Hi there Anonymous,
I was just surfing the blogs when I noticed your comment. I believe you pose a very valid point, and definitely deserve a response (that's the beauty of this whole blog thing --FEEDBACK).
I'll be the first to admit that the centerfold in January/February Powerline was a bit more edgy than what we've run historically. But we looked at it as a great opportunity to showcase just what level of success is possible with this company. Besides ... it was an awesome photo! As editor, I would have been remiss not to share something that hot with members of our Distributor base who might not necessarily be "into" magazines like OD, and might otherwise have missed what turned out to be a great inside look into the lives of the Ridingers.
With that said, you needn't worry about the dynamic of the company changing. I can't think of any other company this size where the CEO actually knows his cubicle employees by name - or one where the Senior VP gives you a warm, sincere hug when she's pleased with your progress on a project (We live for Loren hugs around here). In fact, that sincerity and dedication to the "homegrown" ethics and business principles is why the company remains headquartered in Greensboro - despite the fact that it would probably be easier to operate from a larger metropolitan area. The executive team values the little city that's nurtured its success, the innumerable people who've helped the company grow, and their humility, work-ethic and values. In our eyes, " Joe Everyguy " is THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON in the entire company. Lucky for us, there are over 160,000 of them!
Although JR and Loren have definitely achieved a comfortable (and yes, at times glamorous) lifestyle, they remain two of the most candid, accessible people I have ever met. And they run their company with that mindset...ma will always be a company run by the people and for the people. The opinions and needs of our Distributors have weight here...it's the driving force behind our success.
Don't just take my word for it; now there's yet another chance for your voice to be heard. Those of us here at HQ want to know exactly what types of things you and our other readers would like to see more of in future editions of Powerline (and the things you think may be due for an overhaul). Just cast your vote below, and encourage other members of your team to do the same. And as always, we can be reached directly at testimonials@marketamerica.com and tellus@marketamerica.com. Good, bad or indifferent... we're here and ready to listen!
2/29/2008
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17 comments:
Hello Crystal K,
I say keep up the amazing work with the powerline. That last powerline gave us so much credibility its not even funny. People need to realize that in the industry that we are in, publicity like that is something we need to seperate us from the rest of the network marketing industry. Jr and Loren are genuine people who are living and extraordinary life and changing others lives at same time. And by all means they need to be showcased like they are in all of these major publications. Let the good times roll and I hope to see JR and Loren all over the press and major publications, it makes distributors jobs so much easier. Thanks for all of the hard work on the powerline magazine, it is becoming a powerful tool. Keep up the hard work, I love it.
Ron Hill
York, PA
I love the direction this company is heading! The more JR and Loren earn....the more exposure this company,and us as distributors have. I beleive the relationships that they develop with celebrities just gives us more exposure. Something that most of us can not do. Another HUGE part of this is the desperate need for REAL people in the celebrity world. Most will never feel the pressure and betrayal that is an everyday occurrence in their world. If Loren and Jennifer Lopez are "best friends"...who do you think the lucky one is? Hands down, Jennifer Lopez. I'll take someone with passion, compassion, integrity and loyalty any day! Oh, I left one out..A great sense of humor, too! Not to suggest that Jennifer doesn't have those. Real friends are precious. We have to have our girlfriends...through thick and thin!
So, bottom line...we have leaders that are dripping in money and in turn, they draw people that are dripping in money and are influential. It's to our benefit.
They work hard for the money...they get to play hard for it. I think I hear a song in there someplace.
I think your focus on JR & Loren's luxury toys and lifestyle -- and their "best celebrity friends" -- is a risk to the MA brand image. I do understand that JR & Loren are smart enough to know that America is obsessed with celebs -- and that that obsession can be leveraged to our business advantage. However, I'm a little embarrassed to have so much of MA's publicity focused on this glitzy lifestyle stuff (especially as I look to build my business with business and medical professionals.)
What's the point? That if we build the business we too can have diamond-studded toys and celeb friends? My dreams for success could not look more different than Ocean Drive gliterati... And I though that Joe Everybody is supposed to be the star of this opportunity.
I really suggest getting some consulting about brand development and doing some research to see if this emphasis helps or hurts the brand. I suspect it may be the latter.
I too agree that to much of the glam is not good, in general.
That is why I'm prospecting, I do not use OD and the glam, unless needed. It all depends on the prospects. If I have young prospects, showing them kimora, jlo, OD, etc, is well worth it.
Did you forget how it was to dream when we were young? They LOVE the glamourous life.
If i have a doctor, etc, then I will not use the glam. Instead, I would use the Healthier you, etc.
It's all a matter of perception.
I agree that having a direction for the branding of new products appears to the field as disjointed. Whatever happened to Hogan or the men's skin care line? It appears that their acquitances are paraded in front of the stage - and half the time, we never see them again - seems too premature and unprofessional.
I agree with the other anonymous commenter. Please let’s not make this a brand representing corporate power and exclusivity. We need to find other avenues and lifestyles to promote. There are many people who are interested in this business for reasons other than glitz, toys and who you know. Time freedom and a chance to give back to our communities are primary reasons to fulfill this dream. I would love to see more green products and articles on such matters along with health and community in powerline. I can sell that plan in my community.
With the ongoing trends of natural and green living lets include those lifestyles, not alienate. Let’s make this an all inclusive company. There is absolutely nothing wrong with abundance, but let’s include all types of abundance. Lets also emphasize giving back to the people, which is what JR is about and showing this as a plan to a lifestyle that gives back to family life, community life etc. I am proud to show a plan that empowers people to take back what corporate America has taken away –“our personal lives”. These values are the ones that many of us can sell.
I like the direction of the company, the more exposure the better. I would like to see some balance as to the business side of MA. It would be great to get exposure in Time, Forbes, Business Week, Inc. or Entrepreneur, etc. ........ We are on the crest of an evolution of the way business is done. I can see as a small business owner how the Internet is creeping in to my customers businesses on a daily basis. We are in the right place at the right time.
Well said Crystal K!!! You keep doing what you are doing Ridingers!!! Your love and dedication toward the entire company is admirable. Please continue to promote us, and ignore the same, anonymous person that won't sign his name. He represents a mere .1 of a percent that is negative about our direction, we all are excited!
Lets take Market America off the East Coast and send it to the Middle of America. I think MARKET AMERICA is going great now lets flood the whole United States to let them know who we are. All the news is whats happening in NC, FL, Lets Hit small town USA with the knowledge of MA
I want to leave a comment because I don't think people are getting it. Exposure is exposure thats the bottom line. We need this to seperate us from the rest of the businesses in the industry. The glitz and the glam is awesome to display. It showcases the successes of JR and Loren as well as the company. And the Ocean Drives and Haute Livings of the world are based upon wealth and success. We would not be featured in these publications if it were not because our company is growing. And you ask, how does the glitz and glam effect me? It directly effects you, the more success JR and Loren create, the more successful we all become. Also, what you have to understand is that successful executives from other companies are readinf the publications, and JR and Lorens success is grabbing their attention thus opening doors for more relationships and partnerships. All I have to say is that you just plain do not get it if you think the glitz, glam, and social popularity is hurting us. Please keep displaying your lifestyle and success!! It is taking this company places that other direct sales companies can only dream about. Keep it up with all of the awesome technology with the portals!! God Bless JR and Loren and God Bless Market America!!
Here...Here, Ron! I would like to add one more thought. Do you trust JR, Loren and Marty? Have they been right on the mark so far? If you are worried about this type of exposure, then don't use it. As someone else pointed out, use them when appropriate. We also have so much research, testimonials, etc. to back up the best products out there. So, focus on what works for you, but, follow the system.
Debbie Finck
I think it is interesting what someone said that for younger people they will show them the glam and the celebrities. I agree that not everyone will respond to the celebrities and the glamour aspect of MA. However, this kind of publicity is huge for credibility. Anyways, this person said "do we remember how we used to dream when we were young?".
I think he totally described what happens in life. We are taught not to dream and this company is built on dreams of thousands of entrepreneurs that believe there is a better way and MA proves that there is. It is too bad that the person feels that only young people are allowed to dream and will be impressed by the glamour. We all deep down want to be free and we shouldn't put down others that are living their dreams.
I agree with one of the posts...We need GREEN products. I live in Vancouver BC Canada and this city is GREEN. It's amazing how many people are concerned for the environment. MA should be on top of that. As for too much glam, No. It's exposure and the MA name is out there.
Hi everyone, we have lots of green products - GlobalCare/EcoSolve, both of which are made of enzymes and microbial cleaners. Also, Snap products are environmentally-friendly, made of vegetable-based ingredients and are biodegradable. Market America has been on the cusp of the green movement from the very beginning. We also have some great partner stores where you can buy anything from compact fluorescents to green clothing. EcoSolve will be available again soon. But rest assured, Market America does have green products. With spring under way - don't forget to use Lawn Power and Plant Power instead of the harsh chemicals and plant foods on your lawns and gardens.
WOW! So many wonderful comments... I really appreciate every one of them. But Crystal, you are truly a spectacular person. Honestly, I live for reading your blogs. I am not sure we deserve such love, but I will absolutely work hard to keep it. Thank you for being you. (and i love getting those hugs too:)
To everyone else...thank you for your thoughts and kinds words. Our intention of letting you into our life is a way for us to get to know each other. We started at a place where there was nothing. It is hard to believe everyday where we are. I have to pinch myself all the time, but I also treat it very preciously. The diamond studded toys (although i dont have any:) are not what I live for. I agree that all has to be in moderation. However, it is the love and kindness, the dreams and hopes and the fullfilment of them that matter most to me. Thank you for sharing.
Just for love,
Loren
At 62 years old I have used many products. I love everyone of our products that I've tried! Thank you JR and Company for choosing so well. I can heartily recommend each one. Everytime I think I have a favorite - I try another one.
Example: My 1st product Aloe Strawberry/Kiwi(loved it) then I tried Mocatonic (love,love)then I was introduced to OPC-3.Needless to say with each one I fell in love with it again, and it has not stopped because not there's Snap!WOW!!
The point to showing all the gliz...we have it at our disposal if needed. Not one of us has the same dream so if we don't need to feature a kimora type life style but need to show Going to the Mall video- then we'll show that instead because we have what we need to help everyone get to know about the helpful, life changing, dream fulfilling information we have. I'm glad it was provided!
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