Prague Blog III
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Another day comes to an end in Prague and this one was quite rewarding actually. I will be the first to admit that I was very uncertain about unleashing on my communications peers from around the world a panel of IBO bloggers who have varied histories of critique. The PR and External Affairs had asked for a session so they could learn more about blogging, and I was afraid this might be more of a discussion about what these IBOs are critical of with the business and the company.
While each of the panelists did share a little about what changes they'd love to see in our business and their agendas to help make that happen, they also demonstrated to the group that they do care about this business and seek in their own ways to make it better. It should come as no surprise that Tex has issues with the tools businesses and the undue focus placed on this income stream by some. He refrained from dwelling on that issue during our session, however, to ensure that the communications professionals learned about blogging as an effective way to discuss our business issues.
IBO Fightback talked most knowledgably about the reputational issues we've suffered online and the ways he has tried to help ensure the myths are laid to rest and the truth comes out. That's not always a favorable truth, by the way, and he has his own issues with how we've communicated online. He pointed out our poor record in setting straight the record about the Quixtar and Amway businesses at Wikis and his efforts in those areas as well.
Dave Robison talked about his blogging as a Quixtar IBO for many years now, and his desire for a business based on authenticity. He brought his Alabama sensibilities to the table and talked about the history of blogging about Quixtar.
Big Apple talked about his independent business and focus on retailing. He became involved in the blog conversations about our business due to issues that surfaced last summer, and has kept coming back to weigh in on topics that he feels are important to the advancement of this business. Now he's even considering a blog of his own.
Bridgett, who also doesn't have a blog of her own, despite the encouragement of her panel mates, talked about what draws her into the conversations at the Opportunity Zone and the Alticor blogs. She was looking for info about the "new Amway" last summer and was brought to Beth Dornan's Inside Quixtar blog. She kept coming back after she left a long list of critical comments and Beth responded to her that she needed to keep coming back so that her voice was heard.
I also served on the panel to talk a little about the REAL Quixtar Blog and the Opportunity Zone and the opportunity blogs represent for Amway communications staff to engage key audiences in important and necessary dialogs about this business. But the focus truly was on what we could learn from the IBO bloggers who took time away from families and jobs to join us and share their experiences and motivations. And I think many in attendance were surprised.
They were surprised by how likeable these bloggers were. They were surprised that they weren't pasty white nerds with bulging eyes who spend too much time in their basements. They were surprised that each of these individuals truly appeared to love this business and what it could be, if whatever issues they perceive we have could just be addressed.
Meanwhile, I truly enjoyed getting to know these individuals better. Dino of Alticor Corporate Communications, who served as the panel moderator, toured some of the ancient sections of Prague with Tex this afternoon while I took the other panelists back to the castle. It was just as lovely the second time around, and the company of these different individuals only added to the enjoyment.
Before coming to my room minutes ago, I said my farewells to these bloggers since most are headed home tomorrow and it is unlikely I will see them again before they leave. The funny thing is that I had already said farewell to them more than an hour earlier, but when I came back past them again much later they were still standing there talking with each other, just as they had the night before when they went out together for a five-hour dinner. I think they were surprised to discover just how much they had in common even though they don't always agree in the comment sections of our blogs.
And most surprising of all might be the responses provided to the final question of our panel. To Dino's question of whether or not they believed the company is already being transformed, each replied with a strong "yes." Dino said I couldn't answer that question. Well, I will anyway. I too think we are going through a transformation. And I think today's blog session and the common ground found between such a disparate group is a very tangible proof of that. Thank you Big Apple, Bridgett, Dave, IBO Fightback and Tex. And safe travels home!