Letting go of life as we know it ...

Wednesday, May 07, 2008  by Susan Julien-Willson
Category: selling, Ribbon, retailing, buying, advertising, business, Artistry, Nutrilite, consumer, sales customers

I've been thinking about how I need to let go of my old job responsibilities and embrace my new role. It's not easy to walk away from a warm, familiar, accepting environment into unknown, unchartered territory. For the most part, I like the unknown--it's full of challenge and discovery. But it's bumpy! And I tend to trip once 'n awhile. And on some days, I've been guilty of running back to that familiar welcoming land as soon as someone implies I am trespassing in forbidden territory... like I did yesterday --except I hit the "you can't go back home again just because you want to" point this morning. I realized I can't go back, I can't stay in the middle, and I'm rarin' to move ahead.

In case you missed my earlier post on my new position ... I am now the Consumer-facing Communications Portfolio Manager. I refer to it in writing as C-F CPM or just CFCPM. (I'm big on acronyms in email.) So, first thing this morning, I wrote a couple goodbye and good luck notes, declined a few meetings and accepted some others that are pertinent to my new position. It's time to focus on customers ... your customers now and in the future. It's time to create communications for you to share with customers and potential customers. So, we're thinking about what you need as IBOs to sell products to consumers. (Seems I should ask you!)

What would you like in Health, Beauty, and Ribbon to help you sell to customers? What leave-behinds? What follow-up pieces? Samplers? Emails? What about cross-sell vehicles?

Share your thoughts and suggestions. Please!

 P.S. You know how I love quotes! Here's one that is in tune with my thoughts and feelings today and also fits how things are changing in the business world and with the way we do business:

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned,
so as to accept the life that is waiting for us."
                                              --Joseph Campbell 

 

 

Comments

# e.rod. said on May 7, 2008 6:28 PM:

hi sue,

sorry i've been MIA, but i had a baby this past march and so you know how that is. anyway, congratulations on your new position! i'm glad ur working on this because u have been so great listening to our ideas on the OZ. i will give ur question some thought since there are so many ideas that i've had in the past. for now, i just want to suggest that the personal website be updated so that the user interface is in line with the newly built quixtar site. also, would it be possible to add ditto delivery as an ordering option in checkout so that we can service our clients with an auto-ship program that they can manage themselves. one other thing - i've received my new Home and More catalog, but never received the newly revamped Health and Beauty Choices in my polybag. was that sent out to all IBOs? is it coming late? my advanced order came before i ever received anything from the corp. ok, will post more later.

# Ben said on May 7, 2008 6:34 PM:

Susan,

First of all, I hope you're not leaving the oppzone! Secondly, congrats on the new position, I know you'll be a great addition there.

I would like to see more emails similar to the Ribbon Retailer but focused on how the customer could use and benefit from Ribbon albums. Perhaps one tailored for Mother's Day  or other holidays.

Thanks!

# Utah said on May 7, 2008 6:34 PM:

Congrats for your new job.

I do have a question or request. Last September, the Opportunity Zone asked for comments about the stumble-in customer leads policy and the potential of changing it. Would you post what it was and what it was recently changed to?

The IBOAI has announced a new leads policy, but their moderator seems to have forgotten what it used to be. A clarification would be very helpful.

I went to look at the May Amagram, but the online .pdf file for it is corrupted. I have not found an announcement from the Corporation.

Thanks.

# rdknyvr said on May 7, 2008 9:15 PM:

Susan, does "Health" include Gensona and Personalized Health?

# Joseph Montelepre said on May 7, 2008 11:08 PM:

Susan, I've enjoyed your words and your work.  Congratulations on starting a new chapter and you're right...leaving the comfort zone and embracing the change, and the surprises and challenges of the journey, is what we help new IBO's do in the field all the time.  And that's what makes this business so wonderful for everyone's personal growth.  So thanks and enjoy!

# Susan Julien-Willson said on May 8, 2008 7:37 AM:

One of life's simplest and best pleasures for me is coming in to the office in the a.m. and checking my blog for comments. I LOVE it when I hear from our IBOs. Thank you. I appreciate the good wishes ... and BE ASSURED, I am NOT LEAVING the OppZone. Beth supports me in staying with Sales Speak, so please keep commenting and sharing ideas on selling to customers. Utah--I have to do some research and will get back to you. Rdknyvr--Health includes Personalized Health/Gensona-yes!,e.Rod, congrats on the baby and good to hear from you. Funny, I was thinking about you on Monday and wondering if all was well. Bridgett, could you elaborate on your ideas? We'd welcome more specifics. Please keep sharing and please don't hesitate to "talk" to each other in your comments. sjw

# CJ said on May 8, 2008 10:55 AM:

First of all, congrats E.Rod!!!!

Piggybacking onto Bridgett, E.rod, and Ben's comments-I completely concur. I think what it boils down to is that one of the things that the corporation could do is "give away" our contact information-LOL!

1) Update the IBO websites to include our personal contact information or at least give the IBO the option to turn that function on. Bridgett is right, it is supposed to be our OWN business, and at the same time we do have to abide by the rules and regulations, but something should be done to put the IBO in a better marketing position along with the corporation. I especially like Bridgett's idea of putting our information/business name on all client correspondance, especially products shipped to the customer from the corporation. I know we have all seen the late night commerical for SMC. They allow for all items drop-shipped/delivered to a client to have the agents name/business on the invoice, etc, instead of SMC's name. That really sends a strong message to a client that could possibly turn them into an IBO and also something we can promote to a potential IBO so they can get an even better feel of ownership of their business.

2) Ribbon-A DVD version of the CD (yes, I'll keep putting in my request for this-LOL).

3)Ribbon Retailer-I love Ben's comment about how it could focus on how customers use the gifts in various applications, real-life case studies or examples on a particular subject and how the cards were implemented with follow up tips and what the IBO had to do sell the cards-not just theory or a general topic. I think giving IBOs ideas by giving specific information on how a gift card program was implemented and possibly the results of the program, profit/pv made (if the IBO wants to share that). I also would like the Ribbon Retailer to come more often than every quarter-if not every month, but every other month.

4) An electronic consumer-facing newsletter that the corporation can develop that would allow the IBO's name/business name to displayed on it that we could share/email with our clients on a regular basis (monthly). Some folks have actually grown outside the concept that we have to physically meet with clients on a regular basis which can be hard if you have clients spread out across the city, state, or country-it's all about repeat exposure like advertising. I send out a bi-monthly email newsletter to my Ribbon clients that has a follow-up email that comes the following month (basically something every month)-I have to admit it's pretty good (lol) but it allows me to keep a piece of mental real estate with them without me having to call All of them or send out personalized emails or physically interact with them. It's worked tremendously for me in making sales. Especially if there were different newsletter focuses such as a Nutrilite, Artistry, or Ribbon. I guess a combined one could be good as well, but I like the fact that the newsletters could be product-focused just like the IBO retail websites. I think what would drive this concept even deeper is the discussions that have come out in the past where the IBO would have personalized version of the Q/A website where links in the newsletter would tie back to the IBOs website (retail sites or personalized Q/A website) not just the general Q/A website.

5)Allow us to use our business names on our IBO websites. Especially if we are using a DBA as I do.

If I think of more, I'll let you know. Thanks again Susan for the opportunity!

# Susan Sanders said on May 8, 2008 12:09 PM:

I love the comments regarding co-branding! Since nutrition is my main focus that' where my comments will go but they would apply to Artistry as well.

As far as handouts and leave behinds--where's our new Nutrilite catalog?  If we're not going to have a separate Nutrilite then we need handouts/brochures for each Nutrilite category--Simply Nutrilite, Nutrilite, Nutrilite sports nutrition, XS energy drinks and Trim Advantage.  And if they could be created with an area that I could self print my business contact information that would be great.  As far as the personalized websites, integrating them with the Health Questionnaire and other health information is really necessary.  I would also love more logo merchandise --where are the Simply Nutrilite and Perfect Water t-shirts???

Love the ideas of consumer based emails.  Done  on a monthly basis featuring different products based on the month or season would be great.  I'm putting together a blog to do this now but if I didn't have to that would be great.  Thanks for letting me spill out all my ideas-- will you be attending any of the National Spotlight events?  

# Susan Julien-Willson said on May 8, 2008 12:37 PM:

TO ALL: Thank you for the ideas!

Sounds like consumer-based emails are popular with many of you.

Susan, I will be attending a few of the National Spotlight Events this year. Can't wait. Hope to talk with some IBOs and their customers. Will I be seeing any of you in Greensboro? Portland? Dallas?

# Susan Julien-Willson said on May 8, 2008 12:42 PM:

UTAH:

Todd Krause plans to blog about the Leads Program soon on Adatudes. Please stay tuned for his explanation of the Program and its changes. Thanks!

# Utah said on May 8, 2008 2:39 PM:

Susan,

Thanks. I look forward to more info.

I really do get bugged that when a Customer logs in to Quixtar.com, they can't see their IBOs name anywhere.  It doesn't show up before or after they order. They don't even know if the IBO is getting credit. It decreases the likelihood of a customer calling the IBO.

They don't need a full LOS, but it would help if they have two IBO names, the IBO and upline platinum or diamond with some contact - either phone and/or email address. If an IBO were to quit, they wouldn't know who to call.

A customer logging in also gets almost no new information re: new products announcements. Also, customers don't get any kind of card. Some of the partner stores still have discounts for customers, but they have no IBO like card to get them. If they reserve a room online, they don't have a card to show the hotel.

# Bridgett said on May 8, 2008 3:17 PM:

Utah,

FYI:

If an IBO quits/doesn't renew, all their registered customers moves up to the next active IBO.

I've had this happen. I have gone in to my customer LOS and new names and contact info appeared.

And then I made a point of contacting them and introducing myself and offering my assistance.

# Utah said on May 8, 2008 7:31 PM:

Bridgett,

I just know of a customer that can't tell who is left in their LOS. They can't see even who their IBO/sponsor is by signing in as a customer. Yes, the IBO can see their customers, but the customers can't see who their IBO is, or if they are out of town, who to call "upline" with questions besides the corporation.

# Ben said on May 8, 2008 10:32 PM:

Susan, I know this does not directly answer your question of the leave behind pieces, etc. But it is related to selling at retail. I would like to see more products with the same pv/bv, retail profit margin, and competitive retail pricing similar to Simply Nutrilite and Artistry Essentials. Some products in our lineup are competitive at retail, but do not have a good retail profit margin. Others are simply not competitive at all.

I know the company is headed in this direction anyway, but just wanted to put in my suggestion!

# Jeffrey said on May 8, 2008 11:06 PM:

These ideas are great for co-branding. Our names and contact information needs to be displayed prominently everywhere it can be. I even think that a clickable e-mail icon on the home page and order page would be great. Let's face it: most customers won't contact us if they have to dig all over the place to find our contact info. Even if we do a great job staying in contact with them, there still might be times that they need to give us a quick call or e-mail.

One thing that really frustrates me with these great ideas from the field is that there is almost no response from the company. And when we call or e-mail, we get the same old, worn out, "I'll pass this along to the proper people..." and then nothing. I think part of the problem at Ada is that there is a bureaucracy that is almost worst than in Washington, D.C.

We don't keep suggesting these things because we think the business isn't any good. We keep suggesting them because we know we have the best thing out there and we want to keep it that way. Many of our competitors are already doing many of these things. So, lets not just talk about them--lets get them fixed!

# Bridgett said on May 9, 2008 12:14 PM:

Utah,

I totally agree with you that the customer (not just the IBO) should have contact info. I was commenting on part of your comment, not all of it.

As you can see by my co-branding comment, I really, really, really, would like the Corp to have the IBO in the picture when they contact customers.

It's a bit insulting, actually. I see the emails my customers get, and it's as if I totally and completely don't exist. "Quixtar" "Quixtar Customer Support" "Quixtar" contact info. Quixtar, Quixtar, Quixtar.

To be clear: I am NOT trying to hide the Quixtar or Amway Global name (Utah, I'm talking to the Universe now, not you.)

*CO*-branding.

# Jackie said on May 9, 2008 5:25 PM:

Here's the facts on the Customer Leads program: Before 5/1/07 Quixtar accepted orders from customers that did not have an IBO but called Customer Support or went to quixtar.com to place an order. All customers were given an opportunity to have their contact information shared with an IBO and to choose whether they wanted to be contacted by an IBO. If they said yes, their customer number was linked to a specific IBO, that IBO got all the volume and was expected to contact the customer. All Platinums and above who met some basic levels of activity, had a valid email (and some other criteria) were eligible to receive leads. Quixtar also gave priority to IBOs living in the geographic vicinity of the customer. A behind the scenes algorithm was used to randomly select the IBO that got the lead. Beginning May 1, this process was changed. Customers are now split into 2 groups: a) those that want to be contacted by an IBO; and b) those that choose to shop anonymously (guest shoppers). Customers that want to shop with the help of an IBO will still be randomly assigned to an IBO..but the criteria is different. Now, leads will be given to IBOs who are gold and above, are active (same criteria as QBI), have a valid email, are in good standing with the company, and who have given permission for the company to share their primary contact information with the customer. And preference will be given to IBOs who are in the geographic vicinity and can support the specific language needs of the customer. Volume from the second type of customers, guest shoppers, will no longer be given to a specific IBO. Rather, all the volume from guest shoppers will be placed in a fund which will be 100% divided among all IBOs who meet the eligibility criteria. IBOs can find more detail on the Leads program in the Manage My Business section of Quixtar.com in the Compensation section.

# Georgia B. said on May 10, 2008 3:29 PM:

Quixtar/Amway Global has done a great job with "Leave Behind" tools and samples.  This is vital to our business because marketing research has shown that 40% of customers who receive a sample will purchase. That is a big number! Some of my favorites are the protein bar samples and the twist tubes. Obviously, leaving the prospective customer your IBO contact info is imperative. I use the artistry laminated labels. You can fit 4 or 5 lines on them and they are water proof--perfect for Perfect Water! You do not want to let a bottle of that amazing product out of your hands without a label! The labels also fit on smaller sample sizes like the protein bars and twist tubes. One suggestion would be to make the labels more visible on the site. I believe they are currently within a partner store of product labels and only under the Artistry Brand.  

# Karen said on May 11, 2008 2:53 PM:

Hi Susan-

I would LOVE to see 2 things happen in the area of retail sales.

1) I need a Quixtar gift card.  I know Ribbon is a phenomenal gifting tool, but what if I just want to spend $25, or $50, or $100 and let someone choose whatever they want from the website?  I have created my own gift certificates and attached them to a Choices catalog.  They are a huge hit!  The only problem is that it has to be redeemed through me.  My customers want gift cards!

2) I would love to see Satinique samplers...I don't know why we've never had them (at least not in the 2 years I've been in business)  Nothing fancy, just shampoo and conditioner in a foil sampler.

Thanks for listening!  You're the best!

Karen

# Canadian IBO 2 said on May 11, 2008 7:13 PM:

Susan,

I agree with the suggestion of having the IBO's name, contact info, etc on the site when a customer logs on.  In my case, I would not want to have my upline platinum's info on there since my upline platinum is a place holder number.  That would not work in my case.

# Bridgett said on May 12, 2008 11:25 AM:

I agree about the gift cards. Every other ecommerce website on the planet has gift cards (most of our Partner Stores!) and we don't?

# CJ said on May 12, 2008 3:25 PM:

I agree with Bridgett and Karen. Although the Ribbon "Choices" Gift Card/Catalog comes very close, it still has it's limitations to only being tied to one gift area people can choose from from the many categories within home, health, and beauty.

# Bridgett said on May 13, 2008 3:22 AM:

Susan,

Is there a missing comment of mine? I came here tonight and read this thread, and you and CJ comment on some comment of mine that I don't see. The first one I see is from the 9th, a day after you both posted your comments referencing my comment. For the life of me, I can't remember what I said that you two are commenting on.

Oh wait, didn't it have to do with you saying, "Your" customers? And me talking about how I don't feel like Quixtar/Amway Global recognizes them as MY customers. And that co-branding in all communications would be nice?

Yeah. What happened to my critical comment? I've been censored! :) No. I'm sure it's just some funky technical glitch and my comment will reappear shortly. ;)

# Bridgett said on May 13, 2008 3:40 AM:

Karen,

This may not be an exact fit, but I just discovered that Quixtar is selling the little plastic containers that they use at expos to sample out Artistry cremes.

I bet these containers could be used for any creams and liquids--like the Satinique Shampoos and Conditioners.

Hey Jeffrey, whadda think? You could use these for all the Body Series and other stuff you've been packaging yourself lately.

SKU# 744579E7

50 of them for 10 bucks. 20 cents each. They are small, like the diameter of a quarter. And  3/8" tall.

# Susan Julien-Willson said on May 13, 2008 7:54 AM:

Bridgett,

All of your comments that I've received via Sales Speak are posted. The one you refer to that may be missing ... is it this one that's posted above?

Utah,

I totally agree with you that the customer (not just the IBO) should have contact info. I was commenting on part of your comment, not all of it.

As you can see by my co-branding comment, I really, really, really, would like the Corp to have the IBO in the picture when they contact customers.

It's a bit insulting, actually. I see the emails my customers get, and it's as if I totally and completely don't exist. "Quixtar" "Quixtar Customer Support" "Quixtar" contact info. Quixtar, Quixtar, Quixtar.

To be clear: I am NOT trying to hide the Quixtar or Amway Global name (Utah, I'm talking to the Universe now, not you.)

*CO*-branding.

If it's another comment you refer to, please resend and I will post again. Once 'n awhile, our spam filter filters out non-spam comments ... or, because I do things in a hurry, I accidentally delete the wrong thing. Yup, I mess up sometimes! Sorry 'bout that!

# Bridgett said on May 13, 2008 12:29 PM:

You did receive my comment and it WAS posted at some point, since you and CJ commented on it.

Look at:

your (Susan) May 8th 7:57 am comment

and

CJ's May 8th 10:55 am comment.

Both of you mention me, Bridgett, by name, and refer to my comment. But is there any comment of mine that was published before yours and CJ's? The very first one of my comments I see is from a day later.

And, the comment of mine you just republished states "as you can see by my co-branding comment"--this republished comment is from the 9th, and is referring to some other comment that is missing.

I say to Utah, on the 9th, "as you can see by my co-branding comment", and my point is that THAT comment (the same comment that you and CJ refer to on the 8th) is gone.

Unless, I'm losing my mind and cannot see it on my computer screen, which is possible. I've lost my mind several times since having children. :)

If it's gone, then it's gone. Since we post directly on the site (not via email) I don't have a copy. No prob. Y'all get my drift--CO-BRANDING.

# Jeffrey said on May 16, 2008 12:58 AM:

Bridgett: I checked out those little sample containers and they look good for the Artistry creams, but they are too small for me. I found 2 oz. containers at Michael's (a craft store). They are clear, translucent plastic with a flip top lid. I think they are either 60 cents each or $1.00 each. Maybe the 3 oz. ones were $1.00, which I think are a little too big. I think 2 oz. is the right amount of a sample for: Body Series Refreshing Body Wash, Antibacterial Hand Soap, the Satinique Shampoo and Conditioner line, and L.O.C. Multi-Purpose Cleaner.

There are many products that can be given out as samples in their original packaging. I give out the travel size Glister toothpaste, single bars of 4-in-1 Family Bar Soap, Dish Drops Automatic Tablets (3 at a time), single food/energy bars, and single XS or Simply Nutrilite cans. I used to give SA8 Packettes away until they discontinued them. :-(

I buy the address labels from the ads in the Sunday paper where you get like 500 for 3 or 4 bucks. It has my name, voice mail number, e-mail address, and my personal website address. Every single sample is accompanied with a product flyer from the site. And both the product sample and the product flyer has an address label on it so they know it is from me. I also put them on all the catalogs I mail to my retail customers.  

I get frustrated sometimes because we have so many great ideas from the field that we call in or e-mail, or post on these blogs, but the response from the company is from lukewarm to non-existant. Sometimes I wonder what the IBOAI and the Marketing Advisory Committee actually talk about when they get together. Wouldn't you think sample sizes would be a given? That way they could look a lot more professional if the company made them up. And let's get our names and contact info on those personal websites! Sheesh! How many times do we have to ask?

Don't get me wrong: I appreciate what we have. It is incredible. It's the best. But the company can't rest. Many of these ideas need to be implemented right away. As I've said before, on some of these things, our competitors are way ahead of us.

# Bridgett said on May 16, 2008 6:42 PM:

Jeffrey, I love your ingenuity!

As far as IBOAI and MAC, trust me when I say that the Diamonds wield way less power with the Corp than all of us think.

Why do you think I'm on these blogs? :)

As it's been explained to me, the Corp is not used to moving fast. They are slooooow. I agree with you. They need to change their ways or they will become extinct.

I admire that you are not waiting for the Corp. And I think all IBOs need to have that same attitude.

I also understand that the Corp needs to look at the bigger picture sometimes, and maybe the home care and personal care markets are not what they want to invest time and money in to. You saw my math over at Ada-Tudes on May 13th, right under you comment? http://adatudes.opportunityzone.com/2008/04/14/New-online-courses-prepare-you-for-selling.aspx#30030

As you know, I been "yelling" about co-branding for almost a year now.

So we all have our little "pet projects". LOL.

It's still the best biz opportunity out there. Not perfect, but the best!

# Tom in Atlanta said on May 17, 2008 2:12 PM:

What if the corp. created an online community that our customers and IBOs alike could join?  All the tracking would be active in the background according to the respective LOA and the customer could be connected to their IBO but limited in connecting to anyone else.   The same would go for the IBO's connectivity allowances except the IBO's connectivity would extend to their upline through the community for team communication etc.

Through the community, customers would see first hand the benefits of inviting/referring others to the community and benefiting financially if they choose.  They would also have a more personalized experience and management tools like Ditto could more easily be accessible through their personal profile/household management area.  When they log in to their community, their profile will indicate what product promos are seen based on their profile questionnaire/Ditto info.

The customer facing newsletters would lead them back to their community and be co-branded with their IBO and Amway Global.

This could solve all these comments above in one neat little community website and leave all kinds of possibilities open for community features and benefits as well as streamline and speed up the North American/Global community expansion goals.

# CJ said on May 19, 2008 3:07 PM:

Bridgett, I think you are right about the power IBOAI has with the corp. Once it came out that the corporation was changing the name, I distinctly remember seeing a disclaimer on the IBOAI website stating that they were not informed of it and that they would do what they could figure out what was going on....maybe that was PR talk-LOL! Anywho, you can't deny, there is no business like this business. Thank God we have Susan on our side :-).

Editor's note: Thanks, CJ. Believe me, the Corp is behind you! I know sometimes it doesn't feel that way, especially during times of change, but we do care, we do listen, and we do want you to succeed. I know I do and I work at Corp! : - )

# CJ said on May 19, 2008 3:41 PM:

Susan, you are the exception to the rule, you rock!

Still, I agree with Bridgett in that IBOAI doesn't seem to have that strong of power if they didn't know of the name change. But, the Corp is reaching out to the IBOs using OZ which I think is a fabulous tool!

# Tom in Atlanta said on May 19, 2008 4:02 PM:

Susan, I keep seeing web 2.0 posts over in 'The Real Quixtar Blog'.  Have you any news on the Corp creating a community for us like I mentioned above?

# Susan Julien-Willson said on May 19, 2008 6:00 PM:

Tom in Atlanta,

I am checking in with a few people and will get back to you on your intriguing idea of the interactive community. Stay tuned, please. More info to come. sjw

# YankeeIBO said on May 21, 2008 3:45 PM:

Susan--I'm all over the gift card idea! It could be a live card added to the Ribbon menu (just card), or it could be an e-card like Target offers for online shopping. I would love to be able to give loyal customers a Q* card to use on anything inside the Q* site!

BTW: Thanks for fixing the collections and all the work you've done on Ribbon!!

# Tom in Atlanta said on May 22, 2008 12:25 PM:

Another thought about the web 2.0 community...

What if there were a 'virtual living room' in there?  This would be a great tie-in to our person-to-person selling that we are already doing.  It could have demo. videos created by the corp./brand experts in a living room/lab setting along with product commercials depending on the product.  Many of these videos already exist but are not easily accessible for our customers without our help.

This would also benefit the new IBO who may not have product knowledge or ample inventory for a home product party.  (Not all IBOs have their upline's help in these matters.)

The 'virtual living room' could also be a 'virtual bathroom', 'virtual pet', 'virtual spa', 'virtual health club' (products, trimbodysystem.com, personal training, personalized health etc.)

I think if we and the website/community presents our products and business as a 'lifestyle support system/community' rather than simply 'premium products for sale', our customers could feel more like they are a part of something rather than just being a valued customer.

What do you think?

# CJ said on May 27, 2008 2:04 PM:

Good point Tom. I think the mere description of our products supporting the lifestyle of an individual is more appealing than our "premium products" pitch. To be honest, if our products aren't the concentrated flavors we have such as SA8 or cleaning concentrates, it's hard to justify (except for it being a convience price since it is being delivered to their door) the high price on items such as deodarant, toothpaste, and paper goods , especially in our current economy where the average consumer is cutting back to only the necessities, instead of "premium" products which to them signals high prices.

# CJ said on May 30, 2008 6:51 PM:

I think one of the great "value" added items we had was the brochure that showed how all the core line cleaning supplies had great value/concentration-why did that go away as a leave behind piece? In today's market because of the economic situation, our concentrated products are exactly what the public will be demanding on a broadscale that can almost be the actual lead in these days. Of course buying of the concentrated products only allows us as IBOs to have the clients add on other items such as the toothpaste,deodorant,lipstick, food bars, energy drinks, etc so that a client can get their order up to $75 for free shipping/delivery. Now that's a value statement, lower priced groceries and free delivery to your doorstep!!! Add to that ditto delivery and it makes for a real compelling case why a client would want to continue to burn gas to go to the grocery store 3-4 times a week when they can get a bulk of their things through an IBO, at a lower price per concentration along with their other consumables, and have it brought to their house for free once or twice a month! I guess now that I've seen the light I'm somewhat backtracking from above comment about trying to justify the price of our toothpaste and such cause folks will add them on to their order just to get the free shipping.

I think now more than ever Ditto Delivery needs it's own marketing materials so it can be really pushed. It would be great if it were somehow highlighted on our Retail Websites as well. Especially seeing we can add Ribbon to Ditto for a consumer/business so they never forget important gift-giving occasions.

# Bridgett said on June 2, 2008 4:14 PM:

CJ said, "I think now more than ever Ditto Delivery needs its own marketing materials so it can be really pushed."

I have to say that the whole DITTO module needs to be revamped before I'd have the Corp invest in "formal" marketing materials.

Don't get me wrong. I think DITTO rocks and I do promote it, filling to *vast* craters that the Corp has yet to fill, in my explanation of how to use it (both verbally and in a written document I created).

The facts that:

*it's not very user-friendly (great concept, poor execution),

*it hasn't been updated (improved) in forever,

*is not on the personal websites,

are proof that it was originally designed for IBOs.

And the Corp is *seriously* missing the mark by not making a redesign for CUSTOMERS a top priority, ESPECIALLY since First Circle is supposedly a gihugic priority.

Don't you think non-retailing IBOs would be more encouraged to retail if they had a customer user-friendly module to promote, so that they don't feel like they have to be constantly taking orders, placing orders, and/or hand-delivering product? Instead they can focus on building relationships with their customers and informing them of new products, and growing their customer volume (both in more products being ordered per customer as well as getting new customers) rather than feeling like they are starting over again every month.

# Bridgett said on June 2, 2008 4:31 PM:

CJ said, "Especially seeing we can add Ribbon to Ditto for a consumer/business so they never forget important gift-giving occasions."

This is a great idea. Having some way where a customer (and an IBO) can set up a whole gift-giving list for the entire year. And then having an email go out a few weeks before to remind them of the occasion, with a link to the IBO's website so that they can go right on and order.

Because right now, the only time you get a DITTO email is if there is something on your DITTO profile for that month.

If all items are listed, but there are ZEROS in the quantity, then they don't get an email. But maybe someone wants Ribbon (or something else!) listed on their DITTO, but may be freaked out to have a quantity in there for something 10 months away, but they'd like to be reminded to order.

So two suggestions:

*a module to list all your gift-giving needs for a whole year

*an improvement on DITTO, where an email is sent out, even when that month contains all zeros, with wording like "would you like to order anything this month? Click here to add to your DITTO order."

(Ribbon would probably need a different module, since right now, an email goes out only 10 days before, and I think with gifts, you may need more time.)

I do not mean at all to replace the high-touch of this biz. But there is a ton we are not doing technically, that we can be doing to increase sales and increase repeat sales.

# Bridgett said on June 2, 2008 4:43 PM:

CJ said, 'I think one of the great "value" added items we had was the brochure that showed how all the core line cleaning supplies had great value/concentration-why did that go away as a leave behind piece?'

Probably the change in product focus at the Corp.

Otherwise, how would you explain getting rid of Smashing White? Far, far, far less expensive than Calgon, it's only real competitor.

Well, also having "white" in the name was just bad marketing. People thought it was a fabric whitener rather than a water softener.

And water softeners have far more uses than in the laundry. Ask anyone living in an area with hard water. My mom was ticked when that product went NLA. :)

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 2, 2008 5:09 PM:

So many good comments here from IBOs on Ditto, Home Care, Ribbon, personal websites ... well, you know me ... I sent out another email to Ribbon and Ditto brand managers, IT folks, digital marketers, and more folks here at corp. Tell us more! We're listening. No, we can't do everything but we can do something -- and something is better than nothing. True? sjw

# Linda said on June 21, 2008 6:32 PM:

I love reading your blogs Susan and all the wonderful suggestions from the IBOs!!  The Ribbon Presentation Flier (1.4MB) under retailing support has been great and very useful.  Unfortunately there is a glitch and you can no longer put in your personal information as the Ribbon Consultant.    This has been reported but the technicians have not fixed it.  When I call the Corp I'm told all they can do is send another e-mail error report.  Any suggestions on how to improve the communications lines to get results?          

# visioneer said on June 30, 2008 9:10 PM:

Bridgett,

Love the ideas you and CJ have for Ribbon. Here is my suggestion, have the IBO or customer setup a separate Ditto for gifts only. Ribbon has free shipping so it doesn't matter how much you order. That way the IBO or customer can see at a glance exactly what they are ordering for gifts throughout the year.

I just started using this with some non-retailing IBO's and it's working out great. They get to solve the problem of always having to run to the store for last minute gifts!

Susan, thanks to you and Amway Global for creating the tools that we can use to solve people's problems! I know its not perfect, but I appreciate being able to give input to help you improve them.

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