Hello? Anybody out there? It's time to innovate!

Monday, June 16, 2008  by Susan Julien-Willson
Category: sales, retailing, customers, business, products

I just read some of my fellow bloggers' recent posts -- about Amway Global online advertising, Team Nutrilite, U.S. Dream Academy, being a mom, and more. No comments from our IBOs and customers. Hello? Anybody out there? We miss you!

It's time to innovate!

Imagine this:

You're working for the corporation in the "Product Innovation Dept." The Managing Director asks you to propose a new, never-before-offered-by-Amway product that complements all or one of our main product portfolios: Health, Beauty, Home Care, or Ribbon.

 What do you suggest?

 

Comments

# Diamond Diva Runner said on June 16, 2008 4:36 PM:

oh my gosh that is an awesome question... I will think, ask around and be back to you asap!!! thanks

# Jeffrey said on June 16, 2008 4:45 PM:

Sometimes we post to the blogs and receive no response from the company, especially about things that we have repeatedly asked for, such as co-branding, our contact info on the customer view of the site, eaches pricing for the receipts, breaking up of case lots, customizable personal websites, etc. When we feel the company is simply not going to do anything about it, we let it go because we feel it is pointless to keep asking for it.  

# Thomas Allums said on June 16, 2008 8:25 PM:

I think that advertising online is the current succesful way other thatn word of mouth - both of which are viral.  This is an awesome idea.  We are in the front edge of something HUGE!

# lmoore said on June 16, 2008 8:55 PM:

How about a line of products that have never been offered?  Private Label Groceries.  These are consistantly lower in price than brand names and are brought by the majority of consumers.  This would give a big reason for consumers to "shop" the site and continue to monitor it for "specials" and bogo's

# chuck higgins said on June 16, 2008 11:06 PM:

Hi Susan I think a gift album associated with pets would tap into a market that is large and expanding. Thanks Chuck

# Chris Perez said on June 17, 2008 12:55 AM:

#1:

I think we should provide (low sodium), healthy, meals-to-go delivered right to your door with Ditto!  You plan your meals for a month, pick main dishes you'd like, sides, even treats.  The meals would be inspired by the Trim Adv. Body System receipe book, only alreay prepared and ready to cook, etc.  The price point would have to be very competitive...

#2:

Another idea: Quixtar/Amway is big enough be a direct distributor of downloadable/or hard copy (DVD) movies, games, etc. like Net Flicks, etc. except we get points/and or a discount...

#3:

I think we should form an exclusive deal with grocery chains like King Super's and others (in N. America) to offer online ordering for perishable groceries.

If I wasn't building the biz, I'd have more time to think up more ideas, but I hope this gets some people thinking...

# Tex said on June 17, 2008 7:32 AM:

I suggest you shut down the tool scam, then we can talk about all the other "fun" stuff.

And we want to move move on, but it's "work before play."

You guys (and gals) at A/Q either don't get it, or don't want to get it.

Which one is it?

Why can't we have any meaningful dialogue about this most important topic?

Why do you keep trying to change the topic to something else, when we KNOW the tool scam bleeds the IBO's dry?

Have you read what is going on in the UK? Russia? India?

The U.S. Federal courts in Missouri, California, Texas, and Georgia?

Get a clue or suffer the consequences.

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 17, 2008 9:37 AM:

Thanks for the great ideas on new products. I have said over and over that I let appropriate marketers, sales reps, and managers know about your ideas ... and many of them read this blog, BUT, I have also said that not all ideas can be incorporated immediately or are financially feasible or are functionally possible on our current website. Doesn't mean we aren't listening or we don't care ... we just can't do everything immediately. Several of your ideas for Ribbon and for Personal Accents have been adopted--some partially, others completely. The Beauty Zone Personal Website now has Personal Accents on it. Ribbon now has an album for kids 4 and up of Klutz educational kits and crafts. Soon, there will be another one introduced that stems from your ideas. The Health Sales Kit has been created internally, but I know some testing was done with IBOs to see what worked and what didn't. We also are doing research with your non-IBO customers to see what communications resonate with them. Think of contributing ideas to this blog or any of the blogs as a brainstorm ... your idea may not be adopted, parts of it might be embraced, a suggestion may spur a similar idea that is incorporated by the corporation. This blog is for us to get a pulse of what's going on with you and to share ideas. So, please share. We are listening! sjw P.S. Let's keep this on topic. New products, services, communications ... looking for your innovative ideas.

# SamP said on June 17, 2008 11:47 AM:

How about a Chondroitin supplement to go along with our Glucosamine & Omega-3s ?

I also liked the idea for DVDs mentioned by Chris. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chondroitin-sulfate/NS_patient-chondroitin

# ajgannon said on June 17, 2008 1:00 PM:

A few years ago the Choices catalog used to specify that the regular Meadowbrook paper products were made from recycled pulp, whereas the "Gold" line was from virgin pulp.  Then all of the Meadowbrook products, premium or not, switched to virgin pulp.  I'd like to see a line of "green" paper products.  A couple months ago I was listening to Talk of the Nation's "Science Friday" on NPR.  The topic was on birds and a caller inquired about the Ivory-billed woodpecker that is considered extinct, but was possibly identified in a swamp in Arkansas a few years ago.  The ornithologist on the program believes the bird is in fact extinct.  The thing that struck me was that he said the woodpecker's habit was destroyed to supply wood for shipping crates, a disposable product.  It's a heartbreaking story, especially since the Ivory-billed woodpecker was so beautiful.  I hope that paper products made from virgin paper pulp are not currently contributing to plants' and animals' habitat loss.

# CJ said on June 17, 2008 2:59 PM:

I agree with Chris Perez on points 2 and 3, excellent ideas.I would like to broaden the perspective on this. In the past, as with the Amway/MCI program, IBOs in the early stages received cash on account sign ups as well as monthly residuals-this was very attractive to anyone wanting to get involved in the business. Later, that all faded away to just PV. Fast forward to today with the internet service through Earthlink or cell phone service through Wireless Marketplace where we only get PV for one time is nice, but not as lucrative. I think the corporation would see more sales on the part of the IBO if a cash and residual/monthly PV component could be added to service like Netflixx or Apple TV, etc. This would even be great for Wireless Market Place contracts as well as High Speed internet service with Earthink we market, IBOCs to other businesses, as well as music downloads perhaps in partnership with Buymusic.com or Amazon. Of course this is for point #2 of Chris's. For point #3 involving partnering with grocery stores, it would be great if somehow we could integrate that function with ditto delivery.

To highlight one of our main product lines, I think offering the electronic version of the ribbon gift card would be great as well as customizable ribbon gift cards.

# Jeffrey said on June 17, 2008 4:22 PM:

OK, I'll stay on topic this time. Even though some items were slow sellers, some need to be brought back because they can be either a lead-in product, a companion product, or we simply need a choice.

We have one line of personal care products. It took me a REAL long time to get to liking the Body Series line after the Nature Shower line was discontinued. I still miss it. The bar soap was wonderful and the liquid hand soap was the best I ever used. The fragrance was really nice.

We have no choice with the Oral Rinse. Mint. That's it. Go to the store and look. Different flavors, anti-cavity, whitening, some just for kids. Let's expand that product offering. At least give me back my Cinnamon pleeeze.

Other Amway markets have a Body Series Anti-perspirant/deodorant aerosol spray. Why not us?

Laundry: Bring back the Smashing White and change the misleading name to Smashing Bright? We need it here--the water is extremely hard. And maybe a liquid All Fabric Bleach and liquid version of Try-Zyme to go with the liquid detergent?

The generic home care products on pages 204 and 205 of the Home and More catalog look cheap. Plus, (here we go again) most are sold in 3- or 4-packs, one is a 6-pack. Bring back the Amway brand home care products so we can sell a complete package and sell them in eaches. (Yeah, I know Fuller Brush has replacement products, but you start talking FB to a customer, and they are like, huh?)

Also, I agree we need a grocery store Partner Store. I think most any of the mid-size regional ones would be willing to step up to the plate.

As for an innovative product: How about the company partnering with GM and developing a car that can get 300 miles to the gallon and run on Perfect Water? That way, it would never tip over. (Just kidding about the car, but serious about everything else.)(Tex, I hate to admit it, but you're right.)

# Utah said on June 17, 2008 4:54 PM:

To SamP June 17, 2008 11:47 AM:

They have Formucare® QuickFlex Softgels, in my opinion, one of the best products on the market. It isn't an exclusive, but it is Private Label.

# diamond diva runner said on June 17, 2008 5:02 PM:

I definitely agree with having more grocery options...especially produce and perishable items. This would be huge! I know so many people who have the local grocery store deliver to them and then if ditto could be used it would be even better.

Also love the idea about coming out with at least more info about how our products are green, maybe on the labeling. That is such a huge topic right now!

Again, great idea with the cell phone, internet, utilities residuals, as well as the music and video downloads! I will let u know if I think of other ideas. Thanks for your efforts!

# Jeremy said on June 17, 2008 9:31 PM:

This business is built on consumables, why not full on meals to go that were price competitive, typical AMWAY quality, most researched health science out there etc. People in this business would be so healthy that we'd get everyone that knew us involved as a customer or IBO just by eating our own stuff. No one can argue to that marketing plan either, no matter the economy.

# Jeremy said on June 17, 2008 9:33 PM:

Sidenote- if you don't want to buy tools, dont. If you're not making money, do something else. Please. Perhaps something constructive?

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 18, 2008 8:02 AM:

Friendly reminder from sjw: In my post scenario, the director is asking for never-before-offered-by-Amway product ideas. :-)

# Tom Wood said on June 18, 2008 9:27 AM:

Marketer Tom says: Great question Imoore. Here is the issue with face with Private Label Groceries. The typical Private Label product does not meet our standards for quality. That's why we founded the Smart Menu Brand of food, it’s better than the typical "store brand" or the run-of-the-mill private label. We have positioned it to be at or above the national brand.

# Tom Wood said on June 18, 2008 9:28 AM:

Marketer Tom says: I can address a couple of your ideas Chris Perez. Great idea on the meals-to-go. We do offer Smart Menu meals that are available on ditto. They are not specifically designed to be low sodium but do have a healthy balance in the relationship between fat, carbs and protein. These are great tasting which is a must when offering food selections. We are like many food retailers who jumped on the low carb, low fat, low sodium, low whatever craze. If the food tastes like cardboard on one will eat it regardless how healthy it is. Regarding a deal with a grocery chain. Not a bad idea, we have actually looked into that. The problem is that we no longer have control of quality

# Tom Wood said on June 18, 2008 9:29 AM:

Marketer Tom says:

I love Science Friday ajgmmon. I love NPR too. What a shame about the potential loss of the Ivory-billed woodpecker. I am not an expert on renewable resources but I do know what our customers like, and at this time they like the superior quality of virgin paper. We have offered post and pre consumer waist in our paper tissue. The bad press we got on quality far out weighed the environmentally issues. We will consider taking another look at recycled paper. We would have to make clear to our customers that the quality is not as good as virgin and they should know that before they buy.

# Tom Wood said on June 18, 2008 10:56 AM:

Marketer Tom says:

Wow you've got a lot to say, that's a good thing. I am a marketer of some of the areas you mention and I will address those.

Personal Care:

All I can say is we are constantly looking at new personal care items. It's a double edged sword. On one hand if we make changes to the line some customers are unhappy and at the same we get disappoint folk if we don't have the latest and greatest.

Your idea on other flavors of oral rinse is a good one.

Anti-perspirant/deodorant aerosol sprays are a tiny portion of the deodorant market and shrinking. No plans to add that one.

Home Care:

Smashing White: Sales did not indicate enough consumer demand to continue.

Liquid All Fabric Bleach and Try-Tyme: If the industry shifts sot that the liqui9ds dominate the categories, we will follow the trend. It's unlikely we would offer both.

Home Care Products Look Cheap:

Good News/Bad News. Bad News: Home Care will likely experience further sku reductions in the future. This may include the elimination of many "generic" looking products. Good News: Considerable resources are being devoted to a complete repositioning and relaunch of the Home Car packaging and line-up, details coming in 2009.

I've already addressed the food store in a previous post.

# Tom Wood said on June 18, 2008 10:58 AM:

Marketer Tom Says:

Hi SamP

We own the FormuCare ®brand but not the Quick Flex Soft gel formula, hence the ® on the FormuCare only. It is not and exclusive in the same way that aspirin is not. We brand lots of generic OTC's FormuCare.

# Tom Wood said on June 18, 2008 10:58 AM:

Marketer Tom Says:

Diamond Diva Runner, great name. ; > The problem with perishable food it the fact that it's well…perishable. Obviously we can't but a 99 cent head of lettuce in a box, ship it across the country and have it make financial sense. We have looked at this everyway possible. Even a partner store is hard because there are so few produce markets that are have national exposure. Good thought though.

# Tom Wood said on June 18, 2008 10:59 AM:

Marketer Tom Says:

You're right Jeremy; no one can argue that IBO's want to eat healthy food available from their own business.  However, the numbers don't work in many cases. The margins are so small on so many items that it doesn’t work in our system of bonuses. We currently offer nearly every food item that does work. This is a big issue with us and we are constantly looking for more opportunities.

# jeremy said on June 18, 2008 3:14 PM:

take smart menu to the next level. the goal? DESTROY FAST FOOD!

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 18, 2008 3:42 PM:

COMMENT FROM RDKNYVR: Susan, in response to your blog entry on innovation ideas and products, I think the company is already on a huge track with genetic tests including what they're researching at Interleukin for skin elasticity/aging and sports nutrition... along with the other tests, that cuts across several major product areas -- health and beauty. The article at this link relates to metabolomics... should be a way to incorporate a related product or service in the future... maybe 4-5 years... into our Health/Wellness offerings. http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=improving-health-by-targeting-gut-bacteria With appreciation, rdknyvr

# Diamond Diva Runner said on June 18, 2008 3:42 PM:

Thanks Tom for the feed back... this is awesome! I feel like I have gotten lots of answers to so many suggestions that I and others have given.  This is the best experience I have had getting answers in a long time.  I will definitely have to come to blogs more often for answers, since often time the answers given when emailing Quixtar's contact us section are quite general.  

I did realize that there really is not many companies that ship produce nationwide, but have you ever looked into: Boxedgreens.com.  Maybe they could have a customized site like Shop.com, so that only the actual produce, dairy and meat items show up not the other items that are available form Nutrilite and others.

Oh ya, glad you like the username! :)

# Bill M said on June 18, 2008 4:12 PM:

Great comments, above.

I'd love to see the ability to purchase pre-loaded gift cards online for popular restaurants, movie chains, iTunes, etc.  I see hundreds of these hanging up at my local stores.  They're ideal for gifts.  Sure, the PV/BV won't be that great - but it's still better than nothing.

A pre-loaded Home Depot card would be outstanding.  I spend so much there - it would be great to get some PV/BV back.

As for the groceries ... how about looking for partners?  For example: locally (mid-Atlantic region), we have Peapod, which is run by Giant Foods.  I am not sure if there are comparable services in other markets.  We've used Peapod in the past, and have been very happy with their service.  For a long time, we never even went to the store, between Quixtar and Peapod!  Pretty funny.

How about bringing Newman's Own onboard as a partner?  It wouldn't be exclusive, but they're crazy-popular.  Salad dressings, cookies, lots of natural and/or organic products in that line.

I agree with the poster above about the Smashing White - we really miss that.

Exclusives?  You brought out the various "flavors" of LOC.  Why'd you stop?  They were outstanding as gifts.  People don't get excited about "normal" LOC - but the flavored ones got raves.

# Bridgett said on June 18, 2008 5:42 PM:

Tom Wood,

regarding Smashing White--check your premises.

The reason why there APPEARED not to be a market for Smashing White is because the name of the product is bad, stupid, misleading, wrong.

IBOs thought it was a bleach (white) instead of a water softener.

# Bridgett said on June 18, 2008 5:46 PM:

I'd like to see candy-like supplements for adults.

Not everyone likes to take pills. But put them in to an adult jelly bean or something, and people will take them.

I think that's why the Twist Tubes have been so successful.

And liquid vitamins would have a market as well, since there are so many people with soybean allergies, and our supplements have soybeans in them. The soybeans are used as a binder to hold the pills together.

# Dan said on June 18, 2008 11:04 PM:

SKU reduction in Home Products? I'm a customer of these and only these products...it's so sad to see Amway turning it's back on it's foundation. If products aren't selling, fine, discontinue, but bring out new home products...like a choice in scents for the laundry detergents (or a scent that will last after drying). No matter what "flavor" of SA8 fabric softner I use, the clothes don't retain any type of fragrance (unlike Gain or Bounce). I agree with the "generic" nameless products in the catalog - without the Amway name (and Amway manufacturing the product), then why buy it over brand X at the store? Same goes for FormuCare...generics at a retail price. The classic Amway products could be a gold mine if expanded upon. From flavors to simple things like a "spout" like Tide has on the liquid detergent (since they are discontinuing the pumps! Argh!) My orders from my IBO have dwindled due to the dwindling product line (where's my Mint Condition? - they still sell it on www.amway.ie! Why not the States? Just some thoughts... Dan

# Jeffrey said on June 19, 2008 3:03 AM:

Marketer Tom: I used to buy the meals when they were in eaches and/or when there was one flavor to a case. Then the marketing department committed the unpardonable sin (in my book): you are now forcing us to buy variety packs by the case. Since that happened, I have not, nor will not, buy any Smart Menu meals from the business. You guys just HAVE TO STOP doing that.

# Peter in Minnesota said on June 19, 2008 4:08 AM:

Tex: You make general statements. You never give solid facts. You wait for people to lash out, you pick apart their arguments, and then you act like the victim! You are very shrewd and somtimes even brilliant, but ultimately you are pathetic! I am not going to get into a war of words with you! This is the last time I will ever pay attention to your comments! Smokescreens, smears, don't trust your upline, don't believe their lies, blah, blah, blah! It's enough! Really it is! It's old, it's done, it's dead! How can someone honestly trust someone who won't even give his/her real name? Who are you really? What's your real motive? Why are you continuing this tool scam onslaught? What name are you trying to make for yourself? Are you a winner or are you a loser? Losing is actually where we learn the most about ourselves. We identify what we did wrong and what we need to CHANGE in order to be successful the next time. The trick is not making a habit out of it.

If you don't CHANGE you will be a loser your entire life! It's obvious that you want somebody to apologize. There is only one factor in this business that determines your growth. YOU. So you can cry me a river, build me a bridge, and get over it!

# Greg Taddeo said on June 19, 2008 4:35 AM:

In Holland, they have access to pasta, olive oil and tomatoes, canned, that are of awesome quality. California has access to these products. A great quality oil made just for quixtar.  Also, I get perks at Countrywide that are better than I can get with Quixtar which has a million people. Cell phone plan reductions. Fedex.

Also, maybe special products to certain states where shipping won't be as much of an issue. Oil in california, meat in the midwest. Maple syrup in Northeast. Special selections for quixtar, like in holland. I was really impressed with there access to oil. It was of high quality and the past was great too.

Also, designer twisties to compete with the other networking companies that are coming up. Oasis, URI,

Find the ingredients, and put in mixes with the concentrates.

Also, maybe an energy twistie, people can drink it straight or dilute with water, they control.Natural and organic

Also, an organic line of skin care and hair products. Go to Wholefoods to check out the top of line their to get compositions.

Also, some of partner stores are okay, pricing is not always the best. People on web are price savvy in my opinion. Maybe a 5% off card good at many of the most popular stores, ie, macys, nordstroms, Don't need to get pv on it but a great selling tool. "Hey Michael, how would you like to save 5% on gas, macys, Regency movies, blockbuster, you get that when you sign up, plus on many other stores we get rebates back. Time for bed.

Cheers,

Greg

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 19, 2008 7:44 AM:

Peter and Tex, I published your comments on Tools because I encourage participation in the blogs and speaking up ... BUT, the post on innovative ideas for products is not where a Tools discussion belongs. Let's keep it on topic, please. Thanks!

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 19, 2008 7:49 AM:

Marketer Tom, I really appreciate your participation and comments. Please feel free to join in anytime. We need and want to hear from Marketing and Sales on the Sales Speak blog! sjw

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 19, 2008 8:22 AM:

TO ALL: I am asking about NEW products ... never-before-offered by Quixtar/Amway, and ideally, not offered by any other company. PLEASE ... let's not get into discussions of discontinuances or existing products. You guys have great ideas. Share what you think about NEW products.

# Bridgett said on June 19, 2008 12:33 PM:

Susan,

Is the company opposed to finding products, which fit your criteria, that other companies have "invented" but who lack the networking/marketing power of Quixtar/Amway Global?

What about having a task force whose mission is to search high and low for unknown, yet really wonderful products? Then use Q/AG's R&D to research the product and then have Legal do their thing to get exclusive rights with the manufacturer (or buy them out).

I'm sure there are so many "inventors" out there, that have put their blood, sweat, and tears in to their creations, but simply do not have the cash or the connections to market them properly.

This idea of finding outside products would also surely speed up the process of getting the product to us and the public, rather than waiting a couple of years for it to be "invented". And, this speed would keep Q/AG continually current and "cool". :)

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 19, 2008 12:43 PM:

Bridgett, Since this is a brainstorm on new product ideas, there are no bad ideas when you brainstorm, just as long as they're on topic. :-) I am impressed with your ideas and many of the other suggestions here. I know quite a few people at Quixtar read the OZ blogs, so let's hope they're reading this one--and considering some of your ideas. Keep 'em coming! Thanks!

# YankeeIBO said on June 19, 2008 4:24 PM:

Susan,

How about a Sports Nutrition line for diabetics and sugar-restricted diets?? Don't point to the Trim Advantage Protein bars or meals--they just don't cut the mustard in the flavor dept!! I am very upset that the XS energy bars were discontinued in favor of the new NSN bars--they are two totally different products! The XS--caramel peanut and double fudge--had GREAT, satisfying flavor with only 7g net carbs and 15g protein. The new NSN bars have 26g carbs, and are so sweet that I am dying for water before I get through half.

There are 20 million diabetics in this country--and plenty more around the world. Where are OUR energy bars, cookies and meal/snack options?? We have glycemic support and carb blockers in the Nutrilite line, let's build a complete line of Diabetic support products that help us stay healthy, too!

I would also like to see us expand our Nutrilite line into some areas like kelp, blue-green algae, Sam-e, DHEA, etc. I know many health nuts who may be impressed with the Nutrilite line, but won't buy it because they can't get all the supplements they choose to use from us. When it comes to supplements, we are pretty "plain Jane".

# Diamond Diva Runner said on June 19, 2008 4:45 PM:

question: are we going to be launching the Nutrilite 1 product that has recently been available in europe?

This would be great to have here!

I agree that a more organic focused personal care line would be great, or hair care!

# dreambigID said on June 19, 2008 6:17 PM:

I love the Advertising campaign; I've gotten several comments from customers, prospects & IBO's who've seen them & commented on their pride in our corp that goes this far to "spread the word."  I enjoy being a part of such a group who cares about its people!

# Gary Earls said on June 19, 2008 9:03 PM:

Bring back "Gas Additive".  I got a ten percent increase in fuel mileage on a Toyota Corolla with over 350,000 miles on it.

Gary Earls

# CJ said on June 19, 2008 9:34 PM:

Ok, some of these are old products not around anymore and some are new ones:

1) Fuel Additive-Great for right now in our gas economy. not sure why it was taken away from us.

2) Energy Service-Amway started a while back but discontinued it. Would be great to team up with a "green" energy company to compliment Amway's green policy such as Green Mountain Energy.

3)Cable Service-partnering with cable service providers. More people are staying home due to gas prices and the 'cocooning' trend is on the rise. Or change the dish TV program through wireless marketplace to include a cash incentive per account and monthly residuals. Better yet, team up with companies such as Netflix to promote their new internet set-top boxes where we could get a profit on the sale of the box and monthly residual on the account or any set-top box provider such as apple tv, etc.

4)Bring back the car purchasing program-especially for SMART Cars, Prius, etc.

5)All you can eat internet-based Long distance phone service like Vonage, Magic Jack, etc with upfront cash profit on the account sign up and monthly residuals.

6)Amazon is beta testing a new program called Subscribe and Save working from a premise which is very close to Ditto. Here's what's new they are offering that we don't: Extra discounts on their everyday price, free shipping on EVERY ORDER, etc. They have a very simple and easy way to explain it. So what do we need that we don't have, literature/CDs/DVDs etc to get the word out.

7)Multiple flavors of not just oral rinse, but toothpaste as well-maybe a gel instead of a paste?

8)Natural Allergy Supplement-not just something for stuffy noses like ClearGuard but for all around usage.

9) Natural Smoking Cessation Supplement

10) Bring back the old Nature Shower Body Wash

As I think of others, I'll chime in. But one thing I've noticed Susan and Marketer Tom from alot of the responses as well as some of my own, is that it may not be that we need alot of new products that we/Quixtar/Amway haven't thought of since the market will determine what's hot and what's not and the corporation will move in that direction. The big thing for IBOs and customers out there today is variety. Instead of having just having one laundry detergent scent, maybe have multiple instead of frangrances only being packaged in the SA8 fabric softener (Big ups to Dan in this post regarding a scent that will last-I hear my wife complain about this on a regular basis and she has a point!). Instead of just one flavor of toothpaste, multiple flavors. Instead of just one type of dish drops scents, others. Same as the body series deodorants, lotions, etc. Variety is what everybody else on the outside of Quixtar/Amway experiences whether they are an IBO or customer. They can get variety of things that they like at other stores, why not through Quixtar/Amway?

# CJ said on June 20, 2008 12:56 PM:

Another item along the lines of product innovation would be a new tool that could better explain the power of concentration of our Home Care Products as far as a flier or DVD. Although most of that information is in the Choices Catalog-I'm not going to hand one to everyone I meet. But if I had a simple, very compelling brochure like the ones we have for other items such as the food bars, etc. it makes it much more economical for IBOs to advertise as well-especially if it came with a sample of some product that can be used to demo. Since high gas prices are going to be around for a while, it would be good for us to be able to use it to our advantage to highlight our advantages of growing grocery prices.

# Bridgett said on June 20, 2008 1:54 PM:

off topic, but relavent:

Our gas additive was taken off the market after Hurricane Katrina hit and wiped out the company that made the bottles.

But the additive IS now available and has been for a while. It's just that it is now listed, strangely, in the B2B catalog, and is in a different bottle.

SKU# 718706J8

There's also a diesel version, but it looks like they are switching to a gallon size, which is currently on Advanced Order.

# CJ said on June 20, 2008 2:04 PM:

An LOC spot remover Pocket Spray/Pen/stick. I know we have the wipes, but a pen/sprayer/stick could fit in a purse or a pocket.

# Bridgett said on June 20, 2008 2:05 PM:

Regarding Yankee IBO's comment about diabetics,

I now notice that the diabetic-friendly Smart Menu Protein Cookies are being discontinued. And I notice that both are on back order--people buyin' up before they disappear! :)

SKU# 708800 and SKU# 708801

Why is it being discontinued? No market for it? Maybe it's because it's a tab pricey and it's packaging is less than attractive (to say the least).

It can't possibly be because the Nutrilite Sports Nutrition line is launching "cookies", right? Because they are two TOTALLY different products, that just happen to both be called "cookies". Carbs are way too high in the new cookies for diabetics.

# Ciao bella said on June 20, 2008 7:45 PM:

GAS! Can you imagine if the basic necessities like gas, was something we could make $ buying? We have to buy it. It goes along with our concept of "anyway money". That would be GREAT! Actually, it's already GREAT- it would be Greater.

# ciao bella said on June 20, 2008 7:47 PM:

I have heard alot of requests for actual Fitness products like glutamine etc. that fitness people still have to go to GNC to buy. It would go perfect with our Sports Nutrition and Trim Body system. There are stores thru our partner stores that carry them but I would like more PV/BV

# Ciao Bella said on June 20, 2008 7:49 PM:

Lets contract with a Grocery store and get cash back on groceries to compete with the coupon shoppers. Talk about making money on ALL the money you spend. That's the goal!

# Ciao Bella said on June 20, 2008 8:01 PM:

After reading a few more of the blogs here, i need to  say that no matter how many "new and cool" products we come up with, if your not building an "opportunity" business rather than just a "retail" business, you will never be huge in this bus or make huge $. Oh you can go Ruby and make a 6 figure income but it's all based on YOU. I got in to make Big Money and that is available. It takes the Duplication aspect of this business to get big Residual income. And each person needs to be their own best customer- you won't promote/sell/talk about what you are not using.

# LFP said on June 20, 2008 10:33 PM:

I like a lot of what I've read already -- some about bringing back old products (I agree the Nature Shower liquid body soap was awesome & we need the cinnamon oral risnes).  I'd also like to see the chocolate mint protein bar return.  Those were to-die-for & many in our group still ask about them....  

A new suggestion:  some kind of oatmeal food bar -- maybe a more granola-y one, too, with raisins in it.  I love many of the current bars (choc. nut roll & vanilla pretzel, & fudgy brownie protein top my list), but new ones are a must!

I agree that we should pursue the online video & grocery store options, too.

I'd like to see better pricing on some of the bars & other products.  In this lousy economy, we really need that help, too.  

The new fuel cleaner is MUCH harder to use -- hard to measure & still VERY smelly to leave in the car.  Only way to use it (b/c it's too hard to see the lines) is to guess on the amount & to keep it in a plastic bag (we use our gallon storage bag).  Could the container be re-designed? -- the old one (though smelly) worked much better...

Love the new sports nutrition fliers & brochures relating to the recreational, active & athletic customers!  Thanks!

More later!

# Mary D. said on June 21, 2008 4:54 PM:

If you would like a product that would change the world, make a $40 module that you plant in your yard, with a propeller and a photovoltiac option, which charges a battery and/or inverter, and can produce a few hundred watts of electricity or heat for a home by running a cord into the house (plain old rough AC power resistor if all you need is heat).  There can be a camping and boat model also, for back-packable cell phone charging when you stop for the night or on breaks.  

Battery and inverter technology is about there, and small $40 US modules are about the right plug and play cost to make it generally available for everyone, wind or sun (or perhaps exercycle!) and a green responsiblity of "every bit helps" is the right approach.  Liability is always a concern, especially with fast moving parts (propeller) and electrical stuff, so good luck.  

Partner stores have the multi-thousand dollar versions, but a 30ft high or less home option even roof mounted, would also be good, for about $500 rather than 5,000.  

The next step would be two major items for the US market:  an economical electric car for city use (30mph or less, like a glorified golf cart), and a sponsored wood gassification furnace for a home, which is much more efficient design, (by a factor of 3) than the current wood furnaces carried by the partner stores, and only a small bit more expensive.

NOW - for lifestyle consumables:  change gears in a huge way; ready  - GO -

I am on the go and need protein snacks without all those carbs.  So are my friends.  Many are on reduced sugar, sodium, diabetic, ciliac, and just plain focusing on better diets and smaller snack/meal portions.  

The lemon merangue protein cookie flavor works!  so do others, and they need to be diet-watcher's and diabetic friendly.  

In dream space, I'd like smaller portions (100 calorie?) of lemon merrangue protein cookie (like the sample size and fruit snack little packaged bits) are my ideal wish-list product.  Packaging like the custom suppliment packs woudl be AWESOME - 3 inch square despenser paks rock!

I'd like all meals to have an on-the-go product (read "eat in the car or at a desk withotu mess) with flavors that remind you of great meals at home or with friends.  Here's my sample of ideas:

For breakfast, two different kinds of meals; here's one:  a nutty-flavor natural oatmeal (no raisins, no extra sugars) or a version with apples, which is a crunchy or soft cookie for the heart-healthy bunch, with a heatable (or cold) coffee and a tea based drink.  

I use orange XS for my orange juice in the morning.  

I love making a (organic ) blueberry smoothie with soy milk, and some organic flax seed in it, and sipping it while I take my suppliments. - what I do is leave home in the morning taking with me a trim advangage shaker 1/2 full of blueberries, with added to it a scoup of vanilla whey protein powder and a scoup of nutralite protein powder (soy plus whey), some flax seed for omega 3-s and flavor, and a pack of splenda.  That takes NO time in the morning; I love it.  Sometimes I add pecans or hazelnuts.

Then when its' time for a snack, or breakfast, pour 1/2 can of orange XS (lemon works well too) over the (local grown, frozen) organic blueberries and protein powder, stir it ulp and have that with my morning suppliments/vitamins with  the rest of the can of XS.  sometimes I add powdered chocolate milk mix or crumbled chocolate bar, but that is only when I MUST have a choclolate fix...

For mid-morning, a blueberry or apple fruit chew with protein in it, maybe a soft blueberry (antioxidant) protein cookie would do that, along with lemon hydration fluid (the orange sugar free and dragon fruit are great, just need a lemon sugar free to go with blueberry flavor).   A lemon XS has too much of the energy compound in it for that time of day after I have had tea and XS already, is there a way to make XS lite, with about 1/2 of the energy ingredients, but still have the carbonation and flavor?  I use the concentrate in my tea for that light flavor adn light energy boost, but can't open a can in my car unless it's a full can, thus leave it half finished and return to it around noon, or pour it into a dragonfruit hydration drink adn sip on it later.

speaking of lunch:  I love the roasted tomato/pepper box of natural soup, and the natural chicken bag of soup.  however, I always add a can of chicken and a tablespoon of pepper and about 1/2 tablespoon of paprika to them when I fix them (heat on stove or in microwave in pyrex container, stir often).  If there was a pop-top heatable lunch soup with that mix, I would like it,  As it is now, when i make it with current packageing and serving size, it's a double batch which is fine for two people, or a fridge with container where you come back tomorrow.  Is there a jerky product or protein or meal snack product that would give me the flavors and veggies and protein that one of those soups mixed with chicken have?  You bet I have those with me and all my friends watching their diet and time would be interested.  One less stop by home to make soup, and one less stop by a restaurant when travelign alone, - I'd have an XS with it of whatever flavor went best with it.  Unfortunatley I live in my car or else generally a moving target in public transportation, air, etc, and most of my friends are that way too.  

and - for refergerator containers:  please give us the pyrex option with good fitting lids for travel.  I find that the plastic on the website is bad in the microvave.  I really like microwaving things in the pyrex containers I get on a partner store, however their lids are not that good when the container turns over during transport; they leak a little (a lot over time).  I have taken to using two containers; one for transport to the lunch location, the pyrex for heating and then storing the half-meal for tomorrow, or else package it back into the original container to take to the hotel room or home, for tomorrow's lunch.

We're not genX'ers, we're the older baby boomers who are still involved and very active in meeting adn working with people at distance, involving a lot of different kinds of professions, travel and time away from home, productive and on the go.  We want things that taste familiar, have great diet (low carb, low sugar, low sodium) and are portable and shelf life good.  I have made oatmeal patties from regular oatmeal (with apples sometimes like an apple crisp almost), sprinkled lost of cinnamon and some nuts on them, and packed them individually for daily breakfasts on the go.

For mid-afternoon, if I have a toothbrush with me (because the bad/good breath issue is always important in social situations) , even on the road, I always have a protein crunch snack, sometimes two packages, with a can of tuna.  it's a great on-the-road snack provided you can brush your teeth and manage your breaht before you meet with anyone.  Lemon or orange XS always goes good with fish.

I would really like the tuna and chicken cans to be pop-top, but have learned to bring a can opener.

For dinner, I like the box soup and bag soup selections, adn I add the can of chicken, spices, and I usually add the spices too.  These are great flavor blends, and I usually have a small glass of good red wine with them.

When I cook a roast, I always turn leftovers into a soup by adding a box of soup (tomoato a favorite) and put it in small containers for lunches later, add chicken or other soups for flavor.

At home, I used to make the chicken salza tortillas for dinner, canned chicken, our salza, guacamole, unfortunately parmesean does't do well with them.  I also would heat them at about 250F adn make flour tortilla chips (especially in teh winter, good comfort food).

The choice popcorn is a great evening snack.

The personalized health has not been taught as a timesaver like it could.  I saved tremendout time when I went with that packaging; worth every dime.

Good luck to you.  There are lots of responsible people out there who need an affordable way to get renewable energy any way they can, and are willing to learn and implement because it's the right thing.

# Mary D said on June 22, 2008 10:26 AM:

I suspect a big need for baby boomers and for selected younger people (women and some men)-

there is a need for a gentle hair remover product which does not mess up delicate (like legs and face) skin and doesn't require shaving.

I don't know what would be best; creams, laser, electrolysis, whatever, but the need is there in increasing volume, and I don't find a Access Business Group endorsed or developed product for something that is pretty much a requirement for some people.   It would be great if it was compatible with skin care and soaps already developed.  

# Susan Julien-Willson said on June 23, 2008 8:04 AM:

Linda, in reference to your comment on customization of Presentation flier with IBO contact info. Yikes ... didn't know it wasn't working. We'll get on it asap! Sorry about that.

sjw

# dreambigID said on June 23, 2008 5:29 PM:

Gas additive is called XLP Fuel System Cleaner.  Go to www.quixtar.com, login & in the search bar type "xlp" or "fuel cleaner."  It comes right up & it is great!  Save an extra $700-$1000 per year on gas costs!!  I add an extra 3-5 mpg fuel efficiency!

# Mario Gil said on June 24, 2008 11:20 AM:

It will be great having a Glister refresher spray that doesn't contain alcohol

# CJ said on June 25, 2008 1:44 AM:

To respond back to Tom Wood's comments about Private Label Foods and how they are "positioned" as better than the run of mill-how can one tell based upon what one reads in the catalogs and the website? To piggyback off of my previous comments, it's not so much that we need new products/services, but really more of a "repackaging" of our current products whether that be pricing, explanation, etc. Take for instance the gummi bears with DHA. The commericals and advertising are completely reintroducing these bears. Another example of something that needs to be repackaged is the Glister Mouthwash. Although most IBOs know it's highly concentrated, almost more than anything on the market, yet a client thumbing through the catalog or website has no idea of it's concentrated savings. There's no illustration of it's concentration or anything. Same as the body series anti-bacterial handwash-it's concentrated in the bottle but it's not highlighted.

# Jeffrey said on June 25, 2008 8:20 AM:

Here is how my wife and I have gotten innovative: We have gone back to doing product demos after showing the plan. Yes, even the home care products. We call it our "Magic Show." People love it. They get more excited about seeing and touching the products and seeing them perform than seeing the potential income of the plan. It is because the products are tangible, but the plan is a "What if..." We are on the grow again. You want to get innovative in your business? Start showing the demos and get off the book/CD/function/system kick.

# John Niemann said on June 27, 2008 5:42 PM:

Susan, my teenage daughter has converted to a vegan and is now exposing us to all the food categories: vegan, organic, vegetarian, etc.  I would love to see a whole section in the Choices catalog or even a new brand that is devoted to this type of customer with particular food ingredient needs.  Products for this include snack foods, staples for cooking, packaged nuts, fruits, beans, tofu, etc.  Another idea is that since Amway is THE original "green" company in North America, can we get a new catalog or branding that is devoted to telling our green story and all the products that we have that are environmentally friendly.    

# Karen Montelepre said on June 30, 2008 11:22 PM:

I have some product ideas for quixtar to carry.  I have 3 young male adults in my home and they love the body sprays for men, like the brand called AXE. Also I would like to see us carry haircolor.  I also think we need to have the value, price, concentration comparisons very, very visible by every product on the site, not just in a brochure or a flier.

Now to be really innovative and create a big stir lets get some big fish partners that will help attract customers and earn nice bonuses and residuals.  I would love to see a partnership with an automobile manufacturer.  They are hurting so badly now we should be able to get a deal way better than the traditional fleet pricing. Also lets partner with a gasoline company so we get discounts at the pump or money back type thing.  Can we partner with stores like IKEA--they have great products.  Also, we need to partner with Lowes and/or home depot.  As far as groceries are concerned I see the problems with home delivery, but we could partner with grocery stores and it could have a regional aspect to it.  

Also, as far as product promotion, loss leaders, etc I think a weekly or daily ( very short time period) featured product on the site with an outrageous price could stir interest in that product, lead to other add on and impulse purchases and just be fun.  Lots of people would log on more frequently just to see what it was now.

Thanks so much for everything those of you at the corporation are doing to improve this great business. I really am excited about the advertising campaign.

# Shannon Carter said on June 30, 2008 11:31 PM:

How about a line of nutritional supplements that is totally free of the top 8 allergens?  There are many of us who can't take the best vitamins in the world because they contain gluten or dairy or soy or alfalfa or are extracted from shellfish...  It's very frustrating on a personal level that I can't be loyal to my own business (and know that I'm getting what the label says I'm getting), but it also makes it difficult for me to promote the product to someone else, because I either have no experience with the product or I have had a negative experience with it.

# Susan Julien-Willson said on July 2, 2008 7:47 AM:

Wanted to thank all of you for sharing product and service ideas and suggestions. We appreciate it! Susan

# CJ said on July 2, 2008 12:27 PM:

Dan Kalis,

There is a Men's Skin Care Line called Tolsom. It's been out for some time now (a few years). Works like a charm and I love it! Love your idea regarding partnering with shoppingforimpact.org. At the same time, Q/A could also just designate a portion of sales/purchase of products such as XS would go to Easter Seals (or maybe a special flavor of XS or certain type of Ribbon Gift Card that's specially priced or has certain items on it that is not available on any of the other Ribbons).

Karen Montelepre, I'm with you on the auto purchasing. We had a similar program like that with the Amway Motoring Plan which was similar to AAA but allowed IBOs to market it to consumers. It had various plans, but one allowed us to get discounts on vehicles and also allowed us to market the plan at a price we the IBO wanted to charge. It would be absolutely great to partner with Toyota with the Prius being the hottest thing on carlots or any company that sells hybrid vehicles. I love the gasoline idea as well.

 

# Bill M said on July 2, 2008 5:23 PM:

Here's another one.  My vegetarian and vegan friends are all excited about our bars and snacks - until they see "whey protein" in the ingredients.

Is it that hard to switch to soy protein?  It would double my marketing opportunities.

# Bridgett said on July 3, 2008 10:38 PM:

Bill M,

You'd be surprised at how many people are allergic to soy.

What I would like is if we had whey products and soy products and never the two shall meet.

Just like I wish we had sugar products and sucralose products and never the two shall meet.

The mixing of these apparent opposites ends up isolating more people rather than including two distinct groups.

# ibofightback said on July 5, 2008 1:06 PM:

Bill M - whey protein is perfectly fine for vegetarians, though not vegans. It comes from milk. The vegan market is probably too small to target.

# CJ said on July 8, 2008 10:35 AM:

How about a line of body washes and body sprays/colognes to compliment the Tolsom brand?

# Jeffrey said on July 8, 2008 3:39 PM:

A "high performance" or "maximum strength" antiperspirant/deodorant stick targeted to athletes or those doing extreme manual labor that is co-branded Body Series/Team Nutrilite, because we need an antiperspirant/deodorant stick that actually works for 24 hours, instead of just 2 or 3.

We also need a Double X version with iron in it.

# visioneer said on July 21, 2008 9:58 PM:

How about XS Energy in a Twist Tube?

# CJ said on August 22, 2008 6:44 PM:

Just wanted to add another idea to the list: Red Yeast Rice. It's been found to be very powerful in the reduction of cholesterol and as a side benefit high blood pressure. Not sure if any comparison has been done by Nutrilte in comparison to our Cholesterol Health supplement which uses a green tea extract, but it may be worth a try. Here's a study on it that was talked about on WebMD:http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20080723/fish-oil-red-yeast-rice-cut-cholesterol?page=2

# CJ said on September 19, 2008 12:12 AM:

Since me and my family had to evacuate out of the clear lake area for Hurricane Ike, we've been living in San Antonio since last Thursday. During that time, we've had to wash our clothes in the hotel. I think a great product to bring back would be the SA8 Laundry Tablets or the Twin Power Pack(a small sack made of fabric softner material that had a washload of SA8 in it so once you washed, the sack could be thrown in the dryer)that would be great for traveling. Possibly a tablet/sack of chlorine as well.

Editor's Note: CJ, sorry to hear you had to evacuate. Is everyone in your family doing okay? Please give us an update. And thanks for the product idea!! sjw

# CJ said on September 20, 2008 12:43 AM:

Thanks Susan, all is well with us. We made it back to our home today. A few shingles here and there, fence blown down, 2 gutters down, and very very minor leakage in one of the closets. And the power came on no more than 2 hours after we got home-Thank God!

# CJ said on September 27, 2008 1:53 PM:

Just thought of another item: I know we have the Smart Menu meals, but with the advent of Hurricane Ike where people had no power, the MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) from FMEA/Army were a really neat idea. I wonder if Amway Global could market those as well? They would be great for people traveling (especially if you don't have a microwave or kitchen in your hotel room), college students, camping, work, etc. All you need is water and it activates the element in the package to heat the food. Many of the MREs came with desert and drink/smoothie. Really a neat idea for AG to tap into the ready to eat now market.

Leave a Comment

Comments (required) 

Name (required) 

First and last names are encouraged in keeping with the spirit of transparency and openness in which Opportunity Zone was created.

Your URL (optional)

Email (required - not displayed)  

 

Remember Me?

Comments policy: Please note that comments are moderated. All comments are welcome as long as they are on topic, respectful, and do not advertise competing products or businesses. We reserve the right to remove without warning any and all offensive, unlawful, defamatory, or libelous comments, as well as any personal attacks or offensive language.

Submit

About Susan Julien-Willson

• Home

Opportunity Zone