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April 19, 2006
Getting Motivated
By QBlog in A/QMOs
I'll be spending the day at an event called "Get Motivated" which features speakers like Zig Ziglar, Jerry Lewis and Rudy Giulliani. Fun!
And it didn't cost me anything.
UPDATE: I'm home from the Get Motivated seminar and now I can provide more details.
On Monday my boss asked if I'd like to accompany several colleagues to attend a day-long "motivational" seminar at the fabulous FedExForum. The seats were in our company suite which is very, very sweet. Catered food and drinks. Leather seats. Flat screen TV. You get the idea.
The seminar is apparently run by Peter Lowe and his wife Tamara. I'd never heard of either one before today but they have an impressive list of celebrity speakers including Mikhail Gorbachev, George H.W. Bush, George Foreman and Goldie Hawn. Today's lineup included:
- Zig Ziglar
- Phil Town
- Krish Dhanam
- Jerry Lewish
- Jeff Taylor
- Tom Hopkins
- Rudy Giulliani
Assumptions
Before I delve into my notes I want to dispel some possible misconceptions. I do not object to motivational seminars, tapes, books, videos or whatever else is used to pump people up these days. I understand that some people, maybe most people, need some external motivation now and then. Nothing wrong with that.
I equate it to religious worship. I'm generalizing but Pentecostals often prefer boisterous, high energy worship including dancing and clapping while many Catholics prefer quiet, ritualistic worship with an emphasis on sacred traditions. Is one style of worship right and the other wrong? Of course not. Each style meets the needs of its participants. Some people prefer quiet inspiration and others like raucous stimulation.
Same with motivation. Some people respond well to "Get Motivated" type seminars. Others don't. Neither is right or wrong. It is what it is.
What I do object to is the closed system of motivational organizations within Quixtar. Where my employer is able to shop around and find what its leadership believes is the most valuable motivational system, most IBOs do not have that flexibility. They're generally locked into whatever LOA they initially signed up with whether or not its meeting their unique motivational needs.
My Notes
I took some notes during the seminar and here's what I wrote about some of the speakers:
- Zig Ziglar - I respect what the man has accomplished but he lacked any original thoughts. His message was basically a few bumper stickers that he repeated in different ways. "Plan your life." "Diet & Exercise." "Read." "Have a Great Attitude." "Be an Optimist."
- Peter Lowe - Talked a lot about the physiology of motivation. Posture affects attitude. We did an exercise where we planted our feet, pointed forward and then pivoted to point behind us without moving our feet. We then visualized this and tried it a second time. I think some people rotated further the second try, after the visualization. Did we prove that visualization produces results? No. This is the Non Causa Pro Causa logical fallacy. It could be that people rotated further after identifying their abilities on the first try. Or maybe having a goal to beat helped them on the second try? The point is that the exercise proves absolutely nothing.
Lowe also did the tired karate chop a board in half trick. I was not impressed. - Jerry Lewis - Jerry didn't do any motivational stuff. Told jokes, showed some old videos and acted like Jerry Lewis. I think he offended some people with a few Polish jokes, a joke about gays and what we think was a jab at Arabs though it was hard to understand him.
- Jeff Taylor - Had a really big chin. Really, really big. I liked him the least. Too slick for my tastes. And did I mention his chin?
- Tom Hopkins - A real estate salesman who really impressed. The best salesman of the bunch. This guy was a natural. You wanted to shake his hand and ask him home for dinner. Nothing felt slick about him. Seemed genuine and had some really great advice if you're into real estate, which he thinks you should be. My favorite.
- Phil Town - Former armed forces guy who was selling some stock software. Good energy but he seemed to have a product that was "too good to be true." Give him $6,000 and he'll make you a millionaire. Tip for Phil - invest in some graphics software to make those PowerPoint presentations look better.
- Rudolph Giuliani - I love Rudy. He gave a good talk though he's not a natural motivator. If he runs for President I'll seriously consider giving him my vote. I definitely prefer him to McCain on a Republican ticket.
Summary
The thing I took away from the seminar was the importance of leadership. Good leaders have vision and inspire people to follow that vision. Nothing new but it's the message that stuck with me.
Comments
This has nothing to do with this subject-but have you seen the commercial that Dick DeVos is running for his bid to become govenor of Michigan. He says he wants to put Michigan back to work. I thought the Amway/Quixtar theme was that you didn't need a JOB.
Mega: I refer you to this response by Rich Devos:
"R&L: Amway has promoted the idea of working for oneself. Is it better to work for yourself or to work for someone else?
DeVos: Amway promotes the idea of an independent distributor. It also employs 12,000 people. So, I have to support both. It is my feeling that certain people have a spirit of entrepreneurship and really want their own business. Most people, however, need the organized routine of being an employee. That doesn’t mean they are less worthy. They simply like to work in that mode. They may complain about it, but in truth, they do not have the personal discipline or aggressiveness necessary to work on their own. It takes a certain amount of aggressiveness to build an Amway distributorship. You have to be willing to be laughed at and turned down. It takes a certain amount of resilience, too. It is not the way most people have been trained or brought up. They were told that, if they worked faithfully for a good company, they would be there for life"
http://www.acton.org/publicat/randl/interview.php?id=128
At least these people are in the motivation business. You know what you are getting.
Quixtarians sell you on quixtar, but make money off you from motivation while you lose money in quixtar.
Sounds like a scam. Ask to get your moneyback.
That's great, but....why? Employer making you or you need motivation?
Or maybe it's a good idea. I had fun at seminars, I dreamed so big.
Qblog,
So the guy that's against motivational systems is getting motivated? Things that make you go Hmmm...
John C Maxwell was at spring leadership this year- it was well worth the price of the ticket.
I love these forums... everyone has their own Agenda, speak their truth, and their Paradigm is The Way and The Only Way... including, mine;)
Brad - I thought Amway no longer existed in Michigan or North America? Hmm... I must be smoking crack?
QBlog - go get yourself all JackedUP for free... and buy everything they sell!
Yeah... yeah... Joecool - everyone knows now days the ol' Bait and Switch these Folks play. It's no secret now... (no sarcasm)
Cheers
;)
Oblog, as an investigative blogger of sorts, I highly suggest you read the book "fast food nation" by eric schlosser, specifically the chapter "success" which talks about many of the speakers you just saw, like Peter Lowe and Zig Ziglar. It gives a little bit of personal history on these "success authorities." Although the chapter is based on one huge ironic metaphor (Gorbachev speaking to a collection of thousands of capitalist fast food execs in Vegas), the most prescient and lasting point he makes is when Christopher Reeves enters the stage at one of Lowe's seminars. Donating his speaking fees to charities, his speech completely countered what Schlosser refers to as all the snake oil of the previous few hours, and he speaks from his heart about what life is all about (hint: it's not money). The crowd goes silent, everyone cries at this incredible example of strength, courage, and truth. Then the next guy gets on stage, and makes his pitch..."friends, who's been on a diet before?" I don't know about the rest of you, but I think I'll go with Superman's advice...
Interesting, QBlog, that what you object to in Quixtar doesn't exist. IBOs are completely and utterly free to choose where they do or do not get their training and motivation from.
these guys were in richmond, va a few months ago, they also had larry king, (by video phone) they had radio commercials for months before.
A quick google found - "Attendance at the door is $225 per person". Though, interestingly, it's $49 "per office". Why you wouldn't be a one person office is beyond me!
So somebody was paying, even if it was free for you, QBlog.
insider>"Interesting, QBlog, that what you object to in Quixtar doesn't exist. IBOs are completely and utterly free to choose where they do or do not get their training and motivation from."
quiksilver723> that's not what Qblog is trying to convey. his example of Pentacostals vs. Catholics is what his point is. Catholics prefer the more ritualistic, quiet form of worshipping where Pentacostals jump out and down and shout. Quixtar type motivational functions are pretty similar with the music, speakers, etc... So no matter what system you go with you're still getting a similar message in a similar way. There's no "choice" in that respect.
Insider - "Interesting, QBlog, that what you object to in Quixtar doesn't exist. IBOs are completely and utterly free to choose where they do or do not get their training and motivation from."
**** sigh ****
So... now Q* is Amway again? - Funny, it wasn't for you on the Forum. You sure know a lot about Q* for someone who's not part of (remember? Q* isn't Amway??)
Since I'm in a "long-distance" group, many functions are over 10-12 hours away driving time. If I want to go to a closer function which is crossline, I have to get permission from my LOS Diamond and the crossline LOS Diamond before I can attend. So, no, one is not "free" to attend any function he/she wants (which is the ACTUAL POINT QBLOG MADE).
Then again - I'm actually in Q* - but I'm sure being an "insider" trumps that!
*** sigh ***
"An Actual IBO" is closer to the point I was making. If the systems were really open I could purchase the materials without signing the BSMAA. Nobody who purchased Zig Ziglar's "Automobile Institute" (or whatever it's called) yesterday had to sign an Arbitration Agreement.
However, in Quixtar you MUST sign the BSMAA just to buy the tools. Some groups did not require this as recently as last year but there was a crackdown and everyone is supposed to sign it now.
Secondly, to AAIBO's point, you can't easily shop around to pick and choose the motivational and training that you prefer. To my point, most IBOs do not have that flexibility. And if that flexibility does exist somehow, I've not encountered a single IBO who's aware of it.
I see that it was advertised as a motivtional seminar.
Not a meeting to determine how to teach you how to run your "business"
Thanks, QBlog.
Insider is 100% correct when saying that no IBO is forced to go seminars - that being said - it is still mantra that IBO's "need" to go to seminars.
The reasoning I was given for not being able to go a different seminar is the "Crossline" line of reasoning that another LOS "may teach something different that will hurt your business" (like what - retailing??). All I have ever heard was rah-rah and it wouldn't be a stretch to say other LOS's seminars would be the same. But I may connect more with the speakers they have.
Supposedly I'm an "Independent" Business Owner - but if I wanted to hear a speaker at a different LOS's conference, I can't.
I think the seminars could be of good value - but I don't care for having no choice when it comes to speakers.
.
Qblog,
Your comment,
"However, in Quixtar you MUST sign the BSMAA just to buy the tools."
I thought the BSMAA was there to protect you so that you didn't have to purchase the tools? It's not a requirement to purchase them. That was a safeguard of the BSMAA.
Please correct me if I am wrong, but that's what I thought the BSMAA represented.
Maybe it would be a great post to revisit, or create.
An Actual IBO-To the critics, Quixtar is Amway in SOME arguements, and in others it's not. It's tailored to each specific situation. I've learnt that awhile ago in here.
I've asked them how many new Amway only diamonds there were in 2005, and they just shook their head and said that wasn't "included" in their discussion- go figure. They are only concerned about Amway- er Quixtar North America...
IBOs have an option - Tools or No Tools
If he chooses Tools he MUST sign the BSMAA and be bound by that Arbitration Agreement.
If he chooses No Tools then he doesn't need to sign the BSMAA (though he'll likely be pressured to do so anyway).
The Mayor's Office disagrees with the hint of candidacy of Rudy Giuliani. Why not vote for a candidate who has stood in direct opposition to President Bush's failed, unpopular, and dangerous policies?
The Mayor's Office says: Russ Feingold for President!
http://www.russforpresident.com/
Michael - You're right, some critics do flip-flop between Quixtar is/isn't Amway - but - some pro people do the same thing.
Let's all be honest - I've read enough here and in the Forum to see that all sides either have Q* is Amway / Q* isn't Amway to fit their tangent du jour.
The reason it is hard to plug into crossline seminars located closer is because it is not easy to find the time/location details. You don't need anyone's persmission to attend, tell your upline "kingpin" to go to he.... if they tell you that lie. They simply want you in their system for the tool profit, pure and simple.
I attended a Zig Ziglar and other speakers seminar with people from the real estate office that I worked at, about 3 1/2 years ago. Ironically, the speakers were promoting their books and tapes. I thought it would be a purely motivational seminar, but it seemed to be snippets of "hope" and buy my tapes for more. I was disappointed, as were my colleagues. We saw an ad in the newspaper for the cost being a lower rate if you brought like 10 people, something like that. I can't remember the rate. I did attend the breakfast that day with Zig Ziglar and found that interesting. I had to be at the office part of the day, so I missed some of it.
Tex,
Your comment,
"The reason it is hard to plug into crossline seminars located closer is because it is not easy to find the time/location details."
That's actually not true. I am not sure what BWW has, but WWDB has a function locator and calendar schedule posted right on WWDB.com. Also, if your "plugged in" to communikate, your upline should be letting you know what meetings are available- and the locations, at least that's what my upline does. It does help to be connected.
BWW has the same access on their site. Lists opens and major functions.
As for not going to a crossline function? There are guests and crossline at functions all the time! We dont say no to people coming to functions, unless they are no where close to business attire-that's another issue. My platinum has suggested to go to a function closer to you if you absolutely can't make it to the one for your team. But here's the deal: if you can't figure out a way to make enough $$ through retail or sponsoring in your business to pay the $100 plus hotel stays, etc (so for all but JoeCool that is about $300) i doubt you will make it diamond anyway. What you think?
Brad - nice tangent try... and yes, I can afford to get to the functions.
Funny, I've never met anyone Crossline at any function yet, and oh by the way, I've actually worked the doors at functions. Guests, yes, Crossline, never.
Turn away someone for attire - wow, that's shallow. I would think everyone would be welcome. So, if someone's dress is a little shabby, but they were driven enough to get to a function anyway, you'd turn them away. Not very good business savvy there.
Outward appearence does not = ability and will to succeed. You aren't Diamond material with small thinking like that!
Actual IBO: Where have I ever denied Amway is Quixtar and vice versa? Quixtar is quite obviously the "old" Amway opportunity in North America. In the forums I just point out the habit of "critics" flipflopping on this to suit their purposes. Also, who do you "need to get permission" from? Quixtar? No, of course not. Don't give me some "upline rule" as some condition of Quixtar. Your business, you choose. Brad on the forums has had direct confirmation of this from Quixtar. I have personally met people as low as 1000pv that have moved to using our system from other systems. I work with N21 and I was not sponsored in Dornan's downline. Quixtarwiki reports a number of LoS's moving around different training groups.
QBlog: There is [i]no[/i] Quixtar requirement that you MUST sign BSMAA to buy tools. However, if someone doesn't want to sell you tools without you signing one, then that's their decision. To quote from the BSMAA -
You are free to buy or obtain Business Support Materials for your own use, or for resale, from any supplier you choose.
Use Zig Ziglar books and seminars if you want. If there was no choice, how do these groups we read on Quixtarwiki "change systems"? To claim their is no choice is ridiculous.
"Insider" - Check out the Product overpriced for the PV thread for examples of your Q* is/is not Amway flip-flops.
***sigh***
So, because "Brad said so" it's now gospel. I guess since he posts a lot that = factualness. Despite the fact he's only a 600 PV'er.
Tangent all you want to try to keep people off subject, back-door post when hopefully no one's looking so you'll have the "last word" - the fact is you are not in Q*, so how could you possibly know??
Start posting recipes - it's your only hope. You're a rumor in your own time.
***sigh***
RE: GET MOTIVATED Seminar
I got the flier on this at my business (which I own) and was shocked by all the wonderful names (Forbes, ORman, Ziglar -- and Gen. Powell!) and the price of $49. I felt something this good "is too good to be true," and decided to do a little research, and I found that this Seminar has been going on for several years.
Yes, I paid the $49 fee (here in Denver in May06) and can invite all my employees (or friends!!) either for free, or charge them (They say if I charge 10 employees for $4.90 a tix, "That is almost free". I specifically asked them "Does it matter if I send 1 or 20 people, it will still be $49?" and they said "exactly".
I feel part of the reason why it is so cheap is because it is in a stadium, seating 40,000??? people vs. a conference hall which might have 500 people.
If find when I attend a more expensive, smaller motivational seminar, I walk away with (only) 1 to 3 excellent ideas; so I don't feel I will be cheater by sharing 8 speakers with 40,000 people, at such a small investment price.
To bring everyone under the hood of the motivation business I thought I'd take a minute explaining it.
The big names are meant to draw the crowd. These big names are usually poor at sales and get paid per event versus a percentage of the table sales. The real money is made off the guys you never heard of that can typically sell the shirt off YOUR back.
Peter's Seminars are a huge value in content no matter what you buy or don't buy from the booths. For $49.00 you can fill your mind with all sorts of ideas. If one of them hits you at the core and changes your way of being then that is a bargain. Of course you could go to a movie, spend $20.00 and walk out with new ideas on how to kill or maim your neighbor. Hmmm where should I put my money? Go with the idea you want to be entertained and enlightened. These big names didn't earn their spots by being small thinkers.
details? where's this gonna be? and how come its a free event? I'm interested.
Posted by: quiksilver723 | April 19, 2006 1:26 PM