Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Great Lakes Challenge

I was recently in a meeting with a gentleman who consults management about communication skills and relationships. This was the last of four sessions, and the topic was "How to Bring about Change". The presenter referenced the work of Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, a psychology professor at Clairemont Graduate School in Clairemont, CA. His theories are all centered on happiness, optimism, and motivation. He's spent his whole career trying to figure out why some people are more optimistic and happy than others.Dr. Csíkszentmihályi boils it down to three key elements:

1. You have to have an interesting challenge.
2. You have to have a reasonable approach to the challenge—a plan to overcome.
3. You have to focus your attention on accomplishing the task.

In fact, he found the most optimistic and motivated people are those who have the most challenges. For example, his research showed that paraplegics were more hopeful than most people because life posed challenges for them everyday. As they found creative approaches to overcoming those challenges, they were happier and more hopeful for the future.

I recently heard of an experiment testing this same theory. There was an ad placed in a paper looking for laborers. A large number of people responded and showed up for work at the appointed time. They were told they would be paid a certain amount per hour, and their task for the first four hours of the day was to dig a hole. They had a lunch break, came back, and they were instructed they would fill that same hole for the next four hours. At the end of the day the group was told if they came back the next day they would get a $.50 an hour raise. This went on for quite some time, and each day the group got smaller. Everyday they would dig a hole for the first 4 hours and fill it in for the second 4 hours. Eventually, the hourly rate was up to somewhere around $40 per day; however, nobody showed up to dig the holes any more. When asked why, the laborers said it wasn't worth the money. They weren't accomplishing anything. They were getting paid well, but there was no purpose to their work.

What does that have to do with our business? We need to ensure that everyone coming into this business has an interesting challenge. We talk about this all the time, but each person has to have a unique reason why they want a home-based business. What do they want to accomplish? Is their goal to pay for their child's college, get a new car, retire early, pay off the house, etc.? This is the new recruit's purpose. This is their challenge.

Next, we need to ensure our new sign-ups have a reasonable approach. In short, they need a plan. How is TNI going to help them overcome their challenge? Use the Fearless Income Building System. Show how they can become cash-flow positive within their first 30 days. Help them hold an in-home presentation, a success group, or a spa party.

Lastly, keep them focused by following up. Set dates for goals and events. Make sure they know how dedicated you are to their success.

If any of these elements are missing, it breeds frustration and despair. If you have a dream, but you don't know how to bring it about, it's depressing. And, any activity without a purpose breeds discontent. You must ensure you have all three elements to be hopeful and happy.

If you will follow this three-step recipe for hope, your group will be more successful. They'll duplicate faster. There will be more activity, more hope and more excitement. As that momentum grows, people will begin to join your organization simply because of the buzz radiating from your team.

Everybody needs a challenge. Give your team a challenge today and begin to reap the rewards.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

August Recognition

We are pleased to recognize those in our region who have achieved mile markers on their Success Path at Tahitian Noni International. Please join us in our appreciation and recognition of these leaders and their accomplishments.

August Top ASQV4 Earners
1. James Tucker
2. Wendy and Javis Myrick
3. Joyce Martin
4. James Panagos
5. Lawrence Young
6. Rose Crain
7. Pearlean Alexander
8. Mary Nathan
9. Hajja Rene’ Moor-Ali
10. Tony Winfrey

YTD Top ASQV4 Earners
1. James Tucker
2. Wendy and Javis Myrick
3. Joyce Martin
4. Lawrence Young
5. James Panagos
6. Rose Crain
7. Hajja Rene’ Moor-Ali
8. Tony Winfrey
9. Mary Nathan
10. Yohan Caldwell

Top Five Recruiters
1. Ruth Reed
2. Jason Dade
3. Michael Redmond
4. Luis Fernando Rodriquez
5. Kathy Howard

Global Promotions-August
1. Pearlean Alexander-D. Pearl
2. Hattie Watt-Pearl
3. Willie Smith-Jade
4. James & Barbra Joyner Sr.-Jade
5. Lillie General-Jade
6. Sheree Watt-Jade
7. Jacqueline Hayes-Jade
8. Diementre Silas-Jade
9. Ernestine Patton-Jade
10. Luis Rodriguez-Jade

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

TNI: New and Improved

TNI is simply incredible. I believe in the past it was a rarity for people to get involved with a network marketing company simply because of the product. In the past the product has always been an afterthought, simply the currency to create a business opportunity. It didn’t matter if that currency was water purifiers, laundry detergent, or some green drink, the product took a backseat to the opportunity.

How unique then for TNI to have both an incredible product and a business opportunity. In fact, we find there are people in the business not only for our distinctive compensation plan, but also some that are only with us for the product. Nearly unheard of!

Can a company with this type of following get any better? Unimaginable, but yes. At the recent Vision Retreat in Maui, Hawaii, TNI added a new bonus to the compensation plan that makes it that much more appealing. In addition, we made a product announcement that is ever so inviting to anyone who simply loves the product.

When it comes to compensation plans, TNI’s is second to none. We have no peers! Our residual income is incredible. Case AutoShip is the fuel for our system. Other companies look at our plan in awe. However, we recently launch the “Pack and a Case” program. A system designed to not only give residual income, but allow distributors to start making a great income in their first 30 days. In fact, by only signing up three people with the “Pack and a Case” system, you could more than recoup your investment in your first month. Only three people! Now, our compensation plan not only has phenomenal residual income, but outrageous upfront income potential.

We also announced, for a limited time only, a new flavor of TAHITIAN NONI® Juice, a novelty some have anticipated for over 11 years. And the flavor? Get ready for Black Currant TNJ. This blend is flavored with black currant berries, raspberry, and apple juice to create a TNJ your tongue will crave. Since it’s a limited time offer, get as much as you can so you can before the end of the year so you can entice your prospects to become customers for life. You can begin placing pre-orders Oct. 1, and the product will start shipping Oct. 15.

Again, it’s hard to imagine TNI getting any better, but at this most recent Vision Retreat, I think we outdid ourselves. For more details on the “Pack and a Case” system or the new TNJ flavor, go to NoniOffice.com or get in touch with your upline leader.

Friday, August 31, 2007

Competition: A Principle of Success

Why are some IPCs Diamond Pearls and others Jades or Corals? Why does it seem some just have all the luck? And is it luck, or is there something more at work? There are certain things top IPCs do that increase their probability for success. In fact, these principles are not unique to our industry; successful people and companies use them all the time. One of these principles is the ability to see competition as a positive force.


Competition in Athletics

When we think of competition, we often picture athletes. Competitors in athletics could be your opponent, yourself, past records, etc. The competition is what drives the athlete to become better at what they do. For example, Tiger Woods’s goal is to better his previous score, win the U.S. Open or the Masters, or become the winningest player to ever pick up a driver. These goals, however far-fetched they may seem to the common person, drive Tiger to hone his swing and his putt until he can guarantee 100% accuracy with every drive. The pursuit is long and arduous, but the successes along the way encourage him to keep going.


Competition in Business

We see the same thing with companies. The “Cola Wars” is probably the most famous example you can find of corporate competition. The rivalry between Coke and Pepsi forces each of them to become better and look for more opportunities.

Recently we’ve seen this again in the gaming industry. Nintendo had to find a way to compete with X-box and PlayStation. Competition was intense. Both Sony and Microsoft lose money with every gaming console sold in hopes of recouping their investment on expensive games. Nintendo didn’t have the resources nor the desire to compete in that type of market. Rather, they decided to include everyone in their target market, so they made their machine easier for everyone to use. They called their product the Wii. The result? You now have to get yourself on a waiting list to even buy their product. Competition drove Nintendo to create the Wii.


Competition in Your Group

Competition sometimes sounds rough, but it creates activity and efficiency. We need to look at our teams and find out what sort of competition we can incorporate to inspire effective activity. Don’t pit members of your organization against each other—this creates internal strife. Rather, find outside competition (i.e. another group, a title, a bonus, a record set by someone else) and unite your team behind it. As you work together, you will collectively find solutions to take you closer to your goal, you will become more effective, and you will gain momentum in your organization like you’ve never before experienced.

Friday, August 24, 2007

July Rank Advancements

The numbers are finally in! We have all of the rank advancers for July. Make sure to recognize the new Jades, Pearls, and Diamond Pearls in your area. Congratulations

Tamarah A Martin. Diamond Pearl Elite
Patrice Holman, Pearl
Donald Evans, Jade
Maria Dominguez, Jade
Eulalie Williams, Jade
Dorota Koper, Jade
Carla Parker, Jade
Trena Mitchell, Jade
Zachary Copper, Jade
Barbara Mitchell, Jade
Jiri Sramek, Jade
Jonathan Gatlin, Jade
Sam Tidmore, Jade

Friday, August 17, 2007

The "Secret" to Building Your Business

Do you ever feel like you’re missing something in your business? Do you ever feel like if there were a secret skill or phrase you knew, it you would help you become a Triple Diamond Pearl overnight? I know we all feel like that. We’re always looking for that special message that’s going to boost our business into the next stratosphere. The real question we should be asking is, “Does that secret exist?”

As plastic products were becoming more and more common in the early 80s, the overall consumer sentiment towards plastics was really quite negative. In fact, Americans in general mostly fit into two categories: those who hated plastic and those who were indifferent. There were very few people that were plastic proponents. With these facts in mind, plastic engineering companies formed the American Plastics Council (APC) with the idea that they could pool their resources and educate the population about the benefits of plastic.

The first plastic-education campaign included a series of professionally-made commercials that discussed the benefits of plastic: it can be molded, make safety equipment, increase productivity, and simply make life easier. However, six months after the launch, the APC found that the commercials actually backfired—consumer sentiment towards plastics had become worse. How could that be?

Instead of focusing on the attributes of the product, the APC launched a second campaign that focused on the emotional and positive feelings towards plastic. They collected stories from plastic proponents and used them to tell the indifferent group why plastic can make their lives better. For instance, advertisements portrayed grandparents with hip replacements picking up grandchildren, a premature baby resting in a plastic incubator, and a young bike rider sporting a plastic helmet to protect his head.

The results from this second campaign were staggering. Not only did it create more proponents of plastic, but the group of plastic haters shrank significantly.

Now, what does this example about plastic have to do with the “secret” that will send your business soaring? Everything! Think about it. It’s not a coincidence that the best commercials try to make you laugh or cry. Advertisers make them because they want you to fall in love with their product.

There are those of us out there that are TAHITIAN NONI® Juice lovers. We love the company, the product, and the compensation plan. We love everything about it! The way that we can create more TAHITAIN NONI Juice lovers is by sharing those stories that created that emotional bond. In other words, we need to share our testimonials. When did you fall in love with the company or a Tahitian Noni® product? Share that emotionally-charged story with your friends, family, and prospects, and you will see staggering results as well.

Monday, July 23, 2007

June Rank Advancements

Ladies and gentlemen,

The numbers are finally in. June was an incredible month for rank advancements in the Great Lakes region. We ended the month with one new Diamond Peal Elite, five new Pearls, and 15 new Jades. Incredible! Take a look at the following list and give our new leaders in the region a big hand.

New Title Qualifiers
Jockien Myrick, Diamond Pearl Elite
Cathy Ridley, Pearl
Jamie Brent, Pearl
Reginald Bryant, Pearl
Cherylyn Townsend, Pearl
Richard Ford, Pearl
Rowena Bryant, Jade
Howard Price, Jade
Shanee Townsend, Jade
Yvette Matthews, Jade
Patricia Taylor, Jade
Catherine Riley, Jade
Michelle Watson, Jade
Christopher Newsom, Jade
Mark Goode, Jade
Edith Pittman, Jade
Anthony Parker, Jade
Mark Matthews, Jade
Michelle Pinner, Jade
Sandra DeBerry, Jade
Sai Fang Lin, Jade



Congratulations!

Saturday, July 21, 2007

The Week in Review

Dear Leaders,

It's been an incredible week. We hosted one of our Great Lakes top leaders, we held our first webinar, and recognition reports for June are looking pretty solid for the region. First, James Panagos, Triple Diamond Pearl from Detroit, came to visit TNI world headquarters this past week. While hosting a prospective leader from another company within the industry, James was able to join us for a Brazilian feast on Wednesday night and a full day of touring and training on Thursday. James' prospect was blown away with the bottling facility and the corporate headquarters. We were even able to slide in a quick meeting with Kelly Olsen. Absolutely incredible!

During the two days he was in town, another leader emailed and asked, "Would I ever want to bring a group to tour the company?" My reply was simply, "Of course!" The headquarters is a great place to court leaders from other companies. They come, feel our culture, see our foundation, and then realize they're missing something in their current program. It's a slam dunk. Plus, it's a great way to build the belief level and increase the passion in newly starting IPCs in your group. Bring them to the headquarters, let them absorb the spirit of TNI, see the vision of the company, and return with a renewed vigor for the business.

Also this week, we received our recognition reports for the month of June. I'll I can say is that in a traditionally slow month for networking, you guys have really raised the bar. We had Diamond Pear Elites, Diamonds, Pearls, and a load of Jades who newly qualified. That's some serious growth. Please give yourselves a hand!

Lastly, today I hosted our first webinar--a Fast Start Camp. I know there were a few on from the Great Lakes region, namely Khary Carson (thanks Khary), but to all those who participated, I give my sincere thanks. Thanks for making that an incredible training. Even though we don't interact face-to-face, the webinar system allows us to ask questions, get responses, and post those responses so everyone can see. It was a lot of fun. Since we're one of the only regions left without an office, expect to see more opportunities to participate in these webinar trainings in the future.

That wraps it up for this update; however, check back on Monday for the latest recognition reports for the Great Lakes.

Have a great weekend!

Buck McMurray
Regional Manager
Great Lakes
Tahitian Noni International

Monday, July 16, 2007

Preliminary June Recognition

June shaped up to be a great month for recognition for our region. Preliminary reports are showing we had one Diamond Pearl Elite, one Diamond Pearl, and one Pearl. That's fantastic! That's the most leadership ranks we've broken in one month since 2006. To show the appreciation of the Great Lakes management team, I wanted to publicly recognize these top performers. They are as follows:
  • Jockien Myrick--Diamond Pearl Elite, Illinois
  • John Lee--Diamond Pearl, Illinois
  • Reginald Bryant--Pearl, Ohio

These gentlemen went to great lengths to accomplish such levels of success. Please help me in congratulating each of them on a job well done.

In addition, I need to take a moment to recognize an absolutely phenomenal addition to the Great Lakes region. Ameena and Dr. Abdur Matthews started with Tahitian Noni International at the end of April of this year. In nearly two weeks of being with us, they qualified as Jades and are now well on their way to qualifying as Pearls. Please extend a warm welcome and hearty congratulations to the Matthews.

If you have any stories you'd like to share or you'd like someone to be recognized on our Great Lakes blog, please email me at buckm@tni.com.

Many thanks,

Buck McMurray

Regional Manager

Monday, July 9, 2007

Over the weekend, I had an interesting experience. My family and I went to my sister's home in Salt Lake City to have a barbecue for the 4th. It was hot--somehwere above 100 degrees. The kids were in the back playing on the trampoline, in the sandbox, and in a small, blow-up pool. My wife asked me to keep an eye on my two-year old. He hadn't changed into his swimsuit, and she didn't want him jumping in fully dressed. Immediately I thought, "I really don't want to spend all afternoon out here in the searing heat." So, for a split second, I was tempted to delegate my fatherly duties of watching my son to my five-year-old daughter, but then my common sense kicked and I realized I would be setting my poor daughter up for failure. She's five, she's with her cousins, and she's having too much fun to be able to babysit her brother. Sure she would have agreed to watch him--she's always looking for opportunities to be a "big girl"--but she's just not ready for that kind of responsibility.

This experience caused me to think of our newer business partners. Without proper training, and experience, for the most part they're just not ready for the responsibility from the get go. When people come into the business, they're naturally excited--this may be the first time they're building something for themself. However, that excitement doesn't mean they have all the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. If we as their sponsor don't provide them the tools they need and the opportunities for personal growth, aren't we setting them up for failure? We need to make sure we're their holding their hand along the way. We've been there. Let's provide them the support we may or may not have received from our uplines. If you'll help your new recruits be successful, you'll experience the success, as well. That's what's so impressive about what we do. If you're focused on your group's success, yours naturally follows.

As always, best of luck!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Relentlessly Consistent

I recently read an article in BusinessWeek entitled "Staying Paranoid at Toyota." The author tells how Toyota surpassed GM to take their crown as the number one carmaker in the world. Though tempting to wipe the sweat from their foreheads and take it easy for a moment since their ascension, they have used their new position as an excuse to make processes and procedures more efficient, giving them a stronger lead over the competition. Now that's impressive!

It's human nature to take a breather after accomplishing our goals. In fact, the author of the article mentions a study in which lab rats always take a break after finding a pellet of food. We have the same tendencies. After working hard to become Jade, Pearl, or Diamond Pearl, we often want to take some time to relax. I believe we should reward ourselves, but we need to make sure that we don't get stuck in a state of perma-r-and-r. There's always another accomplishment waiting for us.

For those of us that may be in a rut, what are some things we can do? First, decide what the next achievement will be. Decide if that's Pearl, Top Performer Bonus, Infinity Bonus, Jade, etc. Second, create a plan to accomplish it. Figure out where your volume will be coming from, who will need to advance in rank, how long it will take you to accomplish it, and what activities will create the momentum. Third, get together with your business builders and help them see the vision. Help them understand where you as a team are going, and how you will help them get there. Fourth, execute like crazy. Put your plan in place, realizing you will have a few bumps along the way, but the reward will be well worth it.

Take a lesson from Toyota, one of the best-known brands and largest companies in the world. Achieving greatness does not permit one to take it easy. In fact, achieving greatness requires constant requalification for that title.

All the best,

Buck

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Grand Opening of the GL Regional Blog

Ladies and Gents of the Great Lakes Region,

This is truly a momentus occasion for our region. I'm not the most tech-savvy person in the world, so this for me is almost as huge as man taking his first step on the moon. Man... I am excited. The modes of communication that we now have at our fingertips are incredible. I can remember when I first started with Tahitian Noni back in 1996, email was barely being used; we had conference calls, faxes, and the postal service as our main communication devices. This blog is now just one of many resources we have at our disposal for communicating meetings, recognizing top leaders, and sharing messages of inspiration or encouragement. I hope you use it personally. I hope you share it, and I hope you can build your business with it.

All the best,

Buck McMurray
Regional Manager