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July 26, 2006
In Their Own Words - 12
By Xanadustc in Their Own Words
Apparently logical questions are not allowed in TEAM if you are talking to Doug Stroh:
I can remember sitting down at a plan…I was just starting to feel really confident with my self and I had so much posture that the business was going to work, I was about 4000 PV or something and I showed this guy the plan and I got about three quarters of the way through it and he said, “Well, what is the price of the products?” I had the piece of paper on the table, I turned it over, slammed it down, and I said, “We don’t need to continue if you are going to base the business on the price of the products.”
Download Product Price [MP3] Doug Stroh, This is What I Do (SOL99)
The context is that his speech was about ‘posture’ which is defined in this business as how well you present your conviction that this business works. He concluded this remark by saying that he used to much posture in this case, yet he never went back to address the issue. This is a very common response to a direct and logical question with many system IBOs.
Family Reunion 2006
By Preston in A/QMOs
One of the most chilling wake up calls when I was getting "out" was Family Reunion. I had purchased a ticket for myself and my (now) wife under pressure from my upline. About seven weeks before the event I decided to cancel, because I could not justify the cost of $440. I did the math, and came up with a disturbing result: A $69/night hotel room, a dinner for two, and a continental breakfast. The rest was the cost of the 'function'. It didn't add up.
Upon sign up I clearly agreed to a nominal cancellation fee - in this case, $20 of the $440 would be used to cover administrative costs (which is fair enough). I received the refund from Brad Duncan's "Duncan Motivation" business and I was done with "the Business". To me, the refund was a commercially reasonable refund. I would later find out that when trying to return CDs, it is up to the individual. For whatever reason, Brad Duncan, Dick Davis, and Brad Wolgamott made a reimbursement happen long after the fact for the other tools I tried to return.
My question to IBO's is this: What did you pay for Family Reunion 2006, and, what services other than the function did you receive (meals, hotel, etc)? Was the function of value to you, or would you like a refund? It is well within your rights to seek a refund for the ticket if you feel you did not get value out of the function - and I strongly suggest you do so if that is how you feel. Inquire with your system as to the specifics if anyone gives you a hard time, it just might be worth your while.
If you are refused by the company headquarters, then there is an issue: The "Systems" no longer have the defense of "Well if only you had contacted us we could have worked this out" - if your legitimate claim to your rights is squashed. Don't give up their, either - make sure you get an official complaint in with Quixtar as well. Don't fade quietly into the night feeling guilty. Stand up - make a blog if you have to - but for goodness sake, get some of your money back, it is your right.
July 25, 2006
Cognitive Dissonance in TEAM
By Xanadustc in TEAM
I am still listening to the TEAM tapes that I received a while back. At the time of writing this, I am on the 3rd one for today. I have noticed many little double messages. Today, I would like to comment on two.
Disclaimer
Quixtar Rule 7.5.3: IBOs who choose to sell BSM shall not say, suggest, or imply that the use of any such Materials will guarantee success or that the Corporation requires the use of any BSM. BSM shall contain the following or substantially equivalent language:
While the techniques and approaches suggested have worked for others, no one can guarantee that these techniques and approaches will work for you. We hope, however, that the ideas presented here will assist you in developing a strong and profitable business. These materials have been published independently of the Corporation.
This same message shall also appear in the audio portion of any audiotape BSM or be communicated through a substantially equivalent means.
TEAM does have this at the end of many of their tapes, but there is another one placed right before it:
We hope this recording has been informative and thought provoking. One of the most critical steps for learning more about the business is to seek information from those most qualified to give it. As soon as possible, get back with the person that provided you this material and attend an open meeting in your area. This will give you access to those who have utilized this industry for significant personal success and are qualified to answer your questions.
I have a few problems. First, what about doing neutral research? This disclaimer seems to suggest that the only place to get information about this business that will be useful is to get it from the business itself. While that should not be ignored, I would like to comment that other sources also contain many useful practices. You could start with the FTC to see what they recommend about MLM. How about those well respected business journals like Forbes? It has been my experience that the MLM people will not give you any information that is critical of what they do, but if you look into many other business opportunities, those parts are well spelled out. I know because I read the investor reports of many stock portfolios out there (I have a friend big into stock market).
Next, this disclaimer tells you to go and attend an Open Meeting (a meeting where people go to learn about the business) to find those qualified to give you information, but the Quixtar disclaimer says that no one can guarantee success. The funny part about this is that the tape this was on said directly and unequivocally that the system ALWAYS works if you work it (TOD186) because it is based on proven strategies.
Motivation
Chris Brady (PPS92) was talking about Hummers and that he didn’t need one, but he got one because it is motivational. He makes it very clear that he does not need it, but getting it is motivating. I ask, what is it motivating you to do? If it is just to get a Hummer that you don’t need, why is that motivational? If you need to get motivated to buy a vehicle that you know you don’t need, what is the point?
He talks about “growing”, but in the context, it is growing closer to metaphysical practices and thought reform psychology. If growing is reading those motivational books, no thank you, I would rather not. I accomplish too much in my life already.
These two examples make you want to scratch your head and ask if the people on these tapes see the double standard that they are talking about.
July 21, 2006
Can Money Solve Everything?
By Truth in A/QMOs
Recently on the Quixtar Blog Forum a young lady registered and started a thread asking for some help. The situation she needed help with was unfortunately all too common in Quixtar. Her future husband's best-man was not going to attend their wedding because it was on the same weekend as a conference being held in Larry Winter's motivational organization (LTD). Time and time again I get e-mails from readers, and see other posts on the Net, talking about IBOs missing major family events in favor of going to a weekend function.
Fortunately, among all the typical IBO tapespeak that was thrown at her asking, "What would you do if this was your job?" blah, blah, blah, she was able to get some insight and ideas on how to potentially salvage the situation. However one IBO (Brad) posted a comment that gave some insight into the material world that is many Motivational Organizations. Take a look:
"I do disagree with a best man missing a wedding. Actions steps would be: another function. if you REALLY wnated to be at the function: fly out, or drive, after the wedding, etc. In the end, it is that best-mans choice. And he made it. The worst thing he could do now is quit the business after investing money. If he makes it work and is diamond in 5-10 yrs and treats out this couple to a vacation, i'm sure the moods will change."
Now first off kudos to Brad for disagreeing with this decision and for recommending better actions that should have been taken. However, what is the deal with thinking this guy could simply take them on a vacation, IF he gets to Diamond, and smooth things over? Do IBOs hold nothing sacred anymore? To think that you could simply buy back your family and friends after leaving them at the bottom of the priority ladder for several years is ridiculous. What is it about a weekend conference that takes priority over a once in a lifetime event?
Many IBOs like to justify this behavior by pointing to employees who are sent out of town during family events. I guess that whole benefit of owning your own business so you can set your own hours is only used when it is convenient to the IBO. On that note, my wife and I both have several successful business owners in our families and none of them have ever had to miss a family event due to business. Personally, I think the whole employee argument is irrelevant since you are supposed to be your own "Independent Business Owner." Unless of course an IBO wants to go on record saying your upline is your new boss and the system is the new company you work for?
Bottom line is there are certain things that cannot be bought with material items or money. True friendship and family is one of those things. To have an attitude that you can drop your family and friends down in priority a couple of notches and then come back later and make up for it by taking them on vacations and buying them gifts just seems very shallow to me. There are just some moments in life you can't get back, no matter how much money you have.
July 19, 2006
In Their Own Words - 11
By Xanadustc in Their Own Words
Back to BWW this week, Danny Snipes tells us how to have a stress free life:
So many of you, you fell in love, and you didn’t have financial pressure, and now because of bills and jobs, and things like that, you got pressure, and you know what? You still love that person, but it’s hard to even remember back to what they were when they did not have pressure. You need to get this business built so you are stress free.
» Download Stress Free [MP3] From People of Strength, Team of Strength (BWW164)
You will not have a stress free life if you just have more money. Frankly, it will not get any better, but it may possibly get worse. You will have all those cars and houses to keep up with; all those salaries to pay; all those taxes to pay (or dodge if Danny follows his upline Larry in full submission like he often says); all those people asking for money.
My point, there is stress in life in any station you are at, it does not matter which station, neither one is universally better or worse than the other. You should seek to do the best you can do in this life, but that could mean not making more money and sometimes it does.
All that aside, does this business really help you make a lot of money? Not for the masses it doesn't. but the upline’s make a lot of money on selling the system.
BWW vs. TEAM Part 2
By Xanadustc in A/QMOs
I finally had time today to dip back into the box of TEAM tapes. To catch you up, I have a detailed knowledge of the Britt World Wide (BWW) Professional Development Program affiliated with Quixtar. I detail the teachings of BWW on my own blog, Standing Order Tape. A little while back, a site reader sent me a box of tapes from the TEAM Professional Development Program wanting some of my perspectives. I wrote a post a few weeks back where I gave perspectives from listening to only one tape (except the 6 tapes from Pastor Robert L. Dickie).
Today I was able to listen to three more tapes to see how they compared to BWW tapes. I am sorry to say that BWW and TEAM sound exactly the same. I will not even bother to list particular details because that would take hours, but here are some thoughts.
Chris & Terry Brady, “One like You”, TOD184 - I was anxious to listen to a tape by these people because Pastor Dickie kept on edifying them as great people. I recall Chris Smith from the other post doing the same. I found this speaker to be a little over the edge in comparing everyone to sheep just following a foolish way of life. It goes so far that he starts bleating like a sheep after almost every phrase for over five minutes. Is that the character of a great person?
Next, he went through quite an extensive list of all the types of people that you will find when you show the plan. Of course he literally insults every person that does not get in.
Mark Paul, “The Top Ten Reasons Why People Fail”, PPS75 - I will not list all 10 of his reasons, but the bottom line is that you should get into system, and without the system, you will fail. Additionally, you never reinvent the wheel. We hear all the same things: write down everyone you know without prejudging, and never try to do the business without your upline because the system is set and works. You also need to get better people skills, so you need to plug into the system to get the books that it offers. In fact, he says to get the top five books (does not list what they are).
Of course he addresses the “your own business” issue by saying that if it is your own business, you might want to listen to us so we can help you build it.
Orrin & Laurie Woodward, “Our Destiny Said, ‘Go!’”, TOD187 - This is the EDC Rally tape for Orrin & Laurie. The first thing that I noticed is that they were preaching about how God gave them this business, etc. It was certainly far enough to make persons of another religion uncomfortable, and thus may be a violation of Quixtar’s rules regarding religious expression. They are supposed to be learning about how to run their business, but they paid to hear that both live and on the weekly tape that they purchased.
Orrin also repeatedly addresses the critics (like myself) and paints a straw man that they are just broke, miserable, angry people who have no vision. That could not be further for the truth. This whole team of people on this site as well as others are very driven, but we take time out of our day to warn of the real life problems with involvement in these PDPs.
Conclusions - My final thoughts are that the TEAM and BWW system essentially teach the same thing. Yes, I know that is a ‘surprise’ to some people, but my point is two fold:
- That no one group is “best” even though they all claim to have that position.
- That they are both deadly in their own right, they warp reality, use questionable material and methods, rely on emotion over facts, and seek to discredit people like me because they can not stand up to the facts.
July 14, 2006
QBS - Tapespeak
By Truth in Bumper Stickers
Welcome to "Quixtar Bumper Stickers," a Quixtar BLOG series featuring bumper stickers of our favorite quotes from the Quixtar Motivational Organizations. Each bumper sticker will be posted without comment though your comments are welcomed.
This series does not have a regular publication schedule but all posts are available under the Bumper Sticker category. We encourage you to leave us some of your favorite quotes and slogans, and we might just turn them into a Quixtar Bumper Sticker.
This Bumper Sticker comes courtesy of a quote from Mevi's blog.
July 13, 2006
Are You Owned?
By Xanadustc in A/QMOs
Bob Pittman, Founder of MTV says:
The strongest appeal you can make is emotionally. If you can get their emotions going, make then forget their logic, you’ve got ‘em
This is the quote that became the philosophy for MTV and we can now see the effects on our youth. This is true in many other places as well, one notable one is Professional Development Programs associated with Quixtar.
Out of one side of his mouth, your sponsor might tell you to examine the business, but of course, if you go to a site like this, it is usually discredited without reason as simply ‘negative.' But they tell you to get to the next open, rally, or weekend function. What is the purpose? These are highly emotional places where large groups of people are telling you all the types of things that will make you turn your emotions to the business. Before you know it, you're hooked.
The continuation to the above quote is this: “We don’t shoot for the fourteen year olds, we own them.” Are you owned by your PDP? You are if you are avoiding the facts only getting emotionally charged.
July 12, 2006
In Their Own Words - 10
By Xanadustc in Their Own Words
Another from Chris Smith about where to find your names:
There is your wedding list. I have a couple on my team…who are getting married pretty soon. When they made their wedding list, more people popped into their brain to put on their real list. It’s just a natural thing. If you are married right now, go back to your wedding list. Now listen, they came to your wedding to eat free food. They owe you! I that’s a neglected thing that needs to be mentioned here. I had 250 people show up to eat chicken. They owe me.
Wedding List [MP3], PPS82; The Names List, Chris Smith
This is interesting. I thought that people show up to your wedding to show their support to you for your first steps into your new life. Why do they owe me? What happens if this gets followed to it’s logical conclusion?
Scobleizing Quixtar
By QBlog in Quixtar
Adding a few comments of my own to the recent Scobleizing of Quixtar that Drew pointed out in his "Link To Your Enemies?" post.
Robert Scoble understands the Web and why blogging is important. He built his reputation as being the one guy at Microsoft who "gets the Web" and then he left Redmond to join PodTech.net, a podcasting outfit that also "gets it."
Recently he's been posting about putting a human face on corporate giants like Dell and Quixtar. Dell joins the bloggy Web highlights the computer manufacturer's entry into the blogging realm and adds and interesting comment about Quixtar:
Link to your enemies. It takes away their karmic power.
I told Quixtar to link to everyone who says that Quixtar sucks. There are QUITE A FEW!
Why do that? Well, it takes away our power to poke at your negative spots if you openly admit them. That turns throwing rocks through your front window into a boring exercise.
Embrace The Critics
Scoble is absolutely, dead-on right. I've been preaching the same thing on this blog for nearly four years. It's why I link to and try to engage my critics. Embracing them strips them of their power and creates a level playing field where the value of the content is determined by its merits, not by perception.
Scoble goes on to explain that the next Web is the human Web which is a "bloggy Web. A Web with real people talking about real stuff on it." He apparently met with some Quixtar tech folks who admitted that they'd been "misled by a SEO firm" that told them to employ "Scientology-like tactics" against their critics as one commenter put it.
Misled indeed. What's really curious is the response by Robin Luymes (bless his Canadian heart), Quixtar's Manager of Public Relations. You can see that he's really, really trying to "get it" but he just can't hang up his corporate PR hat long enough to finish his comment.
Some people, friends and foes alike, have opined that our “Web Initiative Strategy” (not our term, by the way) is purely about drowning out the opposition. Frankly, if that were our goal, we would simply open up the floodgates to several hundred thousand IBOs to create web content and share their positive experiences. We are exploring ways to provide more opportunities for our IBOs to share their experiences, since right now our critics have much freer rein to share their opinions than do our own representatives.
Web Reputation Task Force
Actually, Quixtar's internal term for their Web strategy was "Web Reputation Task Force." I think "Web Initiative" sounds less... uh... gay. But if Luymes wants to quibble about the origin of terms, I'm fine with using WRTF. And if opening those IBO floodgates were an option, I say open those bad boys up. Bring on the "several hundred thousand IBOs" to post their happy blogs.
Oh, but that's not part of Quixtar's goals is it? Nope. What is Quixtar's goal? It's not immediately clear but what is clear is that there's NOTHING preventing IBOs from starting and maintaining their own blogs. How long has Dave's blog been running? A long damn time in Web years. And he's not alone.
Making Strides
I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that Quixtar is making strides to improve its Web image. I think ditching that horrible SEO consultant was a great move towards the Web that Scoble describes. I've seen Quixtar get smarter about how it approaches its critics and those I've talked to on the inside are seeing a slow and steady cultural shift towards openness. They've still got a long way to go but I have confidence that eventually (and maybe with the help of this blog) Quixtar will get there.
UPDATE:
I just want to clarify why I believe Scoble is right. The first thesis of the cluetrain manifesto is "Markets are conversations." This is as true today as it was when Chris Locke, Doc Searls and David Weinberger wrote it a few years ago. Basically Scoble is just repeating this truth and framing it in the context of blogging.
Blogging is a conversation. And if markets are conversations then Quixtar would benefit from entering that market as a participant, not a behemoth trying to control it. The moment a participant tries to control a conversation the communication becomes a lecture. A long, boring lecture with Power Point slides and bad coffee.
And Scoble's point about the human Web is right on. Have you ever had a conversation with a person wearing a mask? It's a little disconcerting. It's much more natural to converse with a human face and hear that face speaking naturally.
Why is it so hard for Quixtar to simply join the conversation? They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If Quixtar really wants to neuter its critics then joining them in the conversation, embracing them as opposed to trying to control them, is the best way to accomplish that task. Or maybe Quixtar needs its critics to be a potent force on the Web? After all, critics with power to provide a handy scapegoat when business is down.
July 11, 2006
Link To Your Enemies?
By Truth in Quixtar
According to a blog run by Robert Scoble, Quixtar technical staff has been talking to him about their website because "people aren’t engaging with their company the way they want." According to Robert Quixtar needs something on their homepage that he would be willing to link to, and some real human beings. Now that article was interesting, but what was even more interesting was the previous article he wrote.
In his article "Dell joins the bloggy web" he writes that he told Quixtar they should link to everyone who says they suck. Why would Robert tell Quixtar such a thing? Here is his answer:
Well, it takes away our power to poke at your negative spots if you openly admit them. That turns throwing rocks through your front window into a boring exercise.
Could this be true? Do you think that if Quixtar was to link to all the critical blogs and sites that we would just get bored and give up? Would prospects look more favorably upon Quixtar if they link to the negative sites?
Interestingly enough this would be the exact opposite of the Web Initiative Strategy that just tries to drown out the other side. That concept hasn't worked out too well for them, so I suppose the old "if you can't beat 'em join 'em" strategy could be worth a try.
UPDATE:
My latest podcast deals with this issue and some other points about how the IBOs on the web are hiding behind the mask while the so-called "critics" seem to be much more open and accessible.
July 8, 2006
The Secret Meeting
By Truth in A/QMOs
Thinking back on my time in Quixtar I can't help but think about what I call "The Secret Meeting." These were the meetings you had to qualify for in order to attend.
For example, at weekend functions there was always a Night Owl, and then there was the "Eagle Night Owl." When a big pin was coming to town to do an open meeting, there was a training afterward, and then there was "Qualifiers Training." If you didn't qualify for these meetings many times you were made to feel like you were a second class business owner. There were many other examples of different types, but there is one thing all these meetings had in common. They didn't make any sense.
During my time in Quixtar I remember being told that these meetings were where the real secrets of the business were told. These meetings were where the really big bits of information were given out to only those who qualified. This raised questions about why such vital information was kept quiet from certain downline IBOs. After all we were told when we signed up that upline success was dependent upon downline success. If that were true one would think every bit of information would be given to each IBO to ensure maximum success for the upline. Unless of course it is not true.
Well my wife and I did all we could to qualify for such meetings. However, the first time we qualified was when Paul Miller was showing the plan at our open meeting. We needed to show 5 plans the week before, and be CORE, to get into his "special training session." My wife and I showed 10 plans that week to ensure we qualified. I must say I couldn't have been more disapppointed. I learned nothing in that meeting that I didn't already know. The only original thing I heard in that meeting was a few stories from Paul that I would hear later on SOT.
So what is the motivation behind these secret meetings? Is there really vital information given out that can't be gotten anywhere else? Could it be just a ruse to get IBOs to do something for upline financial gain? I remember the Eagle meetings were promoted far more then any other qualifier meeting, and the math on that program looks to favor the upline quite a bit. I can't help but think there are more secrets to "The Secret Meeting."
July 6, 2006
Head On
By QBlog in Humor
July 5, 2006
In Their Own Words - 9
By Xanadustc in Their Own Words
For today’s clip, I reach into a newly acquired box of tapes from TEAM. According to Chris Smith:
So why am I going through all this? Because, our system… is the answer to most of the questions that you have.
Why won’t someone make a big names list? Probably because they are not doing those three things.
So if you are listening for the first time, or you are hearing this on tape, stop what you’re doing right now, call the person that got you started, or let the person that brought you here, and ask to be on the system. You need to be on tape of the week and book of the month. That is absolutely vital. Everything else doesn’t matter until you are on that. At some point you have to be a part of that. That is what is going to set you free in this, because you need to grow and change as you grow along.
Download Need System [MP3] “The Names List”, PPS82, Team of Destiny
I wonder if Quixtar would agree to that. Frankly, I do not see how being on the Standing Order programs help to write down a list of names. I also thought the system participation was optional, not mandatory, (of course, success is not either!)
July 3, 2006
BWW vs. TEAM
By Xanadustc in A/QMOs
One of my site readers sent me a box of tapes from Team of Destiny dated around 2003. I wanted to contrast the teachings of these tapes to BWW. As I write this, please keep in mind that the ONLY frame of reference that I have for TEAM is these tapes. I do not have any written literature, nor did I attend an open meeting.
What follows is a comparison to the TEAM list building method according to the tape “The Names List” (PPS82) by Chris Smith compared to the BWW basics Manual and the GS1 “What to do Next” that I analyzed on Quixtar Inside Out Radio.
TEAM method:
“Business will always work if you work it.”
2 processes:
- Better yourself (system participation)
- Action steps: 5 step pattern to build the business. The first is the name list which is the topic of this tape.
The first thing to do is get on the system: tape of the week, book of the month.
To build a list:
- Write it down.
- Always carry the list since you never know when you will want to make calls.
- Do not prejudge anybody; put ALL names down.
- Write down everyone you know, even if you do not know their first name.
- Always talk to more people to add to the list.
- Look at your list daily; put people on the to-do list if you want to call them that day.
The tape used a series of motivators about how much debt people in America have to justify talking to everyone. People are the ‘inventory’ of the business.
There are no “No’s” they are “Laters;" they will be back later.
You don’t prospect, you use the materials from the books and tapes, talk to people, ask questions, etc. (and how is this not prospecting?)
Chris was in college and did not learn anything, it was TEAM that helped him get successful.
TEAM has a brochure that helps with remembering names by a listing of names as well as by occupation.
BWW Method:
You must constantly add new businesses to make more money. Take quality time to develop a list of names.
Charlie Durso
Once again, people are the ‘inventory’ of your business. Durso tells us to put the list on paper. There are three types of people:
A list – Friend and family
B List – Acquaintances
C List – Everyone else
Put these names on a carbon copy paper and give a copy to your upline. Charlie talks about prospecting as a means to add people to the C list. Never prejudge people.
Kumar
Kumar tells us that if you do not add a person to your list, someone else will, so you had better add them now.
The BWW system is key to develop business outside your local area, but in this case, Kumar is talking about the Open Meeting system (where you can send a prospect), and not being involved on the system.
BWW Basics Manual
Share the business at people that are your ambition level and above. The manual includes a list of business clients as well as IBOs.
The manual gives us the F-O-R-M resource as a means to meet new people and talk to them about the business.
Use the brochures to help remember names of people.
Conclusions
Both teams are generally teaching the same things, but with a few differences. BWW is honest that they are prospecting for the business and they also do not include the necessity of being on the Standing Order programs to make a list of names. On this short clip, we do not see anything about making your prospects emotionally stirred about not having enough money; it is simply a filtering question. They also list several other resources. Other than those differences, they teach the same general principles for good or bad. Why do they each claim to be the best?
July 2, 2006
What's the deal with spouses?
By Truth in A/QMOs
Quixtar Motivational Organizations make a big deal out of both parties in a relationship getting involved in this business together. An IBO over at my blog commented to Joecool18 about this being a couple's business. As an IBO I was setup by my former upline so that I would build this business with my wife. Here's my question though... I just don't get it, why is this necessary?
My wife ran her own distribution office for Rainbow vacuums after we quit Quixtar. The whole time she had an office I was not needed, nor ever encouraged by the regional distributor, to get involved in her business. My wife now has her own contract based business doing translating, and since I don't speak Spanish very well you can bet I am not involved in that business either. We have never had any problems resulting from the fact that I was not involved.
So what's the deal with Quixtar? Why is it different than other business models? Why do some couples split as a result of this business, and why do uplines put so much emphasis on both parties in a relationship being "plugged in?"
Some have told me in the past that both husband and wife needed to be involved otherwise the other is usually "negative" about the business. Well, don't you think they might be getting a little negative because they never see all this money you supposedly make in Quixtar? I have a hard time believing that a husband or wife would be negative if his or her spouse was bringing in money.
So let's hear it! Why do you think the motivational organizations put such an emphasis on couples in a relationship doing this business together, when it seems every other type of business this issue is not an issue at all?
QBS - Fake It!
By Truth in Bumper Stickers
Welcome to "Quixtar Bumper Stickers," a Quixtar BLOG series featuring bumper stickers of our favorite quotes from the Quixtar Motivational Organizations. Each bumper sticker will be posted without comment though your comments are welcomed.
This series does not have a regular publication schedule but all posts are available under the Bumper Sticker category. We encourage you to leave us some of your favorite quotes and slogans, and we might just turn them into a Quixtar Bumper Sticker.
July 1, 2006
Willing Participant
By Preston in A/QMOs
It can't be denied that thought reform is not part of some of the training programs used by different lines of affiliation. I know in WWDB there was something that was repeated many times on CDs and at the "night owls" - to be successful 'you must change the way you think.'
On the surface, it looks like a logical statement. Obviously, if you've got no business experience, one would expect a change to be required. The rub, however, is exactly what that change ends up being. One would expect being encouraged to read (books on how to run a business), attend training (on how to sell products for a product based business), and perhaps consult with others for tips on improving your business.
It is uncanny that these things are taught, but at some point, they get perverted. Reading from the "prescribed book list" seems to lead to books, which, reinforce the idea that learning from training "system" is good. Attending training seminars can end up being rah-rah stories of speakers telling people how they just followed the "system" and kept at it, never quitting. Finally, consulting with others on tips for improving your business may result in bad advice.
Normally, one might recognize bad advice. However, the "system" does a wonderful job at elevating certain upline pins as the "successes" - who, once successful, must know what they are talking about. How do we know this is true? Have you ever heard the line, "Would you learn (subject) from someone who had never done it?"
But in the end, the "System" gets off the hook - because in the beginning, you agreed - and were a willing participant to change the way you think. It wasn't what you expected, but what in life ever is? I personally believe that this is what leads to the feeling of guilt, and victimization. Was anything misrepresented, and does the responsibility lie with the "system" or Quixtar for letting this happen?
Will You Comment to the FTC?
By Truth in Miscellaneous
Recently the FTC has made a proposal to make some rule changes that will require more disclosure from MLM companies to their prospects before they sign up. Being one who started blogging to give others the full disclosure I never got, naturally I was quite pleased when I heard this.
At this stage the FTC is taking comments or as they would say it:
The Commission invites interested parties to comment on a proposed Business Opportunity Rule which would prohibit business opportunity sellers from failing to furnish prospective purchasers with material information needed to combat fraud and which would prohibit other acts or practices that are unfair or deception within the meaning of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Scott Larsen has put up a page on his website detailing some of the provisions that are contained within the new rule proposal. Larsen has also put on that page some tips on what to write to the FTC about. Consider them if you like or you can just tell the FTC what you think of the new rule and whether you believe it is a good idea or not.
So go on over to the FTC webpage and make your comments then let us know whether you think the FTC will implement this rule, and tell us if you are for or against this new proposal and why?