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February 28, 2006
Spotted At SES - NYC
By QBlog in Web Initiative
At least two Quixtar, Inc. employees were spotted at the Premier Conference for Search Engine Marketing & Optimization in New York this week. Maybe they'll actually learn something... like DO NOT Google Bomb!
The Quixtar folks in attendace are Erik Toth and Jay Benda. Jay is reportly an IT manager and Erik is a young web developer. Hope they're having a blast learning about Search Engine Marketing!
;o)
February 25, 2006
QBlog Radio on TiVo
By QBlog in Blog News
I love TiVo. Sometimes I wish it was more like Myth TV but overall I love its simplicity and performance. I can't wait until TiVo Series 3 is released. But until then, I'm still enjoying my TiVo and now I enjoy it even more because it supports podcasts.
With the latest TiVo service upgrade I can now check Yahoo! Weather, listen to Live 365 Internet Radio and download podcasts like Diggnation, Open Source and QBlog Radio!
Tonight I listened to QBlog Radio on my TiVo. I know, it's better on an iPod but it's still cool that you can stream podcasts on your broadband connected TiVo. Below are a few photos I took of QBlog Radio on TiVo. If you want to add it to your TiVo go to "Enter A URL" and input http://www.qblogradio.com/?feed=rss2 and click "Find a Podcast."
If you aren't regularly listening to the irregular QBlog Radio then now's the time to start. Just tune in your TiVo and let the fun begin!
Ten Thousand To Four Hundred
By QBlog in Quixtar
Did you know that if you took a random sampling of 10,000 Quixtar IBOs and followed them for just five years there would only be about 400 left in that original group?
That's right. Only about 400 of a group of 10,000 will renew as Quixtar IBOs after five years.
What I'd like to know is how much money the non-renewing 9,600 spent before leaving the business. Anyone want to take an educated guess?
February 22, 2006
HA HA
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
The Qrush Blog appears to be no more.
To quote Nelson from The Simpsons, "Ha ha!"
UPDATE: Well the site is back. I swear it was down while I was checking it at lunch. Still a pretty lame site. I've been hearing rumors Qrush is Rich Florence, Billy Florence's son. Reader feedback on the AmQuix site describes Rich Florence as a "high school dropout."
Rich is a high school dropout who's never worked anywhere but for his father. He's achieved the Gold Producer level but regularly does meetings such as opportunity meetings, net-sems and mini rallies. Normally a person at that level is hardly allowed on a stage.
I have no way to verify the veracity of those claims but it would explain the seeming chummy connection between Qrush and Billy Florence.
UPDATE II: Billy Florence responded to an email I sent him asking for the identity of those responsible for the Qrush blog. Here's what I sent:
Hi Billy,
It's come to my attention that your son, Rich Florence, may be responsible for the Qrush blog. Would you either confirm or deny this? The latest attacks on the blog are especially troubling and it is common knowledge that someone (possibly you or the IBOAI) funded advertising for the blog when it first began. If your son is not responsible for the blog, do you know who is behind it? Any insight on this matter would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric
Here's his response which came surrounded by quotes:
"I have no idea whatsoever who runs or finances the Qrush blog and would appreciate anything you can do to ensure that neither my name nor my son's is falsely linked with the site , to include removing any such information you currently have on your site ."
Thanks,
Billy Florence
Let the record show that Billy Florence denies any involvement with the Qrush blog whatsoever.
February 19, 2006
Blogging 101 - CEOs in Blogland
By Kathleen Vandervelde in Blogging 101
Is it a good idea for top company executives to blog?
Writing for Information Week back in July, General Motors chief Bob Lutz praises blogging as "a hugely effective communications tool and a terrific way to conduct a grassroots, largely unfiltered conversation with GM fans and nonfans alike."
His FastLane Blog, online since January 2005, is "a way for GM to be culturally relevant," he says. To be effective, Lutz and the GM senior execs who contribute to the blog know they have to keep things real:
The key is to leave the corporate-speak behind and keep the tone conversational, open, and honest. Anyone who has read our blog sees the real deal, as produced by us and not polished by several layers of trained communications pros.
But Is It Worth Anything?
Of course the big question is always about return on investment. Is blogging worth anything, especially when you're talking in terms of the cost of the big guy's time and attention vs. even the slightest bottom-line gain?
I've come across a couple of success stories that might help sway even the most doubtful CFO.
GM's Lutz credits the blog -- a marketplace conversation -- with the development of the new Chevrolet Camaro concept car:
... the secret is finally confirmed: we introduced a Chevrolet Camaro concept car.
If I had a dime for every time I've read the word 'Camaro' in your comments on this blog in the past year, I could have financed the concept car out of my own pocket! And I would have! I like it that much.
If anything, it proves that we've been listening, to the rear-drive faithful, to the Camaro fanatics, and to those who say GM can't do anything exciting.
In another example, Go Daddy.com president and founder Bob Parsons is positively gleeful on his blog Hot Points following Super Bowl XL. After all the controversy surrounding Go Daddy's Super Bowl TV spot (It had to be reworked more than once after ABC initially rejected it.), the 30-second commercial drove record traffic to the Go Daddy site:
I'm proud to report that Go Daddy unquestionably had the very best ad in this year's Super Bowl and I've got the numbers to back it up.
In two days we've had an incremental 1.790 million visitors to GoDaddy.com!
On Super Bowl Sunday, visits to the Go Daddy website were up by 880,000 visitors more than normal. On the following day, Monday, visits continued to be strong and were also up by 910,000 visitors more than normal.
Parsons cites Akamai usage reports showing spikes after halftime and after the game represented visits to Go Daddy to the tune of 80% of that server's traffic. This after the commercial's first 13 submissions were rejected. And even then, the spot was panned by ad critics, who evidently didn't "quite get the fact that the purpose of these spots is to generate business," quips Parsons.
Is blogging -- CEO or otherwise -- worth it for any company? Results may not always be as easy to quantify as in the above examples. Gaping Void's Hugh McLeod explains that "blogging as a marketing tool is easier when you think of it as a chemical catalyst, not as a hammer and nail." He says that "by interfacing with the blogosphere, it fundamentally change[s] how [a company] look[s] at treating their ... customers and ... end-users."
But the final word comes from Lutz:
... So far, response has been outstanding ... To any senior executive on the fence about starting a corporate blog, I have a word of advice: Jump.
A freelance writer living in West Michigan, Kathleen Vandervelde's past lives include both corporate and agency employment. She keeps several blogs, two of which you could definitely let your mother read: Coit Avenue and Things I've Seen.
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.
Orrin Woodward Attacks!
By QBlog in TEAM
Looks like the connections between Orrin Woodward and Qrush are becoming clearer. Check out Woodward's revised Team Of Destiny website.
Reads more like the type of poorly written rubbish you'd find on the site of some raving crackpot instead of the official business site of "Independent Business Owners (IBOs) teamed together to have fun, make money, and make a difference." What's Woodward up to?
UPDATE: Orrin Woodward has updated his page. Check it out.
February 18, 2006
Quixtar Proposes Rule Change?
By QBlog in Quixtar
Over the past month or so I've been hearing rumblings through the Quixtar grapevine that the corporation was preparing to change its long-standing retail rules. The proposed change will allow Quixtar IBOs who also own a service oriented business to sell Quixtar products within that business. I received a copy of an email, allegedly from Quixtar Diamond Terry Taylor, that seems to confirm this change.
From: Terry Taylor
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006
Subject: March 1?
Big News!
Proposed for March 1 is a new rule from Quixtar that any SERVICE ORIENTED business such as Hair salon, sports facility, etc... (not retail oriented) will be able to offer Quixtar products related to their business for sale.
For example: Hair salon can offer hair care products and skin care products that relate to their service that they offer. The owner of the business must be an IBO. So.... any service oriented business with regard to health, beauty, nutrition, and sports should be contacted to offer our products.
Increase pv and make money .....Terry
I'm told that this proposed rule change was posted on the Quixtar "What's New" page (IBOs only) for a time but now it seems to have been removed though I can't confirm that any notice was ever posted. If you recall such a notice, please let me know.
I do know that such a rule change is contrary to the existing rule (IBOs only) known as rule 4.3 in the Business Reference Guide (public pdf).
4.3. Retail Stores: No IBO shall permit the Corporation's products or services to be sold or displayed in retail establishments, including, but not limited to place like schools, fairs, PXs, ships unauthorized internet websites or military stores; nor shall he or she permit any of the Corporation's product to appear in such locations even if the products or services are not for sale. No corporate literature shall be displayed in retail establishments.
4.3.1. An IBO who works in or owns a retail store must operate his or her IB separate and apart from the retail store. Such IBOs must secure Members and Clients in the same manner as IBOs who have no connection with a retail store. Other types of retail establishments, which are not technically stores, such as barber shops, beauty shops, or professional offices, etc., likewise may not be used to display the Corporation's products, information about the Corporation's services, or literature of the Corporation. (emphasis added)
Some have speculated that the rule is being hotly debated by Quixtar leadership and the IBOAI and that's why Taylor's email describes it as a "proposed" change. I guess we'll see what happens on March 1. What do you think of the rule change? Check out what the QBlog Radio Roundtable has to say about it.
February 17, 2006
Brilliant
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
Jerry Giebeig is the blogger and Monavie distributor who recently sent me a free sample of Monavie Active Juice. He's also a genius.
Ok, maybe genius is overstating things just a bit but I was incredibly impressed to learn that he's the creative force behind the hilarious and quirky "Carl Loves Mustard" podcast (iTunes link). What does a "variety show hosted by 'Carl Mustard'" have to do with MLM or Monavie? Absolutely nothing and that's why it's so brilliant.
Giebeig has crafted a truly entertaining audio program created with a unique idea — to befriend folks in Voice Over IP "chat rooms" and make them laugh. That's it.
Network marketers should take note. By creating a podcast with real entertainment value, Giebeig is offering something most of his competition can't offer — a laugh. Why is that important? Because he's moving outside of the narrow, MLM-minded circles. He's not interfacing with people who are searching for MLM or running from MLM. He's in touch with people who want to have fun.
Think about it. Where do most network marketers target their online recruitment efforts? Buying Google ads with keywords like "Quixtar" and "Business Opportunity" or hanging out in Rich Dad forums or running blogs with titles like "MLM Today."
The general strategy (and statistically it's a good one) is to market the MLM business to people familiar with the industry or who are searching for more information about MLM. But that strategy misses the kid addicted to MMORPGs or the mom who loves funny podcasts.
Don't Misunderstand
Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying. The genius isn't concocting a funny podcast to get new recruits. That's not what's happening here and if it were, it would fall on its face. What I'm saying is that Network Marketers should break out of their MLM mindset and make online contributions that have value wholly unrelated to their business or industry.
And what happens if Carl Loves Mustard becomes the next Internet Meme? Well, then Giebeig would have a runaway hit on his hands. Do you see the value in that?
» Subscribe to Carl Loves Mustard in iTunes
February 13, 2006
Scarce
By QBlog in Blog News
I haven't had a lot of time to post to this blog lately because I've been mired in building a redesign and dealing with some other projects. It's busy times like this that I like to remind everyone about the Blog Archives.
There's over three years of content on this blog and some of it is really good if you just spend some time to dig through. And don't be afraid to use the search tool. It's parked over on the right side of the site.
To get this started I'll share what I was talking about on this day in 2004. Bill's Opinions explains a blog post I found that discusses Bill's opinions of Quixtar.
So go archive diving and share what you find!
February 7, 2006
Redesign Development
By QBlog in Blog News
I'm in the process of redesigning this site. The new design will be significantly different than this design but it's still a work in progress. You can help that progress by pointing out design elements and features of other blogs that you like.
Also, the creepy glaring eyes at the top of the page will be gone.
Thanks.
UPDATE: The redesign work continues and I've decided to toss in an homage to the creepy eyes. Basically, I'm putting eyes in the design but they're not so creepy.
And please, continue to offer design suggestions. You can help determine the way the new site looks.
February 6, 2006
Monday Reader Mail: 73
By QBlog in Reader Mail
I decided to edit this week's Reader Mail because it quotes one of my own blog posts. Two paragraphs from the Quixtar Backbone Project have been shortened. Maybe it's not really editing if I remove my own words.
name: Jolene
date: January 28, 2006
message: Hi
A fairly new IBO from NS, Canada.
what you say here: "...I know, and have always known, that Quixtar is filled with wonderfully decent people working hard to make a better life for themselves and their families..."
I think that is amazing. That is us.
We've been in the business for about a year now but we haven't done much i must say. But we're learning. We've been busy and just ahven't had time - well- we thought we didn't - but after reading blog after blog and site after site talking about the system and the tools and the seminars etc etc...and how people make so much money OFF OF US - well - we remembered how in the beginning we decided that we didn't really want to go to seminars - sure we'd go to some - when we could - and we bought some tapes WE thought were good - off of ebay - and we truly believe in the business - and the better life - and THAT is what we think quixtar is about.
thanks for listening
Isn't that the essence of what Rich and Jay built years ago? Ordinary people building a business instead of participating in some sort of motivational movement.
February 5, 2006
Blogging 101 - Influencing Business
By Kathleen Vandervelde in Blogging 101
If your company still isn't sure about this blogging thing, it's time to take a look at just how influential corporate bloggers can be in the marketplace.
The first to come to mind is Microsoft's Robert Scoble, with his blog Scobelizer (just one of hundreds of Microsoft employee blogs). The "A-List" blogger, who consistently ranks among Technorati's Top 100 blogs for unique links, just might be the poster child for corporate blogging. In a recent post he writes about the influence blogging can have on product development:
So, in 2006, where is this going? Better products because now you know where to leave a comment and who is responsible ... Which, brings me to why this works. Social pressure. Nothing works better to get a company to change. Nothing. If there's a company you don't like, write about it. If they are listening, they'll respond. If not, well, at least you've warned everyone else not to do business with them.
Scoble's influence has gone beyond engaging consumers in the product development cycle, however. His openness and penchant for telling the (uncensored) truth -- even if it doesn't always reflect well on his employer -- have undoubtedly raised Microsoft's credibility score in the marketplace. Indeed, many credit the "technical evangelist" (his real job title) with turning public opinion around following Microsoft's "dark days" of the 90s.
So There's Scoble, and ... ?
Corporate bloggers with that kind of clout are hard to find, it's true. Don't mistake me, there are well-known CEOs and other company officers out there blogging, but they're a different breed (and fodder for a future post). In fact, Micro Persuasion's Steve Rubel cites a study stating that only about 4% of Fortune 500 companies are blogging. Studying the big guys is important, says Rubel, "but they're not the innovators in the blog world." Rather, he says, "most of the companies that have put points up on the blog scoreboard have been small to medium-sized firms."
My own research has turned up a few of the smaller companies whose blogs have garnered attention on the 'net.
Stormhoek: "freshness matters" is the mantra for this winemaker whose blog is devoted to not just the wine, but to their passion for winemaking. The blog was conceived by blogger, cartoonist and marketing consultant Hugh McLeod who insists that "The future of brands is interaction, not commodity. It's not something you buy, but something you paticipate in ... i.e. a brand is not a thing, but a place." An added twist to the blogging effort: Stormhoek offered free samples to bloggers, many of whom blogged about the wine (though it wasn't part of the freebie deal). Sales of the wine reportedly doubled over the year.
Stonyfield Farm is a good study in the participation/conversational nature of blogging. The New Hampshire-based maker of organic yogurt runs two blogs: The Bovine Bugle, written by one of their Vermont suppliers (a third generation dairy farm). The other is Baby Babble, where "Stonyfield Farm employees who have young children chat with each other here about balancing work and family, and knowing what's "right" for their children." Readers are invited to "Join the conversation!" Both blogs run through the company's information-rich website, taking the company's "healthy food, healthy people, healthy planet" philosophy directly to consumers in a friendly, unaffected style.
Michigan's Denali Flavors, purveyors of Moose Tracks and other ice cream creations, serves up a blogging success story that's right in my own backyard.
Last April the Wayland company launched a financial advice blog "sponsored" by Denali Flavors. The premise, according to a write up in the Grand Rapids Press, was that people might not visit an ice cream maker's website, but they do look for financial information online. The blog has increased visits to the website by 30% says the company.
Just. Join. In.
You see how blogging can have an influence, from getting name recognition out there to influencing product development, increasing sales and even molding public opinion. Companies can no longer question whether to blog, according to McLeod. Today's savvy consumers don't just want a product, he explains,
... They want "The Information." They want the substance. They want the gossip, and the insights, they want the insider's view ... They don't just want to understand the mystique, they also want to be part of it.
"Join. The. Conversation." McLeod exhorts companies who may still be waffling. "Start a blog."
A freelance writer living in West Michigan, Kathleen Vandervelde's past lives include both corporate and agency employment. She keeps several blogs, two of which you could definitely let your mother read: Coit Avenue and Things I've Seen.
Blogging 101 publishes every Sunday and provides blogging tips, advice and tutorials for blog newbies and veterans alike.
February 4, 2006
Super Bowl Eve
By QBlog in Miscellaneous
The Big Game is tomorrow. It's one of my favorite events of the year though lately I've been spending it at home with my family instead of attending the traditional "pah-tay." I would like to see the Steeler's win but have this gnawing suspicion that their ride is over and it's the Seahawks time. I don't bet and don't really care who wins but if I had to pick a dog in this fight, I'd pick the Seahawks. Who are you pulling for?
February 3, 2006
QBlog's Farcical Help Desk - 48
By QBlog in Farcical Help Desk
Every Friday, the QBlog Farcical Help Desk™ answers the Quixtar questions that nobody dared to ask. Additionally, each Help Desk answer is guaranteed to end with some form of punctuation or we'll refund your money. No fooling!
Question: My friend invited me to a Diamond Rally tonight.
What is that exactly?
Answer: Well, the phrase has its origins in the Latin "Dia" which
means God and "Mound" which means large pile of dirt. The word "Rally"
literally means to "jump around like a complete fool."
Q: That doesn't really tell me much unless you're saying
that it's a thing where God jumps around like a fool on a mound of dirt.
A: Precisely! That's what it is.
Q: Are you sure about that?
A: Some etymologists believe the phrase comes from the Choctaw Indians who once
held events called "Deemond Rhellees" which were basically opportunities
for the tribe to consume lots of marijuana and peyote.
Q: Oh. So this is like a drug party or something?
A: Hell, I really don't know either. Ask Ty
Tribble, he seems to know all about Diamond Rallies.
Q: There seems to be a problem. Quixtar has violated
my rights by using my name and I need to contact a lawyer to file a lawsuit.
A: Ok. What's your name?
Q: Quixtar.
A: Really? That's your given name?
Q: Yeah. The name my mother gave me nearly four decades
ago.
A: That's wild. So you want to sue Quixtar? On what grounds?
Q: They stole my name and now wherever I go people laugh
at me or glare at me and generally treat me badly.
A: Everywhere? I'd have thought that at least around Western Michigan
you'd be welcomed with a name like Quixtar. Don't the IBOs like you?
Q: No. Nobody likes me.
A: Strange. That's really too bad. I'll see what I can do. Let me get
your full name.
Q: Quixtar B. Amway II.
A: Ah, now I see the problem.
Q: Hey, I thought the Help Desk™ was going
to EDC.
A: Yeah. They are... I mean we are.
Q: Are you really with the Help Desk™?
A: Of course I am.
Q: Prove it.
A: Ok. Ask me a question.
Q: What is the secret ingredient put in every can of
XS?
A: Retsin!
Q: Nope. It's soylent green.
A: Ewwwww. Soylent
Green is made from people.
Q: So, really. Who are you?
A: I'm Jody Victor. Couldn't make it to EDC this year so I decided to help out at the Help Desk™.
Quixtar Chatter - February 3, 2006
By QBlog in Quixtar Chatter
- Help out Dr. Ah's brother by shopping at Quixtar! His IBO number is...
- Bands and Quixtar - "...our guitarist came up with the great idea for all of us to get into Amway to try and make tons of money to finance the band. Without getting into specifics, this was the worst decision of my 20s"
- His parents were Amway distributors for 15 years and it "cost them almost everything"
- Another blogger hates on governor-hopeful DeVos
- The Quixtar people don't like you to point out that it's really just "an Amway offshoot"
- Stick to it and Amway, or any business, will pay off
- "Kensey and I just set up the website for our new business and it's awesome!"
- Am-WayLaid - "This Amway Virus is the worst form of social plague…"
February 1, 2006
Sever Problems No Surprise
By QBlog in Blog News
Well, again with the server problems. New hosts. Slimmer database (reduced from about 145 MB to barely 45 MB). Latest version of Movable Type. And yet there's still problems. Who's to blame? I don't know. It's just frustrating and I'm really thinking of turning this blog into a "why I hate running websites" blog.
The problem is that the server is timing out when people comment. This is really annoying. There are other problems but this is the one site visitors would be familiar with.
We're working on it. You may see some tests posts while we trouble-shoot. Ignore those please.
Thanks.