Get a sneak peek at a brand new clean!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 1 Comments
Category: brand, branding, customers, home care, products, sales, selling

LEGACY OF CLEAN IBO Preview Kit is now available online. Don't miss this! (NOTE: You need to login as an IBO to view the kit.) It's your introduction to the newly branded line of planet-positive home care (laundry, dish, and surface) - and your invitation to experience "positively clean" firsthand.The newly branded products will be available for sale in September.

For you and your customers, cleaning is about keeping your home happy, healthy, and comfortable. Amway products have been helping families do just that since 1959 when L.O.C. (Liquid Organic Cleaner) made its debut. That's why the brand is called LEGACY OF CLEAN. We've been "green" from the start.

This Preview Kit gives you the opportunity to experience LEGACY OF CLEAN products for yourself, then use your knowledge and enthusiasm to share the laundry products and cleaners with your customers. Because of the environmentally sensitive formulas, superb performance, and competitive pricing, these LEGACY OF CLEAN products are an excellent way to introduce new customers to your business. After all, everybody does laundry and everybody cleans. But they want products that perform without harming people or the planet. Guess what? You now have an entire line of products to meet their needs with LEGACY OF CLEAN.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready to SELL! Order the Preview Kit NOW.

You’ll receive two boxes full of LEGACY OF CLEAN home care products--biodegradable and phosphate-free laundry, dish, and surface cleaners, a free LEGACY OF CLEAN reusable tote bag (it boasts the new logo!), and a 16-page brochure, complete with product features and benefits you can share with your customers. Remember to focus on the benefits of the LEGACY OF CLEAN products cause that's what sells the products.

High-performance. These super-potent laundry products and cleaners really take away dirt and grime. Wait until you try 'em! Wait until your customers try 'em. AMAZING! (Let us know what you think!)

Planet-positive. Concentrated to do more with less effort and less waste. And they're biodegradable and recyclable to minimize the impact on the environment.YES!

Safe (when used as directed, of course.) Okay, sure, you're thinking we would never sell anything that wasn't safe and that's true, but what I want you to focus on with your customers is that LEGACY OF CLEAN products take away dirt, grease, grime, and dust without negatively impacting the health of people or the planet. WOW!

Now, here's even more good news: This IBO Preview Kit is priced at 20% off regular IBO cost. (Gotta love that!) Kits are limited to one per IBO and supplies are limited. ACT FAST!  Order this Preview Kit and get ready to shine when LEGACY OF CLEAN products become available in September.

  

Gifts galore for dads, grads, birthdays, newlyweds, and parents-to-be

Thursday, May 28, 2009 6 Comments
Category: beauty, buying, customers, gift, jewelry, Nutrilite, Personal Accents, product, retailing, Ribbon, sales, shopping

Life is full of celebrations. Don't know about you, but I find the invitations are rolling in these days for graduation celebrations, birthday parties, wedding showers, baby showers -- and Father's Day is coming soon. (It's June 21 in the USA.)

Here a few of my faves for gift giving, a few recommendations from marketers, and let's hear recommendations from IBOs and your customers, too. What do you like to give as gifts? Artistry? Tolsom? Ribbon Gift Collections? Personal Accents Jewelry? Do tell!

Let's start with Graduations. My absolute fave for both high school and college grads is Celebrate Gift Collection ($40 retail), but Guy Gear (74-9210), Treasure (74-8310), and Pamper (74-8910) are good choices, too. Our Personal Accents marketer recommends the Time Management Watch for him (74-5359) or the Croco-dial Rock Watch for her (74-5210).

Did you know Father's Day is the fourth biggest gift-giving occasion in the USA? (Mom's Day ranks higher.)

What could be better than the gift of choice for your dad or for grampa? Ribbon Guy Gear (74-9210) Collection is a popular choice, and we predict many of the new-for-2009 Omaha Steak (74-9181) and Sony (74-9161) Gift Collections will be given to guys this year. I also recommend these three collections for birthday boys.

Have you considered the Tolsom Skin care products for Dad? These products are specially formulated for men and they feature the exclusive T-10 Complex that conditions, smooths, and moisturizes men's skin. Sounds too good to be true? Maybe, but guess what? It IS true! Check out the full line of Tolsom, from shave gel (10-0917) to protective lotion with SPF 15 (10-0049).

Don't forget Nutrilite health and fitness products if Dad is active and health-conscious. Check out the full line of products for energy, strength, hydration and recovery. If Dad hasn't tried the energy bars and sports drinks before, he's in for a real treat!

Maybe Dad needs a more stylish gift like Metal Aally Cufflinks (74-5364) or the Handle It Jewelry Valet  (74-5368) from the Personal Accents Collection. There's also an array of men's celebrity and designer fragrances online.

Showers and weddings coming up?

Ribbon I Do (74-9510), Gourmet Gear (74-9610) and Distinctive (74-8210) are excellent choices. But check out all the Ribbon Gift Collections for the perfect collection for the newlyweds. They all contain name brand products, from functional to fun, stylish to practical. I know from the thank-you notes I've received, Ribbon Gift Collections are a BIG hit with newlyweds, even if they're registered at a retail store. This gives them an opportunity to "fill in" if they still need pillows or a blender -- or to treat themselves to something special.

For parents-to-be and baby, consider Arrival (74-8810) Gift Collection and for the new mom, Pamper (74-8910) Gift Collection. You might also want to consider Kozy Kids diapers and baby supplies. The new moms that work with me rave about the diapers and wipes. Even if you don't give them as a gift, you may want to suggest them to customers who have babies and toddlers. Oh, just thought of something. You could add some SA8 laundry detergent and L.O.C. multipurpose cleaner to the Kozy Kids supplies and create a basket of goodies -- a gift that's sure to please if the newbie parents are on a tight budget.

Gifting should be a pleasure for the giver as well as the receiver. AmwayGlobal.com helps make gift-giving the pleasure it should be. Enjoy your celebrations this season! And let your gift-giving customers know what's available through your business for their gift-giving needs.

The following trademarks are registered by Amway Global: Artistry, Tolsom, Personal Accents, Nutrilite, Kozy Kids, SA8, L.O.C.

  

The art of selling and respect for those who do

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 1 Comments
Category: retailing, sales, salespeople, selling

Recently, the New York Times printed an article by Ben Stein (lawyer, writer, actor, economist) entitled, "The Sales Profession: Attention Must Still Be Paid." What a fabulous article. In it, he talks about selling being an art -- and quotes Arthur Miller as salespeople being out there "on a smile and a shoe shine."

Selling is learning the product(s) you're selling so well, you can describe the benefits, advantages, and features of the product despite interruptions, chitchat, and all the things that can interfere and compete with a sales conversation between a salesperson and a customer.

It is understanding human nature so you can figure out how the attributes or benefits of your product solve the needs of or fulfill the desire of each customer. 

An effective salesperson isn't just a product pro. An effective salesperson is a people expert.

For those of you who sell with ease and grace, I applaud you. You have my respect and admiration.

 

  

Supplement sales take a surge while salaries and stocks take a dip

Wednesday, May 06, 2009 2 Comments
Category: consumers, customers, health, retailing, sales, selling

Surprising but true: Now may be an ideal time to sell vitamins and supplements!

According to recent reports cited in a New York Times article, consumers are purchasing greater amounts of vitamins and supplements, especially multivitamins, fish oil capsules, and antioxidants. Seems surprising given that there has been much financial stress since Fall 2008. But with the loss of jobs and the reduced health care benefits, many consumers are taking preventative measures, like swallowing a multivitamin daily.

What's this mean for you and your business? Opportunity to sell the world leading brands of vitamins and supplements -- NUTRILITE. Strike up a conversation with a customer about the high cost of health care and the reduction of health care benefits -- mention how important it is to take care of yourself and your family -- to be preventative rather than reactive when it comes to health & wellness. Explain what you do for your health -- like take a daily vitamin or rely on Glucosamine to help with joint flexibility. When you empathize with someone's circumstances and feelings -- and you share a solution or similar story, you're bound to earn their respect and build a relationship. You're also apt to make a sale if you have a product that promises to solve a problem or fill a need for the customer.

Here a few products you might want to mention to customers:

NUTRILITE Daily Multivitamin/Multimineral (90/10-4174)

NUTRILITE Antioxidant Complex (90/A-8603)

NUTRILITE Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables (60/10-0648)

NUTRILITE Glucosamine-7 (120/10-4664)

Ocean Essentials Balanced Health with Omega 3s (90/A-8914)

 

 Here's to healthy sales and a robust business!

 

 

 

  

Top 10 Gifts your Mom will love

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 1 Comments
Category: gift selling, Personal Accents, Ribbon, sales

Mom always knows best, so we asked Moms to give us the top 10 gifts they'd like to receive from the Personal Accents Collection and Ribbon Gift Collections. I also asked the brand managers to weigh in.

Not only does this list provide you with the perfect gift ideas for women everywhere ... it offers a perfect opportunity to call on current and potential customers. Remind them Mother's Day is just over a week away!

"Baggin' For Attention" Tote (74-5332 ) is bold and bright ... a delight for a mom who always has plenty to tote around -- and if she needs more, fill it with goodies from Artistry.

Anticipate Intense Fragrance (74-4620) captures a woman's passion for life and conveys feminine in a fabulous way.

Pamper Ribbon Gift Collection is just what a busy mom deserves!

Personal Accents Ribbon Gift Collection is ideal when your mother likes to make all her own choices, including the gift you give her!

"Endless Love" Ring (74-4837) Timeless design for just $59.99 suggested retail.

"Run for the Roses" necklace (74-4796) Genuine freshwater pearls and rose quartz combine with sterliing silver to create this classic beauty.

"French Vanilla" Pearl Ring (74-4773) This freshwater button pearl ring is sensational when you're not sure of her ring size ... it stretches to fit ring sizes 6 to 9.
 
"Tidal Jewel" Bracelet  with glass pearl (74-4801) So lovely and elegant, just like Mom.

Celebrate Ribbon Gift Collection is always in season ... versatile, online collection she'll go for without a doubt.

Treasure Ribbon Gift Collection lets her choose from a wonderful array of leading brand-name products.

Still searching? There's plenty more gifts to choose from at Amway Global.com! Artistry makeup, Time Defiance skin care, Body Blends bath and body, Nutrilite Women's Supplement Packs, Kahve coffee, and much, much more.

If you have gift ideas for Mother's Day, please add your comments and share with others. Do any of  you create themed baskets using Amway products? Or, filled a tote bag with cosmetics and skin care items? I did that last Mother's Day.

Enjoy your gift selling and shopping!

  

Fave Momisms, jewelry, fragrances, and more

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 0 Comments
Category: Artistry, gift, gifts, jewelry, product, products, skin care

Nobody speaks, teaches, scolds, praises or loves like a mom. Nobody cooks, cleans, advises, or brags like a mother. And nobody deserves her own day or deserves a gift more than a mother. In celebration of Moms everywhere (Grandmothers,too), let's play a game.

Did your mom have her own way of saying things or did she have the universal momisms we all like to share and chuckle about?

Today as a mom, do you find yourself saying the same things you swore you'd never say to your own kids? Are there moments when you respond to your spouse or your children or your niece and nephews, that you suddenly feel you've become your mother?

I had that moment just last week when I said, "Be careful what you wish for cause it just might come true."

Here are a few more momisms from my friend and the Personal Accents Jewelry and Fragrance Collection marketer, Gina:

Because I said so.

Close the door.

Were you born in a barn?

Money does not grow on trees.

If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you jump too?

If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.

I've got eyes in the back of my head ... that's how I know!

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Doesn't a mom who gave you momisms to share with your own kids deserve something special this Mother's Day?
(the answer is yes)

 
Make the gift memorable. Make it special. Make it shine. Make it scent-sational.

Give your mom or grandmother a gift that says,

I love you for all you taught me and all the memories you gave me.

Give mom fashion jewelry that reflects her personal style, accessories to add flair, or her signature designer scent.

Check out Personal Accents jewelry and fragrances online at Amway Global.

Now's the time to buy Mother's Day gifts. (And it's not too early for graduation or Father's Day gifts, too!)

It's also the time to share momisms with others. Please send us your faves! And also send us some fave Personal Accents, Artistry, and Time Defiance products to give to Moms on Mother's Day -- or any day!

  

It really is about relationship ...

Wednesday, April 01, 2009 5 Comments
Category: business, customers, IBOs, sales, selling

"and time can do so much" to quote the lyrics to Unchained Melody, an all-time favorite song of mine.

Seriously, your long-standing customers are who you have a relationship with, correct? You know what they like, don't like, need and want -- you know about their family, their lifestyle, and well--you've come to trust each other over time. They know you won't do them wrong--and you know they prefer to buy from you. Your personal service is a plus they don't want to do without.

Today, I've been thinking a lot about how important relationships are personally and professionally--how you can't live without 'em and how we often take them for granted. 

Take a moment right now and consider key relationships in your life. When was the last time you said thank you to a loyal customer? Have you ever filled a co-worker's candy jar, just because? What about sending a sentimental card to let someone know how much you admire and respect him? 

Oh, one last thing.

For those of you who read my blog and comment regularly ... thank you. You are my inspiration!

 

  

Right-brainers unite! The future is ours ...

Friday, March 27, 2009 1 Comments
Category: business, sales, work

At least that's what Daniel H. Pink proposes in his book, A Whole New Mind. Talk about a thought-provoking and motivating book! Pink discusses the Conceptual Age and how our reasoning (left-brain aptitudes) need to be complemented by high-concept, high-touch senses.

1. Design. Not just about products, services, etc. as functional but also as beautiful and emotionally engaging.

2. Story. The essence of persuasion, communication and self-understanding -- not just about data and factual information.

3. Symphony. Not just focus. It's about seeing the big picture, crossing boundaries, creating a new whole by forming pieces in a new way.

4. Empathy. As we move forward, we must be able to understand what makes someone tick, to forge relationships,and to care for others.

5. Play. In the Conceptual Age, in work and in life, we all need to play. Humor, games, laughter -- enormously beneifical.

6. Meaning. Beyond the material things. Less about stuff and more about meaning. We long for significance and spiritual fulfillment.

Pink tells us these six senses will guide our lives and shape our world -- and now's the time to embrace and master them in work and in life.

Read this book! Even if you don't agree with everything Pink believes, this book will inspire, motivate, and most importantly, make you think about the way you live and work.

Check out Daniel Pink's website.

 

  

The new bilingual Ribbon Program is coming soon!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 2 Comments
Category: bilingual, gifts, gifts and incentives, sales

That's right, I said bilingual and Ribbon in the same sentence-- per your request. We heard you loud and clear at events, training, and through email feedback. Thank you for letting us know Spanish is needed. 

Virtually everything Ribbon in the new 2009 program is in English and Spanish. The Gift Collection albums and catalog, ordermygift.com, gift cards, sales literature, order forms, and a CD. 

Look for more Ribbon updates in Spanish via Voces Latinas, a blog hosted by Amway Global bilingual editors.

 

  

Ribbon gets brighter ... and better!

Thursday, March 19, 2009 6 Comments
Category: buying, customers, gift, gifts and incentives, incentives, products, retailing, sales, selling

It won't be long now and the new Ribbon Gift & Incentive Program will launch--first, the sales tools in April ... and then the fabulous new Gift Collections in May.

Are you, the IBO Gift Consultants, ready?

Would you like to hear about some of the exciting changes? Many are based on your feedback. That's right. You play a large part in how Ribbon unfolds every year.

Having trouble telling the printed albums apart when they're General Gift Collections? New colors will help you differentiate one from the other. Each printed Gift Collection Album boasts a distinctive cover color. Simple identification for you and your customers. 

We kept your faves, but let go of those you said just weren't working. The Teen Sweet! Collection took a hike. But the Klutz branded collection has been renamed and tweaked to include additional popular brands and sought-after gifts for kids and tweens. Names like Mattel, Lego, and American Girl are joining Klutz in the Kaliedoscope Gift Collection. At $30 retail price, this collection is ideal for birthday and holiday gifts. And now, its appeal is to a wider age range and a variety of interests. You're going to love selling this gift collection. Who doesn't want to promote creativity and fun for kids?

When it comes to beef, one of the best and well-known suppliers in the USA is Omaha Steaks. And now, you can sell the Omaha Steaks Gift Collection to businesses, family, friends, and neighbors. At $135 retail price, this collection makes for an impressive (and welcome) gift.

The new program also features a Sony Gift Collection ($400 retail), and for the first time ever, a premium Exquisite Gift Collection at a $1000 retail price--excellent for exec appreciation and sales incentives. This Exquisite Collection is the ultimate in luxury -- Movado, Bose, and Bowflex are just a few of the brands that I recall seeing in this fantastic assortment.

The Cuisinart Collection has been well-received, but many of you let us know it would appeal to more people if it carried even more brand names like KitchenAid, Wusthof, and Breville. Now the newly named Gourmet Gear Collection is bound to be a big seller.

There are more changes coming to your sales tools and kit--and I am reporting on those early next week. Just wanted to get the word out now on what's changing with the collections.

Let everyone you know that the Gift of Choice is the gift to give--and you can help with that.

Start your lists now. Who do you know that may be interested in buying (and then giving) these new collections? What customers can you call today to let them know what's coming soon in the Ribbon Program?

Don't delay. This bit of preview news is the perfect opportunity to connect with your customers. Call them today!

Stay tuned. More to come on Ribbon next week!

 

  

Brands associated with taglines: Part Two answers

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 0 Comments
Category: advertising, branding, brands, marketing, products, sales

 These were much tougher for a variety of reasons ... length of time the line has been used in advertising, newer brands or stores in the marketplace, reach and frequency of the brand's advertisiing, general content that could apply to most any brand.

1. Gets the tough stains out! OxiClean

2. Food sticks to nothing. Pam

3. You're taken care of. Vicks

4. Space. Light. Inspiration. Springhill Suites/Marriott

5. There's a ____________in all of us. Craftsman

6. Sense and simplicity. Philips

7. Save Money. Live Better. Wal Mart

8. Discover nature's secret. Aveeno

9. Better sound through research. Bose

10. Real. Comfortable. Jeans. Wrangler

 

Thanks for all the responses. I love playing games with you! : -)

 

  

Part 2-Wanna play a brand game again?

Friday, March 06, 2009 5 Comments
Category: advertising, branding, product, sales

Wow! You guys are good. So good, I  need to toughen up the game. Jefffrey was correct except for the Got Milk? That actually is the California Milk Proccessor Board. Notice that many of us thought it was Dairy Council, including me. Did you notice that the Ultimate Driving Machine garnered several different responses. It is BMW.

Love that so many of you responded and hope you'll continue onward. This is fun!

I came up with most of the last ones without looking them up, but these, well ... I looked up quite a few in ads in popular mags like Sports Illustrated, Ladies Home Journal, Forbes, Woman's Day, and Shape.

So, without researching online or in mags, see if you can figure out the brands for these trademarked tags:

 

1. Gets the tough stains out!

2. Food sticks to nothing.

3. You're taken care of.

4. Space. Light. Inspiration.

5. There's a ____________in all of us.

6. Sense and simplicity.

7. Save Money. Live Better.

8. Discover nature's secret.

9. Better sound through research.

10. Real. Comfortable. Jeans.

 

Okay, it's your turn again. Best of luck!

 

 

  

Wanna play a game on branding?

Wednesday, March 04, 2009 8 Comments
Category: advertising, brand, product, sales

Let's have some fun. Can you tell me what brand is associated with the following tagline or slogan ... and why do you think it's memorable, insightful, enduring, powerful, or otherwise (you tell me!) If you were a brand, what would be your tagline or slogan? Why?

 

1. A diamond is forever.

2. Choosy Moms choose __________.

3. Say it with flowers.

4. Breakfast of Champions.

5. Snap. Crackle. Pop.

6. When it rains, it pours.

7. Got milk?

8. Where Simple Goodness Begins. 

9. Like a good neighbor, _________is there.

10. The Gift of Choice.

11. The ultimate driving machine.

12. We try harder.

13. With a name like _______, it has to be good.

14. Stop Dieting. Start Living.

15. Let's Build Something Together.

Once I hear from 5 or more people, I'll display the answers. So, better respond now.

C'mon, tell me one or two or more.

I'm waiting for the first response ... 

  

Have you heard about The Chair?

Friday, February 13, 2009 7 Comments
Category: blogs, communication, customers, sales, selling

Yesterday, I was doing online research for the communications style guide I am working on. I came across some fabulous blogs and one gave me a link to an impressive story on The Chair by Patrick Schaber. It's from a year ago, and you may have heard about it, but if not, read on and check the link out.

A woman who works for a large retailer in the Midwest came up with this simple idea with sensational results in listening to the employee. I'd love to do something like this with our IBOs and our customers. But ... let's just make Sales Speak your chair. Talk here about being an IBO, being a customer, selling, not selling, suceeding, failing, or having fun doing whatever is you're doing. The point is that you can speak up and about what you want in regards to selling products and services here, being a working parent in MomPod, training in The Learning Curve, and well, Opportunity Zone blogs are for you!

So, back to the Chair story. Jill, the woman who works for the retailer, plopped down two chairs in the heart of this corporation and put a sign over the the two chairs calling out a topic for the day. She occupied one chair and then waited. Waited even more. And then an employee sat down and discussed the topic she had posted. No technology. No motives. Just Jill, a person in Communications genuinely interested in another employee's thoughts and feelings. Well, the idea caught on once employees learned their ideas and feelings and thoughts would be anonymously shared with executive management.

This is how The Chair is promoted to the employees:

“The Chair” is designed to spark open, face-to-face, one-on-one conversation with employees in the simplest way possible: by offering employees a topic to talk about, an empty chair to sit on and an Employee Communications team member to listen to them (really listen - without a laptop, cell phone or Blackberry in the way). “The Chair” gives us a pulse-check on employee opinions, thoughts and ideas, while giving employees a place to be heard. “The Chair” is set up every other Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon for corporate employees, with plans to expand it to store employees in the future.

Simple is genuis sometimes. Ideally, I'd love to talk with each of you face-to-face, but that's nearly impossible. This blog is the next best thing. It's a blog I write, but it's your blog.

So, let's chat! Tell me (and our readers) what's on your mind. Or, tell me what you think of this idea!

  

In praise of poetry ... what's that got to do with sales?

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 1 Comments
Category: communication, inspiration, sales

It's a stretch. I admit it. But heck, I'd like to sell you or anyone on poetry. How do I do that if it's not something you need or want in your life? Is there a way to persuade you to give it a try? Add some romance? Fall in love with the sound of the words. Become intrigued by the meaning of the lines -- mesmerized by the message between the lines. Enamored by how something can say so much in so little space. It's the power of poetry.

There's no guarantee a poem will add romance, passion, or purpose to your life ... and there's no "buy one poem, get two free" promo to offer. There are only the words. The letters, the syllables, the sound of the words. Your voice speaking the words, my ears listening. Words form a message. This message is how we communicate. A way of connecting with each other. Now that's powerful!

Let's start with poetry in our lives ... yes, your life, my life, our lives ... every day! Think about poetry that resonates with you and why it does.

Take for instance, the recent presidential inaugaration. Elizabeth Banks read a beautiful poem that captures the essence of what the people of this country are thinking and feeling right now--and it resonated with many. It's called, Praise Song for the Day. 

 In this stanza, she remarks on how we communicate (or fail to communicate):

We encounter each other in words, words
spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed,
words to consider, reconsider.

Later in the poem she speaks of how we interact with and treat each other:

Some live by love thy neighbor as thyself,
others by first do no harm or take no more
than you need. What if the mightiest word is love?

At the end of the poem, she lifts us up with hope:

In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air,
any thing can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp,

praise song for walking forward in that light.

Barack Obama chose this poet and her poem for the inaugaration -- because the poem resonated with him, and also,  he felt it reflected this moment in history and the people in this country. Is there a poem you've heard or read recently that speaks to you? that you think speaks to many? has universal appeal? makes you want to sell others on poetry for its passion and power?

Let us know!

  

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