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March 3, 2005
Why do I do this?
By David Robison in March of Perceptions
Why do I do this?
Why does an obviously pro-Quixtar, active IBO visit QuixtarBlog? This site that has gained a reputation for being critical of the business I have chosen to operate?
Why would I subject myself to the Open Forum on this site, when the discussions attract so many others opposed to my business?
Why would I let this site owner persuade me to engage in a blog of my very own, with a view that opposes his? (Not to mention that the very act of blogging can be frustrating, annoying, and time consuming)
Why do I include a link to his blog at my own, knowing that his supporters may visit my site and comment there as well?
On top of all this, I publish my personal pro-Quixtar views, and those views often even clash with other pro-IBOs.
And now, I'm called upon to write my perceptions here at QuixtarBlog in a somewhat official position; leaving myself open for each sentence I write to be dissected, analyzed, critiqued, and argued.
So, I must be crazy, right?
The goals of "March of Perceptions" were stated to me in this manner, "I believe that there is a lot of misunderstanding about the Quixtar business and its related issues. And quite often, that misunderstanding leads to prejudice, stereotypes and worse. My hope... is to find a way to move towards understanding and maybe help others see things from a different perspective. I think this project is a step in the right direction."
Maybe these are futile goals on QuixtarBlog's part; already comments have been made from the opposing side of Quixtar. Mouths are salivating in anticipation, hoping to hear perspectives that are ripe for critique.
Those in favor of Quixtar are girding their loins for battle, second-guessing each sentence they prepare. I know I am. Go Figure.
And thus the stereotypes and prejudice may prevail.
The key to overcoming misunderstanding, is a desire to understand.
I originally visited QuixtarBlog to understand the writer's perspective. In turn, I grew to understand many of the other visitors. Each with a different perspective and experience that led them to believe as they did.
No, I did not agree with all of their points, and in fact still find many of their views, pompous and combative; but not all.
I also see the "brainwashed" IBOs defend themselves, miserably at times, stating their "case" by repeating their "misunderstandings"
So, where do I fit into this "project?"
Maybe, I'm just as pompous, and maybe my brain has gone once around the normal wash cycle.
But, I'll try to state my IBO case simply.
I have chosen to pursue a course in a controversial business model called Multi-Level Marketing, (a model that has as many opposing views as Quixtar itself.)
I have chosen Quixtar; the company, the products and the compensation plan, in spite of any controversy.
The sale of motivational tools is not my modus operandi. My business expenses involve my ISP service, product brochures, printer ink, gasoline for my vehicle to make sales calls, but not attend out-of-town rallies. The types of expenses any normal salesperson might incur.
I operate within the Rules set down by my agreement with Quixtar, not some ideology expounded from an upline pulpit.
And I believe, that one day, all IBOs will take what is "good" about Quixtar and make it better, and will take what is good about business and apply it to their own.
Stereotypes be damned.
I understand the problems involved with this, and I have no notion that I'll ever be truly accepted. But that is someone else's stereotyping that they must contend with.
Okay, I'm done with my "march"; forget the XS, just give me the tequila bottle!
The "March of Perceptions" is a special Quixtar BLOG project featuring the perceptions of four guest bloggers during the month of March.
Comments
Dave, great post. The year we went "silver" and - more importantly, made money - was the year I got on the phone and called businesses to set up appointments for the vacation albums. Did the whole 7500 pv myself, and made a ton of profit. Also was the first time I was ever respected as a "real businessperson" by anyone outside of Quixtar.
I wish you all the best, and wish that more people would follow your lead.
Unfortunately, the "2-5 year" pitch for riches and glory will always, i think, overshadow hard working, down-to-earch people like yourself.
Like lawDawg, I have little faith that the Quixtar business will survive the inevitable "final battle." That battle will be, on the one side, the Dexes and the Britts of the business versus all the ex-IBOs who were defrauded on the other. The battle will be all-out, take-no-prisoners. Dex and Bill will use every resource they have to keep as much as they can keep until they are either tossed under the jail or forced to flee, taking as much as they can with them as they go. And the ex-IBOs will be out to regain as much of the blood that was sucked out of them during their involvement as they can.
Can the corporation survive this? I don't know.
Will there be anything left for people like you who seek to do the business honorably? I don't know.
I'd prefer to see the Davids of the business slowly overtake the business and show the kingpins how it SHOULD be done and become hugely profitable doing it.
Again, I don't think that will happen.
So the best you can do is to do the right thing - - - and have a "Plan B." I hope that, in the end, it is worth it for you.
Thanks for your insight.
PW
Dave, good stuff. One question. It's been 8 months since I'm reading many quixtar pro and anti comments in various sites. You appear to be, so far, the only person I saw as a logical one. (My obeservation)
There are some 'antis' that I don't agree much, but there are way more than one at least that I do.
Question is, can you tell me an IBO who could debate an anti without saying any thing a logical person won't say? other than u ;)
Would you agree if I say that # of antis who stay logical are more than one?
Its just wierd that, so many IBOs..... Some one gotta be talkable with Anti's or any one without getting emotional. So second question would be: where are they?
Imran,
You have to understand that not all IBOs are involved in the small community of sites like this.
Although, the number is growing, sites such as this, MLMS, and WAQ, are really pretty small in the grand scheme of things.
Lots of people, even those who hate MLM, Quixtar, and Dex, don't even know sites like this exist and never bother looking for it.
I'm just one of the weird ones that like this small community. It becomes an obsession.
I would point to Qblog Forum member Kent Faver, who can discuss things logically and unemotional. Even though you might not agree with him. Although his postings are minimal.
I think a lot of the emotion comes from the fact that the type of person that voices his opinion in a blog or forum is "emotional" in the first place.
Their personality drives them to express themselves, sometimes badly, sometimes illogically. I'm sure I'm in that party at times.
But, I'm sure that there are other logical IBOs out there, building organizations, and being part of their own community.
Ok Dave, let me reword. replace emotional with some one who don't resort to personal attacks when they can't /don't want to discuss the issues on hand.
And yes, internet is one venue, not too small ;) again, y ecommerce business owners are not here?
So my question is still same, any one other than you? That example was a .....uh ...... bad one. There are posts. Lets leave it at that.
I LOVE the QBlog's backbone project. I think the same reason prompted him to conduct that project.
Imran,
I'd have to look around and think of someone that frequents these forums.
I know of another guy, a lot like me, but he doesn't participate at Qblog, and lately has been tied up with family matters.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
dave
Dave,
As usual, you hit the nail on the head. I have said many times that the business without the QMOs "tools business" _could_ be workable...but in the light of the way they set it up under the thumbs of the people running the tools businesses, the cards are not stacked in favor of a person like you.
As always, wishing you the best.
Roger
Dave
I've told you this before, I really respect your perspective and view of how the mlm business can be run respectably. Why is it so hard for Quixtar kingpins to see they are self destructing? If they would just follow your example, they wouldn't do anyone any harm and people would leave them alone to do as they please without all the negative attacks from people like me who's lives have been damaged or ruined in part thanks to these intrusive practices. Thanks for offering an alternative to those who insist on doing the mlm thing.
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Great post, Dave.
I don't disagree about very much with you. If everyone were as thoughtful and professional about their MLM business as you and approached it with as much business sense instead of falling into the motivational cults that make up the majority of Amway/Quixtar, I would have nothing more to say.
Sadly, that isn't the case. I think the only thing I disagree with you about is that I don't see the AQMO scam changing in Amway/Quixtar or going away, though the industry as a whole seems to be improving.
To the extent that you think _anyone_ can be successful in MLM if they just apply themselves (and I'm not sure you do think that), I also disagree. MLM is for real salespeople with a real understanding of how a business should ethically and legally operate.
People like you.
Posted by: lawDawg | March 3, 2005 2:15 PM