Portland – Razflections

April 14, 2009April 18, 2009

Thank You, Susan Boyle

Sometimes there are certain moments that words don’t describe well.

Which is why I won’t try to share much about today’s posting and I’ll let this seven minute video taken from “Britain’s Got Talent” give you chills from seeing someone’s dream realized. I wish I could embed the video itself, but that feature has been disabled by YouTube for this particular video–so you’ll have to go to the link at the bottom of this posting.

When watching this, some of you will get chills.

Some will laugh, or smile.

And others will cry.

All of you will be moved.

The experience of watching this is among the most powerful I’ve felt in months. Look at the change in the audience, from the beginning, where they were laughing and mocking this lovely woman who simply has a dream–to being an audience that’s simply…inspired.

So many lessons in this seven minutes. About perceptions. Judgment. Perseverance. Potential. And dreams.

I’ve watched her performance four times in a row, and I can’t stop the overpowering sense of emotions and insight I get from watching what is probably seven of the most magical moments on television that have happened in a long while.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Here’s the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY&NR=1

And, by the way, if you’re up for a little extra sentiment and contemplation, read the lyrics to the song she sang from Les Miserable “I Dreamed a Dream” below.

There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
And they turn your dream to shame

He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he’ll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I’m living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.

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, 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 12, 2009April 17, 2009

Dogged Pursuit

Can we agree on a few simple premises?

1. There’s a huge need for secondary or replacement primary income right now? More than ever in the past three decades, perhaps longer? Everybody is faced with the prospect of layoffs, 401k matches missing, salary reductions, and on. Not to say that everyone is going through it–but everybody to some degree is faced with the prospect. Heck, I just read that even Sesame Street is laying off 20% of it’s workforce–including some of the letters of the alphabet, such as Q, K, Z, K, and the semicolon! (the latter is pulled from a funny piece of online satire, but the former is apparently true and not so funny).

2. That there’s nothing wrong with pushing a hotdog cart (though I wouldn’t recommend eating one everyday). People do what they need to do. No judgment here.

3. That an opportunity in Univera makes vastly more sense in terms of a) lower initial investment, b) time factor of money, c) income potential, d) capitalizing on a growing marketplace, e) feeling better physically, and f) intersecting what you do with what you love–or in other words, finding purpose in work?

Check this recent article from the Wall Street Journal, and tell me it doesn’t motivate you to go and find that extra person to give them a shot at what they might never have known but for your contributions and enthusiasm…The best advice probably comes at the very end of the story, where Mr. Mottola says “I’m creating my own stimulus plan…I’m not waiting for the President.”

Dogged Pursuit: Professionals Find New Livelihood Selling Frankfurters

BANDERA, Texas — In hard times, some small-town Americans are turning to a new livelihood with relish.

Among them are Andrea and Ben Guajardo. They began selling hot dogs from a pushcart on Main Street in November.

Ms. Guajardo is a grant administrator for a health-care system. Her husband, Ben, is a pipeline operator. Theirs is the first hot-dog stand in Bandera, pop. 957, that anybody here can remember.

Click here to read the full story.

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your doctor. 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 8, 2009April 14, 2009

The Phoenix VLOG

This is one of my first-ever predominantly video-blogs (vlogs), but it’ll tell the better story comprised of a few different clips from a great evening. Thanks to all the Phoenix leadership, including Barry and Connie Lucas, Kenny and Esmerelda Rossi, Ron Faunce, Dr. Jack Burns, and many many others who participated and helped. Thanks to all the first-timers who showed up to check out Univera, the products and the business.

In short, this was my favorite trip to Phoenix so far–I loved the time at the event, meeting all the new people (probably 70% guests), and the great socialization with the leaders post event at Los Alevios! So, enough writing–onto the VLOG…

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your physician. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all day. 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, it�s 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.

April 6, 2009April 12, 2009

Rocky Mountain High

Growing up we did the annual trip our West, generally Colorado. We’d start in Columbus, Ohio, and 24-hours later we’d arrive into the Denver area. Lots of memories evolve from those trips, including a few funny prospective blog stories, but one of the things I remember most about the journey was the dialogue and the music. I’d spend a lot of time talking to my dad on the way, and we always had this set structure of music that included Karen Carpenter, Paul Williams (such a fantastic songwriter), and, of course, John Denver. So this song will be forever my placeholder for “here.”

Once you get to this great state you start to understand the “Rocky Mountain High” that Denver wrote about years ago. I always love coming here, flying into what’s almost always sunshine and fresh air. This weekend we had lots of fresh air, and a bit of sunshine (ironically, literally as I write, it’s 70 and sunny back in Oly and 26 and overcast and snowing here in Denver–ha!).

From Austin, despite what many forecasters were predicting as a wild weekend, the flight was on time and bump-free and Stephen made it on time to his Doc’s event, which I know was sprinkled with good humor as well as some Cheesesteak stories–remember, Stephen, I get to speak last at all of these events. 🙂

During the event, on Saturday afternoon, it was really well run. Eddy Wittry was the guy behind the scenes facilitating everything, and he did a great job, but so many other leaders were involved in the event and particularly presentation, including Anjila Stimack, Dave Walther, Chris Pilgrim, Harris Williams, and John Rogers among others.

And lots of help from many people, including Judy Gillum, Gerry and Michelle Bergeson (great set up guys), and I could go on and on and on with all the people that contributed–thanks to everybody.

There’s lots of great video footage from this trip as well as Austin (post-Tour we’ll do a highlights video) but the following clip is among my most favorite.

Remember Regan, this was just one guy’s opinion. I’m sure the next person you asked would have said…me. 🙂

After a great event, we took the local leaders out to dinner (Dr. Greene and Judy, enjoyed our time together at dinner) and had a great time–thanks, guys, for the gift of some local Colorado wine that looks great.

Then, the finale…Boogie Machine at Cool Rivers. This is Jerry and Michelle’s band. www.boogiemachine.com

These guys really rocked the house, we met a bunch of other associates out at the event and danced the night away listening to 70’s music. The evening was among the most fun we’ve had on the Road Tour, and both the people as well as the music were responsible for that.

Which is a great plug for Convention ’09. These same people, and MANY MANY more will be at our event June 26-29, and this SAME BAND will be opening for us on Thursday night–the start of our 10-year celebration. So in addition to great speakers (Bill Lee, Paul Zane Pilzer, Suzanne Peterson, Neil Offen, and others), training and business growth (average Gold who attended Conventions in the past earned DOUBLE the commissions that following year of those at the same rank who did not go), this event promises to be a lot of fun.

Perhaps, even more than the Denver group was this weekend.

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your physician. 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 soundness, 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 4, 2009April 10, 2009

Austenver

This entry started as what would be a combination of two events, Austin and Denver. Thus the name, Austenver. Then, I started looking at all the great pictures and people from Austin, and I just couldn’t bring myself to pull the two events together.

As I type we’re en route to Denver, placing bets of whether we’ll land or not. Already, the Frontier flight first thing this AM was cancelled to Denver, and many United flights leaving Denver were cancelled, yet as I write we’re flying in gorgeously sunny skies—hopefully beating this last winter storm that’s apparently on its way (side note: when I landed this was published, so obviously we have made it to Denver and we will see you this afternoon).

So the three of us are doing our thing in flight, Stephen pounding away on his keyboard (though not quite as loudly as me), Regan sits ahead of us CEO style in first class (bumped, not a purchased ticket) watching 30 Rock, and I’m bloggin’ away.

Arriving into Austin was welcome warmth, spectacular sun and temperature. It’s the best weather so far. And, while weather is really an exceptionally boring and mindless topic, when you live in 40-50 degrees and rainy for much of the year (though I actually love it) the topic of sunny skies and arid warmth becomes just a tad more interesting.

Austin is such a hoppin’ city, and for a Friday night our turnout was fantastic—probably close to 200. Significantly more people than we had last time in Austin, and the energy and excitement was a lot better as well. Not that last time our Austin trip wasn’t great, it was good. But this was really exceptional with the quality of people and just the…Energy.

I’d rather have energy, excitement, and conviction any day of the week over someone with just talent and talk that lacks passion. In Austin we had people that are both talented and excited. The best of both.

When I reference specific people that I meet on the Road Tour I always hesitate a bit, because there’s always more people that I can’t blog about that I met who are equally interesting. But I try to tie in one story or experience.

At this event I met a guy with a great story, his name is Mario (his brother Tommy attended the event as well), and is signed up under Colleen who was also attending. Mario’s story is a great one, he grew up in the Lyford, Texas area. Which, many of you know, is home to Hilltop Gardens—the Historical Home of Aloe. There’s more to this great story, it’s just evolving and someday I’ll write more about it, but the short of it that Mario has gone on to become exceptionally successful, and as I understand it is an inventor (even featured in magazines like Popular Mechanics) and has also done some feature work in TV. The amazing thing is not that he’s totally bought into Univera—the products and the business. It’s that he has a stronger tie to Hilltop Gardens than most anybody I know.

See, when Mario was growing up, his parents worked in agriculture and in the fields. And, some of the work they did was planting and harvesting aloe.

But the magic is, they didn’t just work any farms. One of the farms his parents worked in the fields was the Hilltop Gardens farm itself, before Bill had actually purchased it (owned by a different family, with a different name—but the oldest aloe vera farm in the U.S.).

So the evolution of this story is an amazing one, and among many other stories of success that will grow over the years this will also be another interesting one.

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 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 4, 2009April 8, 2009

Nashville (creative heading, huh)

My creativity brain cells are, I believe, starting to diminish. But the excitement on the road for Univera isn’t!

Sometimes when I write these entries about the Road Tour I feel like it might read as a bit of over-enthusiasm for these events, but really, if they weren’t good events I either wouldn’t write about them or I’d pick some obscure topic to focus on semi-related to the event.

So Nashville was lots ‘o energy. And I am trying to stay away talking about any of the Corporate presentations, because it’s really not the point of the Road Tour and it’s boring to read about in a blog–instead, the point is to try to get this message and the opportunity–product, business, or both–in front of people who need it the most.

However, Stephen was fantastic at this event. It was probably the best that I have heard him, he pulled out all stops.

Energy in the room was fantastic, we had people there from Indianapolis, Knoxville, Georgia–even someone from California was there. And about 70% were first time attendees, another really amazing percentage.

We spent a lot of time socializing and getting to know those in the area. It really was an exceptional event, we will be back.

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your physician. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all when. 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, 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.

March 29, 2009April 3, 2009

On the Road Again…

So while I blogged already about our road trip from Montreal to Portland, there’s a bit more to add…Including this odd little pairing above, a “State Safety Rest Stop” where they’re cross selling using a “State Liquor Store” right off the highway in the middle of nowhere. That’s one way to raise revenues. An audacious one.

This little video here is a bit of a summary from our trip and as we’re headed East/South/North (we went the long way).

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJs52XCFZWw

Click to play the video.

Portland was a great event, including dinner with the Univera leadership local to this area on Saturday night that started at my favorite local restaurant named J’s, but I think it perhaps was a little too rustic and we were a bit too large of a group–so we moved restaurants and had a great time nonetheless.

A wonderful evening with great people was followed a fantastic event Sunday afternoon. Eddy Wittry was the Diamond hosting along with Larry and Claire Owens who were the local hosts–plus there were many other leaders involved, including Blue Diamonds John Ryan and John Rogers. Beyond this, the event really was made possible by all the local leaders who helped contribute in some way–by bringing guests, drumming up excitement, conducting testimonials, and coordinating logistics.

Lots of great people, about 200 in attendance. A very fun group, we enjoyed every minute since arriving here through the event this afternoon.

On a personal note I also got to meet a well known author, Susan Conroy, who spent a lot of time with Mother Teresa and has written several best selling books. Claire introduced me to her a while back, and finally I got a chance to meet her which was an absolute blast to see her energy and enthusiasm and passion for writing–regardless of the industry or voacation/avocation, I love to meet people who have a passion for what they do.

And, it’s one of the very reasons why we loved so much our trip to Portland Maine.

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your physician. 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 soundness, 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.

March 22, 2009March 27, 2009

The Problem with People

I know it’s a negative sounding start, but there are–indeed–quite a few problems with people. All of us. 🙂

Without railing against humanity, as there’s good to humanity as well, the problem with people is we’re often greedy and selfish.

I’ll forego the whole “well is it nature or nurture” debate, partly because it doesn’t really matter and partly because it’ll distract from the post.

I remember reading about a really interesting study done a while back, this is probably many years ago now though I expect there have been quite a few variations before and since. The study was simple. They looked at a group of people and through a series of systematic trials and proper research offered them two different options to determine which choice they would make and why (the numbers I’m using below are illustrative–I don’t remember the exact amounts offered but the principle is what I’m trying to share).

Here were the two simple options presented to the study participants.

1. You get $20 and another peer/neighbor would get $40.

2. You get $10 and another peer would get nothing.

Guess what the majority of people chose?

Option two.

I don’t understand it. If you’re reading this you’d probably say you don’t understand it either. But, the conclusion was that many people (not everybody) are generally were not motivated for a decision that was better for them (though perhaps not as “better” as someone elses) but, instead, opted for the decision that would be lesser for them than the alternative BUT better than someone else’s alternative.

It’s not just scarcity thinking (a whole other topic which isn’t quite as black and white as some project), it’s really just selfish thinking. It’s pride. It’s ego.

So maybe, just maybe, this is our natural inclination (I don’t really like to admit it, but I’m relying on the research here), yet there’s also a way to work through it. I’m not sure how to really articulate it, but I think part of it is through community (though we should work to be less selfish even if people aren’t in community).

(I sure am using a lot of parenthesis in this blog posting).

Over the past week I’ve seen some great examples of humanity and selfLESSness. And I think it’s one of the virtues of getting connected in the right community. Some are small examples, and others still quite big.

It’s one of the great things about Univera, after some fantastic meetings with the best of our leadership at the Corporate offices last week followed by some exceptional meetings over the weekend down in Portland. During this time I met people that through personal development, aspiration, inspiration, and discipline were focused on forging out the selfish behaviors and decisions that cloud the success we can see in our life–and I’m not just talking about success in the context of “more money” though I think that’s probably related as well.

The Kimpton Hotel chain is, to me, a great example of what can be done through community that helps change personal behaviors. It’s one of the best service chains I have EVER experienced. I could easily give you about ten examples of some spectacular service I’ve experienced. But it’s not forced. THE PEOPLE THERE ACTUALLY LIKE TO SERVE. It’s not like the Ritz Carlton, which I never have liked because of the expense AND pretense of the environment, what rubs to me as “forced” levels of service. I realize some will disagree with this so it’s just my opinion. But, instead, the Kimpton employees are genuinely gracious. Sincerely kind. Helpful. Polite. Naturally friendly. But part of the catch is they are already hiring in great people, it’s not like they are trying to run a rehab program for people with bad attitudes. But I am also certain that, in conjunction of hiring genuinely great people, those people in turn become better.

I am certain that a key part of their very sophisticated strategic plan is the exceptionally complicated initiative called “let’s just hire nice people.”

So how does this relate to the origination of the post, where the study referenced suggests people would rather have much less but be “better off” than their peers versus having more yet being “less” compared to others?

Well, a few simple things. And I don’t think there’s anything profound here–it’s just some observational thoughts after a long week of seeing a bunch of human dynamics.

1. Ego ruins an awful lot. And it causes people to make very irrational decisions. In addition to simply selfish ones.

2. Community is important. Lest we become even more selfish, greedy, and try to keep up with even more Joneses.

3. The right community is even more important. It’ll either spur you on and encourage you to give and serve more, or in the wrong one it’ll cause likely encourage the reverse.

4. And, finally…I think rationalization helps improve selfishness. If, at times, it’s an instinct to make for a selfish decision I think the process of stopping. Thinking. Assessing. Reassessing. And then really looking at, as the wise Dr. Taylor Hartman says, your motive.

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 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 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.

January 14, 2009March 26, 2009

So Goes Leaders, So Goes the Team…

One of the things that I love about spending time in the Field is hearing the excitement and enthusiasm of Associates, particularly the newer ones; and business testimonials are a great way for these to manifest.

One of the most memorable messages came back in early November at the Portland Super Regional. The Friday night leadership session was fantastic, and one of the best stories of heart and team came forth that night by new Diamond Harry Mathers, whose Upteam Diamond is Angelyn Toth (who also is part of the Canadian Leadership Council and received the esteemed 2008 Associate of the Year award).

In any field organization, direct selling or otherwise, there are some real highs and lows. Already this is a truism in life, but particularly in a role where you are dealing with so many people and emotions. One of the things I have learned and try to balance is not to get too high (leads to arrogance!) and not to get low (leads to depression!).

Personal stories, however, have the ability to drive back into the real meaning of what we do, why we do it, and how it can so profoundly change people’s lives. This is exactly what Harry’s story did for so many others on that Friday night. So when you’re on a high, it’s probably easier to encourage others and raise them up. Conversely, when in a valley, it’s helpful to be carried a bit, though I think it’s really magical when you’re in a low and you can still carry people with you. That’s rare, but it’s magic.

In fact, recently Erica and I met a woman named “R” who epitomized this magic, but that’s a story for another day.

Another great story I received just recently was from our great Diamond leaders Dave and Becky Ylinen who live in Illinois (Yes, Dave and Becky, I still have my pretzel pin!). During the Road Tour, we went to a lot of great cities, and among out top three favorites on both Road Tours was our stop in Chicago where the event was hosted by Dave and Becky.

Why? Energy. Excitement. Enthusiasm. Positivity. Progress.

It didn’t mean everything was perfect at the event or in their lives, and that’s part of the point. As goes the leadership, so does the team. And Dave and Becky are another example of leadership of heart, enthusiasm, encouragement, and appreciation.

So it came as only a little surprise to read the e-mail below from Dave and Becky about Captain Ron, who in December just achieved his first month of Gold. This, in itself, is a tremendous accomplishment considering he started just in October. Yet, to really understand the magnitude of this, you’ll have to read more to hear where he lives and how he built his business.

Thanks to the leaders of heart and spirit, like Angelyn, Harry, Dave, Becky, and Captain Ron—the letter I received is as follows.

Hi Rich,

One of our new business partners (Ron Gravdahl), usually referred as Capt. Ron from his earlier interests in yacht racing, has achieved his second month of Silver. Starting his Univera venture in early October, Capt. Ron invested quality time in reviewing his Getting Started Kit and other available training resources to fully understand our business and marketing model. Since then he has been a classic example of following the proven Gift Team Enroll (GTE) model and getting it done! Capt. Ron’s comment to his developing team, “the accomplishment is because of the TEAM. Not me. All I did was invite people with gifts. Everything else is G-T-E. The Product is the best in the world backed by a company that is the best in the world. Those that use the product can’t help but tell others about the benefits of the product.”

What is especially different about Capt. Ron is that he is doing this all from the other side of the world. He left for his home in Thailand within a week after joining Univera. But beforehand, he enrolled his friend Guenter Wortmann as an Executive, now also a Silver. Between the two of them they put together a plan where Guenter ships gifts to Capt. Ron’s contacts around the country. Their gift packs include a notice not to open until he is on a gifting call with them with a follow-up a few days later. The Captain very effectively uses Skype (Internet telephone connection) to place calls to his prospects using us on conference connections as necessary.

We are all looking forward to Univera’s expansion into off shore markets beginning in ’09. In some ways Capt. Ron is a forerunner to how we can introduce others to Univera, our incredible products and business opportunity effectively using the Team and available cost effective technologies.

Best regards,

Dave & Becky Ylinen

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 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.

November 2, 2008March 26, 2009

Winding Down (the Road Tour, that is)

We left Jax early enough, around 8 a.m., and caught a 10 a.m. flight that had a layover in Philly.

Now, when I kidded about foreshadowing in a previous post and how Stephen was forced to wolf down some rather unwholesome (but probably tasty) Bob Evans food due to scheduling problems, it probably was an indicator of scheduling challenges to come.

We arrived in Philly around noon and waited for our 1:30 p.m. connecting flight to Portland, Maine, which never happened. Nor did the 3:30 p.m. flight. Nor did the 5 p.m. flight. And then the 7:30 p.m. flight got delayed.

Hey, if the weather was bad enough to shut down a game of the World Series as well important political rallies, it was also very capable of trapping three Univera executives and Michael Jr. at the Philly airport.

With the Portland meet scheduled to start at 7 p.m., Regan, Stephen, Michael Jr., and I decided we needed to split up. Or risk that nobody would get to Portland on time.

So Stephen waited for the flight and managed to arrive at the Marriott in Portland at just about 9 p.m. Meanwhile, Regan, Michael Jr., and I drove around Philadelphia before finding a warm, cozy respite from the dreary weather that featured bottomless hot coffee and an ample supply of fried, sugary treats to tempt our health-conscious taste buds.

Yeah, we wound up at a Dunkin’ Donuts. By lack of better choices.

In the end, all was not a lost cause as Stephen was able to address the amazing crowd in Portland while Regan, Michael Jr., and I SKYPED in from our haven from the storm. Admittedly, the connection wasn’t ideal. Michael was able to deliver a good 10 or 15 minutes of comedy, which left just enough time for me greet the crowd but then, quickly, sign off prematurely due to a worsening SKYPE connection.

I can’t say enough about how great the folks in Portland were, however, braving this crazy weather and coming out, en masse, to hear about the Univera message. Kudos to the host and other local leaders including Claire Owens and Eddy Wittry, who really hustled and were able to both cover for us as we scrambled to get to Portland and then excite the 250 or so people in attendance about the possibilities with our company. Thank you so much for your hard work and your enthusiasm!

Determined to not be bogged down again by weather issues, Regan, Michael Jr., and I wasted no time making our way across the border to the Great White North, as our next event would be in Montreal in less than 24 hours. We passed countless Walmarts, McDonalds, and an assortment of roadside dining and shopping opportunities in our rental car, arriving in Montreal at about 5 a.m. Tired, but happy to still have time to rest and re-up for our event in the evening, the three of us pondered, where was Stephen?

Our question wouldn’t be answered until about 6:15 p.m. that evening, as Stephen apparently encountered his own travel issues while driving from Portland to Montreal. Did I forget to mention that when Stephen parted company from the rest of us in Philadelphia, we also left him with all of our checked bags?

If you were a border patrol agent — Canadian or American — would you find a very charming, physically fit, silver-haired man driving alone in a rental car with about eight pieces of luggage in the back seat suspicious? Apparently, the agent who checked out Stephen at the border did and consequently pulled him over for further interrogation. Poor Stephen would not be able to win the agent’s favor until he astutely remembered an old Road Tour flyer shoved somewhere in one of his bags. Only then was the agent convinced it was OK to let Stephen go.

So we had about 45 minutes to get ready, which, in light of all we’d been through in the last 48 hours, was almost a blessing. And we had a fabulous time meeting everyone in Montreal. We switched things up a bit due to language barriers and cultural differences, having Michael Jr. get the crowd laughing towards the end of the event rather than the beginning, but folks didn’t seem to mind too much. We heard all sorts of great testimonials both about our products and their health benefits, as well as how people have benefitted from our business opportunities.

We are so indebted to Andre Bedard and other Gold and Platinum leaders in that area of the country for their general leadership and in this case, for organizing a fantastic event that attracted 224 people (with more than half being guests). They even had simultaneous translations that were seamless and very helpful for the French-speaking folks in attendance.

And then before you know it, we reached our last stop: Schaumburg, Ill.

I don’t have a great, outlandish travel story to tell you about our last leg, but I do want to say this was one of the best events on the trip, thanks in large part to the great enthusiasm and leadership from local Associates like Dave and Becky Ylinen and Tim Kaufman as well as Mark and Patty Middleton and Tony Fightmaster among other great leaders. We had about 250 people in attendance and, again, about half of the people there were guests who might never had heard of Univera prior. It was a wonderful event with strong and sometimes poignant testimonials, especially about the benefits of AgelessXtra and Essentials for children.

As with our Spring Road Tour, we wrapped up our Fall Road Tour in Illinois (it was Chicago in May). And as with that previous event, this event was magical to each of us.

I will wrap up this rather long travelogue-type post by saying that sometimes I fear my chronicles make it seem like these Road Tours are all about us, and they’re plainly not. Lost baggage and travel delays aside, the Road Tour events give us at Univera Corporate the opportunity to reach, serve, and support the Field—the leaders and customers of today, and equally importantly those of tomorrow. They give us the chance to connect with who we think are the true VIPs: our Associates and prospects across North America who join with us in Bill’s mission of Bringing the Best of Nature to Humankind.

So thank you to everyone for coming to see us this time around. It is always heartening for us to witness firsthand the generosity, compassion, and friendship that characterizes our Independent Associate base.

And when that base intersects with the opportunities that come from Univera, it’s simply magical.

Road Tour: By the Numbers

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 soundness, 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.

May 20, 2008March 26, 2009

The Drive up the Coast

Today we drove up the Coast, from New Jersey to Maine. A perfect day for a road trip, mid 70’s with clear and sunny skies. About a five hour drive, but it went quickly with the good conversation.

When you get to know someone really well, they needn’t speak words to tell you how they’re feeling. And, as such, I could tell “Stephen DVD” was exhausted (again, you’ll have to read Knoxville’s posting first to get the irreverent humor). He didn’t say a whole word the entire five hour trip. And it wasn’t because he was in my bag, instead I put him gently under a seatbelt in the middle seat, basking under sunlight so he could catch some rays and relax. Regan and I chatted the whole way up, there likely weren’t more than ten minutes of silence.

But, clearly, Stephen DVD was beat. And I can understand why. Because while Stephen Cherniske (the real person, not the DVD) was away for the entire time of rebuilding of 1.5 trillion cells (300B/day x 5 days back ) my little Stephen DVD was putting in overtime. Four cities in five days the little guy did! And, after participating in his fourth city, tirelessly and without complaint, it is time to retire Stephen DVD for the rest of this journey and let him be replaced by the live version of Stephen Cherniske, who thankfully met us in Portland, Maine.

Regan and I arrived in the early evening, I ventured out to J’s restaurant to dine with the locals and really enjoyed the time. I sat at the baahhr (bar) with a few locals who told stories about big fish that got away. I met a really great guy named Scotty who was the husband of my server (who, incidentally, were known by other people at the leadership luncheon the next day). He traveled all over North America over the past 40-years camping, so I was able to listen to a man’s lifetime worth of adventures over the course of my dinner of seafood right off the dock.

And, while I liked the stories, what I really enjoyed was the connection. It’s probably why I love Univera–it’s just an incredible pathway to be able to connect with people of so many different backgrounds.

This weekend was the first time that any of the Corporate team had been to Portland, Maine. The day was spectacular. Lots of sun, cool winds, nice cottony clouds above. The event itself was also really fantastic in terms of turnout, about 300 people during a Sunday afternoon in Portland Maine. There was also a great CANADIAN contingent that came down to participate in this event (thanks for making the trip!).

Stephen, as always, was great. In fact, he really got on a roll during the session, and just kept rolling. It was fantastic. And, the stories of how these products changed peoples lives were awesome, hosted by Diamond Sherry Oberling. One in particular was simply incredible, from Tim Douglass’ brother (his name escapes me) where his body in some incredible ways truly renewed and rebuilt itself.

Larry and Claire did an AMAZING job of putting this event together, many others were involved as well including Tim and Malinda as well as Eddy who hosted this days workshop and quite a few others.

Post-event we spent some time in the restaurant area with some of the local leadership where we exchanged some fun stories and much laughter, partly from sharing some of the bloopers and more humorous moments from this road trip. Amidst this, Claire was even busy working and she gifted this really fantastic associate manager in the hotel. Then, post dinner, it was off to J’s Restaurant (second night in a row for me) to finish the evening with some local eats and people.

No doubts, take Lasix only as prescribed by your doctor. Levitra is one of the best-known medications of all day. 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.