settled in.

I headed to my room to unpack my shirts and suit(Wife's orders) and to take a quick shower.

QUICK TRAVEL TIP: Electricity in the Prague Marriott is controlled by your key card. You have lights as long as your card is in the slot. Remove the card, and you have 20seconds before lights go out. This saves energy and prevents guests from leaving their room lights on when they exit.

I called IBOFightback's room and met him downstairs. We enjoyed some "Amway" conversation; but mainly non-business chat. One thing to note about IBOFightback--He has a "Thick" Australian accent. Don't let him tell ya otherwise. He's under the impression that since he hasn't lived in Australia in several years that it has dissipated. But if he doesn't have a "Aussie" accent then I don't have a "Southern" accent; and Ya'll know that ain't true!

I drank a slightly cool draft Czech beer. A little bitter for my taste, but not bad.
Mainly, IBOFightback filled me in on the roster of panelists showing up for the conference that I had not heard of.

After our conversation, I went upstairs to the meeting hall area and milled around and talked to a few Amway/Quixtar corporate people manning the "Welcome" table outside the conference room. I met a very nice lady, whose name has escaped me who gave me my "needed" name tag and she apologized profusely for adding that damn unnecessary "N" in my last name, but offered to make another name tag before the next day and my panel appearance. I told he not to worry about it; as long as it was correct on my check.

IBOfightback and I had arranged to meet in an hour or so back downstairs with the other bloggers; so I wandered around the hotel exploring and made my way outside on the street in front of the hotel and visited a couple of shops in the area.

It was going to be a long first day in Prague.

Labels: Alticor, Amway, Quixtar, Travel

BLOGGER'S NOTE: I was suffering from bronchitis prior to my trip, and upon returning it was worse. That's a blog entry in itself, but I'm feeling somewhat better and will now continue the Prague series.

MEETING TEX

Tuesday Morning I arrived in Amsterdam with a layover that was to last several hours. Amsterdam is a huge airport that seems to be constantly under construction.

QUICK TRAVEL TIP: The descent into Amsterdam is a slow steady descent in stages. (probably due to air traffic) The entire descent takes about 30 minutes and if you suffer from any sinus condition, the wait can be painful and your hearing may become non-existent. Depending on your condition, things will not return to normal for some time after being on the ground.

The airport shopping areas are huge and diverse. Food, Merchandise, and Currency Exchangers are plentiful. In the market for a Cartier watch or diamond ring? Then this is the place to shop while you wait for your connection.

I wasn't interested in shopping, I was excited that I would be meeting frequent blog commenter and fellow panelist, Tex. We would be flying on the same flight from Amsterdam to Prague.

As I wandered around my Gate area, I passed Tex several times. Being at a disadvantage at not knowing what Tex looked like, I still couldn't help noticing this tall--tall guy also walking around. Objectively...he was a young looking, attractive guy with a a carry on bag. Luckily, I have no shame and have my photos plastered all over the Internet and Tex finally recognized me, even after my overnight flight disheveled look.

He caught my eye and asked, "Dave?"

Tex?

We shook hands and exchanged the usual "How was your flight?" pleasantries and began talking like new friends.

Any assumptions that readers of Tex may have of what he might be like in person; let me just put them to rest. HE'S A NICE GUY.

A family man, a guy with a good job, and a man with a life outside of his message about Quixtar and Amway tool systems. Also, he's pretty damn funny with some good stories about his life. The time at the airport passed quickly.

We finally got our boarding call and went through a Passport check and I thought we were boarding the plane. Instead we boarded a bus and began a drive to our airplane. Remember when I told you about the construction at Amsterdam Airport? Well, we got to see it all, as the bus maneuvered through a maze of barricades, netting, and equipment towards the KLM tarmac.

Tex remarked, "Maybe they're just driving us to Prague?"

We disembarked the bus, and headed over to our plane and up the steps. I found my seat and settled in for the hour flight to Prague and a little rest before all the activity of the conference was to begin.

Then I heard Tex's voice a few seats behind me talking to another passenger.

"Would you mind trading seats with my friend up there, so we could sit together?. He has an aisle seat, too."

Then an attractive woman says to me, "Would you like to switch seats?"

Now, I had no problem sitting with Tex; but I had already settled into the cramped seat and I didn't want to cause an inconvenience to the lady and I suppose I hesitated just a tick, before answering. Then I hear Tex(along with everyone around me) say,

"Well, I guess I should have said, MY REAL GOOD friend"

Everyone laughs, and I make a big deal by saying, "Oh wow, if he's gonna say REAL GOOD friend, I guess I should sit with him.

The lady and I make the switch and Tex and I settle in for more pleasant conversation about Quixtar, motivational tools and the upcoming conference.

Needless to say, the trip passed by quickly.

Labels: Amway, Quixtar, Travel

One of the newest blogs at Quixtar's Opportunity Zone is Lynn Wendyger's; The Beta Mom In Training.

Lynn is Training Coordinator for Quixtar, Inc.

She describes herself a baby boomer mom of two millennial children. She lives in a world where "my children know more about technology than I do."

Lynn says "But I am insatiably curious about the role that technology plays in work, home and education. As a masters level Clinical Psychologist in a past life, I’m interested in how technology enhances life ... and how it can also make it more complex.

As a Performance Consultant in Training & Education, I am excited about contributing to the development of learning programs that will help Independent Business Owners make money selling products and build successful businesses."

The BetaMom blog is already receiving some great comments and suggestions for the Quixtar-affiliated business owner. One in particular struck me as "cutting edge."

Tom in Atlanta said on February 11, 2008 1:01 PM: Welcome to the O'Zone, Lynn! This is a great blog target subject and I'm excited to hear what you have to share.

I don't have any kids of my own but I do participate in social networking sites. I've found though that it would be better to invite people we meet in those communities to a community of our own.

What do you think about an online Amway Global Community? This would help our online prospects get a better community feel and make it easier to share information about our business and products in a more organized, seamless way. Corporate participation in our 'conversations' through the production of the online community itself, the information and manner in which it is shared would add credibility to our conversations and help keep the information shared consistent and accurate.

As things are currently, we really need to be proficient in all the places that our business can be found on the internet. The new person has far more important things to learn in the beginning regarding their business.