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Celebrating Success

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(more pictures coming soon in next day, check back)

In the color code world, I’m a red.

57% red, to be exact. And, that’s a good amount of red. My wife can vouch for it.

And, by nature — probably nurture to some degree — SOME (not all) of us reds have a hard time taking time off, or celebrating success and simply having fun. We’d rather work, or do something productive, or move onto the next project and task list and get going. Unless, of course, you are a red with a strong secondary yellow. But, alas, I have 1% yellow. Or so that’s what the test says. Which, honestly, I find hard to believe. Truly, I do. It must be at least 2%.

If, so far, none of this makes sense you can learn the color code language by a quick review of Taylor Hartman’s classification system of personalities and behavioral traits by visiting: www.thecolorcode.com. If, however, you’re nodding your head then forge on!

But if my yellow truly is 1% then I think I used most of it up at Convention as well as the Company celebratory event we hosted last night for all employees — inclusive of individuals all across the ECONET. So to celebrate the success we had at Convention we decided to have fun with some Go-Karting (the place Julie selected I understand favored low emission engines) at a nearby recreation center in Tumwater that just opened six months ago.

And we had a blast. Sure, there were other activities, like golfing and batting cages, and various other games and activities. But Go Karting really won the heart and soul of the group. And it brought forth a pretty competitive spirit.

So peer was pitted against peer, senior against junior, male vs. female, skilled driver vs. unskilled, there was no mercy for individuals. We were at random placed into racing crews where we tested our skill — or lack of skill — with timed laps and a scored rating system based upon expertise.

It was a blast to pull together with fellow ECONETIANS to spend a few hours celebrating success. I also really enjoyed beating the tar out of Regan’s lap times. But I did it with such repetition it just became old after a while. Almost boring, like child’s play. Finally, I got to the point where I felt guilty I was beating him so badly. It just felt so “unservant leadership-like” to continue to lap the poor guy. So finally I slowed down. 🙂

Well, total truth be told, Regan was pretty darned good and he was/is currently the overall points winner. However, the real skill and admiration rested in the person who could accomplish the fastest lap for the entire set of races against all ECONETIANS. And that person was not Regan. It was someone else. Who is quite competitive. And enjoys writing blogs. Is kinda tall. Uses his hands a lot when he speaks. Really, it doesn’t matter who the fastest fastest racer was. In the scheme of things.

Anyways…

It was great fun to watch the other people become so competitive with each other, in a playful way (Sarah Shaw effectively smoked one of our ECONET attorneys, Edwin K, who is a good/conservative lawyer and drives very much the same way–like Mr. Magoo–though he got more and more aggressive as time went on). And we had quite a few adventurers from Customer Care, as well as many other departments within the Company that came together.

But the most fun part for me?

It was simply watching other people have fun. And celebrating, together as a team.

It’s a good reminder that all of us need to inject celebration and fun into our hard work.

There were two thoughts I had as a result of our celebration event.

I am convinced one of the reasons we had so much fun is that the team worked so exceptionally hard in preparation and commitment going into — and during — Convention. Any type of celebration, whether it be a weekend away, vacation, fun activity is so much sweeter if you’ve given your all and worked exceptionally hard to get there.

Perhaps at times the fun of celebrating is a matter of discipline or planning since it’s not as natural for some of us non-yellows. But adding some celebration along the way of hard work sure makes it more fun — and it acts as emotional glue for those involved.

And did I mention I had a blast lapping Regan?

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your doc. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all season. What is the most significant information you must study about levitra vs cialis? Most doctors say the effectiveness of Levitra is well documented. Absolutely, a sexual problem refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual life. Whilst sex is not vital for good health, its doubtless important for anyone. Why it happen? What kinds of professionals treat sexual diseases in men? A common class of antidepressants, which include Zoloft can kill the mood in bedroom.

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Loving Left Foot

Post Convention is a little bit like a sugar crash.

Most of us went through the week with a combination of post-event elation and a little bit of fog. So while a somewhat low key week, it was also a bit of a decompression week that was filled with moments of laughter and peaks of enthusiasm when reliving the events of Convention. Again, a great event and thanks to every single person — inside and outside the Company — who helped to make it happen.

So the best way to get out of a sugar crash is to either, a) avoid it in the first place, or b) eat some more sugar. 🙂

left-foot-1left-foot-4Which led us to another back-to-back weekend activity. Yes, the weekend RIGHT AFTER Convention led to our Sunday activity which served as our annual “Serve First” work project!

left-foot-5Every July represents a service month for Univera; it’s really more a symbolic month in that what we hope and aspire to accomplish are works of service throughout the year, both to each other as well as within our community. And I know of many people who are involved in various volunteer capacities on a weekly or monthly basis throughout the year — which is fantastic.

left-foot-6What I love about Serve First is that numerous wonderful contributions to communities throughout North America spring up every year and every month. In fact, I’d love to hear what some of you are doing across Canada and the U.S. during the month or July.

left-foot-7So our (reminder: when I say “our” it is the collective field/company = together/team use of the word) annual Serve First project is with a local non-profit called “Left Foot Organics.” You can get more info about their mission on their Web site: www.leftfootorganics.com.

left-foot-2left-foot-3The day was an absolute blast, beautiful and sunny day with clear skies and a near-perfect temperature coupled with some fantastic company for about four hours. We really did have a great time working in the fields, gardening, pulling garlic, weeding, water fights (these were sporadic and largely initiated by Meredith Berkich’s son, though he then also recruited kids–including my own — to join in the mischievous fun) and various other activities which both served to help the Left Foot group catch up on some of their projects and gave each of us some great enjoyment. I was thrilled and honored that so many people came to this project from up in Seattle and down in the Portland area. Thanks to each of you who came and spent the day helping a local community project, as well as enjoying people on the team.

left-foot-8Next year’s event will be posted to a calendar or the NYCU sometime soon, but we expect it will be the third weekend in July. Finally, yes, of course I was joking about the best way to get over a sugar crash is to eat more sugar…not that I haven’t tried that in the past, though.

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your doc. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all period. What is the most significant information you must study about levitra vs cialis? Most doctors say the effectiveness of Levitra is well documented. Absolutely, a sexual problem refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual life. Whilst sex is not vital for good heartiness, its doubtless important for anyone. Why it happen? What kinds of professionals treat sexual diseases in men? A common class of antidepressants, which include Zoloft can kill the mood in bedroom.

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WOOOO HOOO, DREAM, ACHIEVE, LIVE!!!

Greetings Univerians, the following blog posting was first written on Saturday afternoon, July 12th, but I’ve updated since then (which is why the time/context might be off). I’ll probably update it with more videos and photos this week, I only have a limited selection right now, and then start introducing new blog postings this week. Please add your comments to this blog posting (or any others).

01conv_rap-stageOne of the more comical moments from the event below, Regan (aka “Beeker”, from the Muppets…For some reason I thought the name was “Meeper”, perhaps that’s because of the sounds the character makes) on stage with the rappers Eric Miller from Customer Care and “Breathe Eazy.”

I can’t express my most sincere gratitude for EVERY SINGLE PERSON who attended, and to all the corporate employees that made this a great event (special thanks: Julie Darby, Rachel Wisby, Meredith Berkich…but there are just so many others that I can’t thank them all in this email–you know who you are!).

02conv_ericHere we are on Saturday afternoon in gorgeous Seattle, a PERFECT day with a dry 80 degrees and streaming sunshine coupled with incredible energy at our Annual Event with thousands of Associates. Truly, we are having a BLAST at Convention.

Here I sit on Saturday afternoon, just after 4pm, and it’s about the first five minutes I’ve had free since arriving here in Seattle on Wednesday afternoon but I wanted to take a moment to blog a quick entry to share some of my fervor for the past few days we’ve shared together.

03conv_wine-tasteA few highlights so far, but there will be many more shared either on this blog or in discussion following this event. Keep in mind, this is a partial list compiled only over a period of about 20 minutes, as I’m limited by time–but not energy. 🙂

AND, for those who attended please submit a comment with your favorite moments or stories.

Some of the best experiences so far:

-Dinner at Bill’s home on Wednesday night with the Blue Diamonds, and the ticket promotion winners, followed by a Seaplane ride out to the San Juan Islands for a wine tasting and lunch with all the Blues. Picture below, right as we’re about to depart for the flight back to Seattle.

08conv_michael-gift07conv_michael-stage-The comedian Michael Jr. HILARIOUS. This guy, really, is one of the most funny guys I’ve ever met. You can find some of his comedy riffs on YouTube (just search by his name), but let me tell you he’s the real deal. Amazing human being, a quality guy and he’s also talented with humor beyond belief. He did a session Thursday night with the Platinums/Diamonds, then Friday night at General Session, and then TODAY we did an impromptu bit as I pulled him up on stage to do one more session of “Break Time” with the audience. Though, this time he was truly on break as the second day riff was gratis rather than paid, though by the looks of all of you in the lines to purchase his books and CDs I think he did okay. I’m not sure if I’ve ever laughed so much in one sitting, or weekend. And, I am sure the R-DAWG will never be the same (you’ll have to ask around to learn the story of the amazing transformation of Richard Ross!)

05conv_jim-stage04conv_jim-rich-Jim MacLaren. Wow, talk about a guy with perspective. For the rest of my life I will clearly remember his presentation and story on Friday morning. The perspective he brings gives me hope, and adds to my persevering inspiration. You can check out his Web site for more information in case you missed him. www.JimMacLaren.com. He concluded to a standing ovation, throughout his presentation in the audience I saw looks of both laughter as well as tears as he shared with us his journey throughout life. The comments I have received about his presentation have been nothing less than glowing.

-Taylor Hartman. Brilliant, as usual. Presentation of the Color Code, with a little comedy in between. Smashing success. He’ll be at next year’s Convention I expect, and probably at a few events in between. This year we brought him in on Thursday to do a two-hour session with all Platinums and above, a real perk and incentive for getting to Platinum or above next year! 🙂 But you can also catch Taylor online, through additional Univera resources we’ll bring to you, or at various events he might attend between now and next year.

-Some great video clips, stories, and anecdotes…Below you’ll see one I added of Al talking to the larger-than-life poster of Bill Lee when we were in Hainan Island, China. It was going to be played right after the Univera Korea Convention video but we were running tight on time. Loved the stories from the FLC about our trip to China, and I also love that I have Al on video talking to a poster. 🙂

-RAPID RANK BONUS, as well as the continuation of the $35 Fast Start bonus. We unveiled the BEST compensation plan in the industry this weekend. Details available on the back office, but truly we just went from being among the best to the very best. Together, now, we have the best products and compensation in the industry, and as a team we’re going to be unstoppable. And, in the process of this rollout, I will forever remember Dave Nash’s response when he saw his shiny head on the big screens (Dave, don’t feel bad–nobody looked great on the screens, I think the lighting was off a bit).

-Leadership and training. Really, we have the best leaders in the INDUSTRY. And, on top of that, we had the best of the best running workshops yesterday and today. I think it was, quite possibly, the most spectacular set of concurrent training workshops that have been done in the industry. Rave reviews all the way around. No pictures yet

09conv_bill-leeSaturday night served as the capstone, with some outstanding awards, including seven very well deserving recipients of the Rob Kalnitsky award, as well as Associate of the Year (Angelyn Toth). All of this was followed by the customary close by Bill Lee, which was outstanding as usual.

10conv_korean-dressThis entire event has been a total team effort, I want to extend my complete gratitude to all the Univera employees and Associates responsible for making this the event that is has been–and, to each of you that attended, you inspire me. My commitment and passion for this business, and for our cause, I am convinced, is equally matched by each of you as well as that of the Corporate team.

12conv_4someJuly 10-12th will serve as among the best weekends I’ve had in my life. Thanks for the adventure, the energy, the commitment, and the future we’re creating. I look forward to seeing each of you next year as well–already we’ve sold a few thousand Convention tickets for the event right back here in Seattle in June. If you didn’t do it this time, consider making it part of a family vacation. The Northwest, and Seattle in particular, is one of the world’s best family vacation destinations.

Last picture before signing out…The below is of my beautiful wife, Erica, at Etta’s where we had breakfast on Sunday morning — down by the market. The restaurant gets pretty rave reviews, though I thought the food was just “good.” Though, my company was excellent. 🙂

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No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your doctor. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all date. What is the most significant info you must study about levitra vs cialis? Most doctors say the effectiveness of Levitra is well documented. Absolutely, a sexual problem refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual life. Whilst sex is not vital for good soundness, its doubtless great for anyone. Why it happen? What kinds of professionals treat sexual diseases in men? A common class of antidepressants, which include Zoloft can kill the mood in bedroom.

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Products Oh Sweet Products

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Counting down…a few more days, or hours, depending on who you are and how you’re counting.

Tonight I’m eagerly restless (2am posting should give a hint!) about all that’s to come this weekend at our Annual Convention.

Another great experience that’s in store for you this week?

CherNINske.

Yes, Stephen Cherniske. Brilliant Biochemist, acclaimed author, part-time Comedian, could-be-GQ-model with his sophisticated and soothing FM-voice, man of many talents but hyper-passionate about one in particular: your health–and how you can achieve your potential.

And, he’s going to be presenting a lot this weekend at the Convention. For those that can’t get enough of Stephen, he’s going to be leading Yoga on Friday and Saturday morning and will continue with a “Wellness Workshop”, hosted by him but joined by some other great speakers, on Sunday morning. During Convention he’ll be talking about current products, new scientific developments, providing hints of products to come, and sharing ways you can be a better physical you.

Beyond this, we’re also extending his reach and most importantly the impactful and life-changing impact of our products by posting some of the great information available on YouTube. Here’s the link for just an early sampling of what’s to come.

www.youtube.com/experiencerenewal

See you in a few days…

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your doctor. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all period. What is the most significant information you must study about levitra vs cialis? Most doctors say the effectiveness of Levitra is well documented. Absolutely, a sexual problem refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual life. Whilst sex is not vital for good heartiness, its doubtless great for anyone. Why it happen? What kinds of professionals treat sexual diseases in men? A common class of antidepressants, which include Zoloft can kill the mood in bedroom.

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Happy Fourth of July (and a belated Happy Canada Day)

I hope that everybody enjoys their holiday weekend, and to our friends in Canada a belated Happy Canada Day on July 1st (signifies Canada’s birthday).

Below is a letter that’s been circulated internally, written by one of our colleagues in Unigen Pharmaceuticals. It’s a really touching perspective on life in America and the reminder of how precious our freedom is. Carmen, thanks for taking the time to share your personal story and some wisdom along with it.

The letter, in full form, is below.

Hello. My name is Carmen Hertel. I am currently working as a Research Associate with Unigen Pharmaceuticals in Lacey, WA.

Did you grow up in this area? I didn’t. If you did, I am guessing that there may be a smaller number of people in this category compared to the group of people who grew up elsewhere. All of this is based on my own observations gathered from coming in to our building almost every day for the past year-and-a-half.

As you know, July 4th is Independence Day here in the USA. To me, one of the top on the list of ‘reasons for celebration’ is that of Freedom. This word is not the easiest to define as it can cover a rather broad spectrum and also can be interpreted as the person wants. Nevertheless, for me to attempt to define a word that encompasses so much, it seems easier to for me to share a small excerpt of life without freedom.

Allow me to take you to my home many years ago in the Philippines:

There were several demonstrations recently. Students and police clashes were everywhere. It was tear gas and bullets versus Molotov bombs. Students and other demonstrators were shot—one right outside our house gate. That night, in the middle of the newscast, the TV screen display became all static. My parents were over at the farm –on an island southwest of Manila. Lola (a term for grandmother) put all the kids to bed. I was in the same room as she was and I couldn’t sleep. The gun fire and screams were too disturbing. By midnight, everything turned silent. But I could hear something so I snuck out to the gate. Peeking between the slots of the hinges, I could see military tanks moving along the road and then one stopped right about my house. In my pajamas, covered by the dark of night, I hid behind the garden wall. Then I heard people banging on my next-door neighbor’s gate yelling “Open Up!” I could hear the maid running down the foyer and the Chinese master and his wife talking in rapid Cantonese. There was a 12 ft tall wall between our garden patio and the neighbor’s area and I climbed the wall to watch. The military men said they needed to look inside the house and do an inspection. Quickly but quietly, I went to wake my siblings. My oldest brother was in college, so he would take charge if the men came to our place. Sure enough, our house was searched next – more like ransacked. All of our belongings were thrown and scattered to the floor. Various items were taken. By the time they left, our house was in total chaos—furniture, clothes and personal items were strewn all around. The next day, radios were all static and so were the TVs. There was no newspaper. That day, Martial law was declared. My Uncle, a University professor and an advocate of democracy was taken to prison. A friend of the family was imprisoned in a small square of a cell, so small that she could not even stand. A lot of secret meetings happened with the knowledge that we had to run for our very lives should the military come to disperse the gathering. No person could openly criticize the government.

Though times have changed and freedom is now again enjoyed in my home country, the time that it was curtailed haunts my memory.

This being said, I imagine there may be other people here within our family of companies who have gone through more difficult times than my story above depicts. Although I am humbled at this prospect, for me to even narrate this story for you does not minimize the fear I had as my family and I were subjected to this lack of freedom. Subsequent to this, I have become so ‘American’ – I know that I have the freedom that I can complain if I believe something is not right. I also believe that this freedom to complain can be taken too far at times. If we stop and think about it, some of the things we complain about are trivial in comparison to things that really matter.

So I ask you – do you appreciate the freedom we enjoy here in the USA? I think almost everybody does. I would encourage everyone that you don’t stop at just enjoying or appreciating your freedom. Be an advocate for freedom—help those that are helpless and cannot or have a hard time fighting for their own freedom – the poor; the elderly; the homeless; the infirm. Live by the golden rule and encourage others to do the same. Be compassionate and teach compassion to your family and friends. I believe we should fight to protect others while we are strong and when we weaken, someone else will fight to protect us. Most of us are aware that we are being protected right now by our own soldiers. In return, I pray for these brave men and women; I pray for ourselves; and I encourage everyone to do the same.

Have a wonderful 4th! God Bless America!

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your doctor. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all time. What is the most significant information you must study about levitra vs cialis? Most doctors say the effectiveness of Levitra is well documented. Absolutely, a sexual problem refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual life. Whilst sex is not vital for good health, its doubtless great for anyone. Why it happen? What kinds of professionals treat sexual diseases in men? A common class of antidepressants, which include Zoloft can kill the mood in bedroom.

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A Taste of Seattle

Univera Friends,

Convention is quickly approaching…If you’re coming, get ready. We’re going to have a blast together. If you’re on the fence, well, the content and training/celebration alone would make it worthwhile. But the city of Seattle is outstanding as well!
Join me on a brief video tour below of this magnificent city as we build excitement towards July 10th and our “Dream. Achieve. Live.” Convention.

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your physician. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all time. What is the most significant data you must study about levitra vs cialis? Most doctors say the effectiveness of Levitra is well documented. Absolutely, a sexual problem refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual life. Whilst sex is not vital for good health, its doubtless great for anyone. Why it happen? What kinds of professionals treat sexual diseases in men? A common class of antidepressants, which include Zoloft can kill the mood in bedroom.