ECONET – Page 2 – Razflections

July 25, 2008March 26, 2009

Celebrating Success

(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, it�s 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.

April 23, 2008March 26, 2009

Hello Hainan Aloecorp!

Today was the Grand Opening of Hainan Aloecorp, a very significant accomplishment for the ECONET and particularly those involved in Hainan Aloecorp–which is run by CEO Jeff Han.

The morning was relaxing, since we didn’t have to leave early it afforded me the opportunity to take a long walk on the beach and see the sights as well as go for a swim in the South China Sea. Gorgeous day, sunny in the morning and a little balmy but comfortable. The beaches were miles upon miles of silky soft sand. Hainan Island will be an wonderful venue for VeraResort.

The bus ride over offered a bit of an adventure; Hainan is a place where the horn is used nearly as much as the gas pedal and other cars/bikes/pedestrians seem to historically have been used as slalom obstacles, though I am sure this has subsided over the years as tourism increases. We arrived safe, though it made for quite an adventure with squirming backseat drivers.

Al, ever the overachiever, took well to his role as “sideseat driver” while sitting shotgun. He happily absorbed the unrequested (but needed) role of providing directions and feedback to our Chinese driver who spoke no English. To make it more difficult, Al’s Chinese was as good as our driver’s English. Yet, the driver also took to speaking with Al at times, sometimes wildly with hands flying. It was a pretty comical exchange, and despite the fact that neither could understand each other both seemed quite content being able to speak their mind.

As we drove throughout the countryside, away from the urban environment of dodging people and cars, I turned my gaze to the rice patties which seemed to last as far as the eye could see. John Ryan shared with me just a few of the experiences from decades ago while in Vietnam–hearing the stories will be memorable for me, in that he was willing to share some personal history while we traversed a
similar landscape to while he was soldier in Vietnam. I am deeply grateful to him—as well as the many others—who either have or currently do serve for our Country.

We arrived at the start of the ceremony at 2pm to an eclectic audience of locals, Korean Diamonds, ECONET Executives, Aloecorp (East and West) employees, FLC members, and Chinese officials.

Some of you have seen the artist’s rendition of what would become this manufacturing facility, and you’ll see in the actual photos that it’s really a ringer for the drawings created years ago. Bill does everything first class and this facility is no exception.

After the ceremony, which included a ribbon cutting that the FLC participated in, we attended a tour. Inside, the facility was operational and processing Aloe leaves before our eyes. All of the equipment used within the facility is among the newest and best. In fact, it is so technologically advanced that the time from harvesting the Aloe to completed processing is less than six hours. That’s extremely rapid, and results in an exceptional quality Aloe for consumers. I am convinced there’s no other comparable Aloe on the market, and seeing some of the manufacturing operations firsthand simply reaffirms my belief in quality of the products we produce.

After the tour it was off to the Sun and Moon Bay, which is the Bay in which VeraResort will be built. The setting is quite majestic and my words won’t do it justice.

Nearby, in fact leading right up to the Aloecorp facility, a high speed train is being built that will serve as rapid and simple transit right from the airport directly to the VeraResort. Sometimes it’s hard to believe all this stuff, there’s simply so much going on across the globe within ECONET. If I just heard about this train from a secondary source I suppose I’d even be a little skeptical! But, check out the picture to the below left which demonstrates the initial groundwork being done for what will be an incredibly convenient mode of transit. The flight times, on the other hand, need a bit of work–but more on that later.

As we rode the bus back to town, the FLC members and ECONET Exec’s got a second wind and the playful banter and teasing (which is particularly a male thing, for some reason) passed plentifully around the bus. For sure, we have a group that can both dish it out and take it equally well and it provided for lots of laughter on our way to dinner.

Our final dinner on Hainan Island was spent with the Korean Diamonds eating traditional Chinese seafood. Given that this marked nearly a week abroad for the FLC, it was evident that each of us were beginning to crave some American food. It really is amazing the taste differences and food preferences among different cultures.

During the meal a toast–really more like a team cheer–was initiated by each table of Korean Diamonds (about 10 tables in total) as Bill made his way around the room. Being the last table and only Americans we felt important to try to toast in the appropriate language, yet none of us know many Korean words beyond “hello”, “goodbye”, and “thank you”.

I have always liked the sound of the Korean words “Yogi Yo”, though I have no idea what it means. It’s just a fun expression to say and hear said. So this suggestion seemed to be as good as any alternative. It was confirmed by a few at our table that a) it wasn’t offensive, but b) we still didn’t know exactly what it meant even though we’ve heard our Korean colleagues use it frequently. We think the word means “here”, but this has not yet been validated. And shouting “here” probably does not make for a great team cheer.

Regardless, it was the best sounding expression we could muster and upon shouting the cheer it was met with a mix of hearty laughter and confused faces from around the room. I think they appreciated that we, at least, tried to say something in Korean. Our second cheer played even better, which was a simple and reliable “Univera, Univera, Univera!!!”

Afterwards we made a stop at the Sheraton Sanya and then it was off to the airport for a departure flight late that evening (actually the next morning) at 1:30 am for the four-hour flight to Seoul.

Today is the long travel day, with a ten-hour layover followed by a 12-hour flight directly home.

On behalf of those from Univera, I offer my sincere congratulations to our friends and colleagues at Hainan Aloecorp China, and particularly to its CEO Jeff Han, for an outstanding event yesterday. This marked a milestone accomplishment as part of Bill’s worldwide plan for the ECONET.

This also marks an important step in the long-term evolution of our Univera business. There are some considerable hurdles in conducting the direct selling business in China, and already with the progress made in building a manufacturing facility as well as developing a track record of positive working relations with the Chinese government will serve to carve a path for us in future years for a burgeoning market.

What a great trip, yet I am glad to be on our way home. It’s been two weeks since Regan and I have seen our families so we’re eager to get back home for a few days before the Road Tour begins. Officially, the tour starts on Friday by kicking off a sold-out Univera Xperience and a special reception to follow. Then, Monday is a dinner event up in Seattle and then it’s down the coast for week one of our journey–ending in Phoenix for their Regional event.

I love the concept of RENEWAL. The meaning and flexibility of the expression, as well as what it represents to Univera and me personally. It can be both specific and general–achieved or aspirational. And it can mean different things at different times to different people.

As we head home I am certain that Renewal has touched each one of us, and I hope we can share some of the privilege of this Experience with some of you over the coming weeks and months.

Thankful to be on the Journey…

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 health, it�s doubtless significant 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.

April 22, 2008March 26, 2009

The Significance of Steadfastness

Tonight we arrived in Hainan Island, the southern most part of China. A gorgeous island that could be compared to the grandeur of Hawaii but with a different charm and atmosphere uniquely its own. I’ve never been to Vietnam, but it has what I imagine to be that sense of flair from the somewhat steamy–though comfortable–atmosphere and developing yet rustic countryside riddled with road side rice patties on the way to our hotel.

It’s not only home to Hainan Aloecorp manufacturing, the official unveiling which occurs tomorrow, but also home to VeraResort–what will be a world class spa and destination resort that will be unrivaled on this Island, and among the best in this hemisphere.

Tonight Bill hosted a special dinner for the Field Leadership Council, he also invited two other guests: ECONET CEO, Stuart Ochiltree, and the very first Aloecorp employee who was a college friend–JJ (who is now an entrepreneur and remains close friends with Bill). It was a special evening of laughter, fellowship, and reflection; every time I am around Bill I am amazed. He is, truly, the real deal. A man of great conviction, vision, character, and perseverance. His commitment is among the most steadfast I have seen, and there are many examples of this within ECONET. Tonight, he used Unigen as an example, where for well over a decade the organization didn’t turn a profit (though today it is very successful and profitable). A business in which, despite many years of investment, he continued forward in what he knew would be the right thing to do that yielded the right outcome.

I mentioned in one of my first posts the magic of vision coupled with commitment. This is exactly what I was referring to, and it makes me honored and privileged to be a part of it. All across North America, I know there are many other people who feel the same way that are uniquely attached to the vision he leads, initiated by his late father. It is special that every one of us, regardless of where we live, how long we have been involved in the business, and regardless the capacity or rank (new Associates to Blue Diamonds, Customer Care agents to the Chief Executive Officer) can have a meaningful and lifelong impact in this cause.

I expect there are some leaders who also wish they were on this trip; truly, I wish you were here as well. And, someday you will be. For now, I feel it’s appropriate to share that those of us who are here represent you and share in this privilege to take what we have learned about Bill, the Company, the resources, and to utilize this to further instill the goodness and breath of what makes this Company so unique.

Tonight Bill shared stories of commitment, unity, and future opportunity. It is on this trip that there are many other Diamonds and Blue Diamonds here from Univera Korea (this is their equivalent of Diamond Club). He reflected that some of these Diamonds started with him 20, 25, and even 32 years ago when they first began. He reminded each of us that with this team, over the years, learned, persevered, stumbled, and grew together.

Bill reminded us that those who were there many years ago were extremely well off today, with financial success they only once dreamed about–though their success was not just limited to financial prosperity. His point, clearly, was that so it will be with Univera North America. Those that begin today, that learn, persevere, stumble, and grow together will have a limitless opportunity for future years to come.

I hope that you hear firsthand from some of those with us tonight the magic in what we have as a Company, an owner, and each other. I have been to many wonderful dinners and events over my career: Black Tie receptions, dinners, fund raisers, inaugural events, and various other fanfare and recognition events. I have worked for several incredible Companies and with some exceptionally talented people. Yet, tonight, I found myself in the magic of the moment among the most exceptional evenings in my business career. And I write about it tonight, late into the evening, so you can share a glimpse of Bill’s commitment and our opportunity together.

Tonight, I felt an innate sense of pride–not in a presumptuous sense–in our Company. More like a sense of pride that one might feel about their heritage or family. It was a pride in knowing who we are, a pride of our leadership as well as all those who touch our Company. It was a warm sense of satisfaction and commitment with the leaders at the table, those of the Field Leadership Council, and each of you whom they represent. A pride in you, who you are and what we want to become.

This trip is not just about the Field Leadership Council. It’s about each of you as well as our future together. In some small way, sitting 10,000 miles away overlooking a full moon reflecting on the South China Sea on a starry and exceptionally clear night–near the home of the future Veraspa Resort–that I wish to share just a glimpse of what it is that we have together and what we can become.

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 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, it�s 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.

April 16, 2008August 14, 2009

Seoul, Korea: “The Farm”

This week I arrived in Seoul, Korea, to participate in a few of the ECONET Worldwide Executive meetings hosted by Bill Lee and the other Board members as well as some team building activities.

An incredible week.

Coming into it, I felt I knew a lot about the resources, the plans, the people, the vision. But, leaving, I am even more amazed by what I learned and saw. Our owner, Bill Lee, has tremendous vision for the Company. But, more than this, he has commitment.

Vision can come and go, same with great ideas. But vision coupled with commitment can be magical. And it doesn’t exist in many places, that I do know. The words from the late Chairman Lee embedded in this placard hanging in the lobby of ECONET Center in Seoul are a good example of what I mean.

After a 14-hour flight from Seattle to Seoul, I arrived with the completed task of an empty inbox (amazing how many emails you can get through without interruptions!) and about a dozen outdated Wall Street Journals finally read.

Immediately, I jumped right into Korean culture, by going to a traditional Korean restaurant where I was served an array of small dishes that you can see in the picture to the left. What is it? Not sure. But I ate all of it. Well, almost all of it. And it was really quite good though I’m not sure I could adjust to this daily.

On Sunday morning, we went to Bill’s family farm about an hour outside of Seoul, to participate in various team-building activities and to “experience Korean culture” along with other ECONET Exec’s. Seoul is a crowded and sprawling city, reminding me of my days from living in Manhattan with the activity, crowds, and energy (without quite the number of skyscrapers) yet with the vast sprawl you see in Atlanta. Nearly 25 million people cram into what’s really a pretty small area of land.

Seoul is an amazing city. Great energy. Continual innovation. Respect and courtesy. Tenacity. I am always impressed, and humbled, by the people of Korea when I travel here.

Leaving early the next morning, much of the entertainment was the drive to and from, where a van brought one of the groups over to Bill’s home. In the picture to the right you can see Peter Hafermann, CEO of Aloecorp, and Ed Cannon, CEO of Unigen. Both great executives, and as you can tell by the looks on their faces, are a lot of fun–this is a snapshot in between friendly jokes and ribbing we’re giving each other on the drive over.

Bill’s house in the country, simply known as “the Farm”, is gorgeous. Laden–as you would expect–with trees and plantings of all types over many acres, nestled among some rolling hills. A kind of special serenity exists there, and it was an idyllic location for fellowship with peers from across the world.

During the course of the day we participated in Korean games and various cultural events, which included learning how to play the Korean drums (I was so remedial that I received my own instructor!) . One of the games is pictured to the below right; it’s a very traditional Korean game, and something we never really figured out even after several explanations from different people.

It works like this: four people take turns throwing foam logs onto a pad and hope that either an X or an O lands on top. That team then receives a certain number of points for doing so. And you don’t want one or four points, that’s bad. But two or three is good.. I think. At least that’s when the Koreans seemed to cheer loudest. Like I said, we never understood it. A total game of chance, but it drew out the hyper-competitiveness in all of us. Despite having no clue what we were doing, the game “throwing-foam-logs-onto-a-mat-hoping-a-certain symbol turns-straight-up-so-we-can-win” proved to be amazingly fun.

The first day of “culture” was a great kick off to excellent meetings that discussed some exciting progress across ECONET, from the enrollment growth of Univera associates to the manufacturing facility in Lyford, Texas, to the new wellness spa/resort–officially named “VeraResort”, which is already in the beginning phases of construction. There’s much more, stories and photos of which I am sure we’ll share on our tour across North America in April and May.

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your doctor. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all when. 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 health, it�s doubtless significant 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.