CJ said:
Friday, March 28, 2008 #

Robin,

Will the ad be posted on the Quixtar/Amway website so we all can see it.

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EDITOR'S NOTE:  Good question.  I asked the same and I believe it's up but behind IBO password (which is why I couldn't link to it).  -- RL 

Bridgett said:
Friday, March 28, 2008 #

This ad is just as uninspiring as the "new" logo.

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The message (the copy) could've been communicated in a way that didn’t evoke all the stereotypes of the “Amway Distributor”.

Rather than USA Today, this ad should appear in The Onion-www.theonion.com--the parody newspaper.

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"We thought you should know a little bit about who we are today."

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Today? All you need now is a picture of a dozen dorky guys in blue suits, white shirts, and red ties to go with this 1980s ad.

.

Did April Fool's come early this year?

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You've GOT to be kidding me.

.

For all to see:

log in to Quixtar.com,

look at What's New in bottom right corner,

click on Ad campaign launched March 28,

click on National Advertising page,

click on View Newspaper Ad

Jerome LaCorte said:
Friday, March 28, 2008 #

HI Robin,

Love your blog.  This is my first posting.

Let me start off with I love our business!  I was an IBO when it was still Amway.  I love what Quixtar was all about and I am all in favor of the re-transition over to Amway Global.

Case-in-point.  Last month I had a LOC/SA8 booth set up over a three day weekend at our Home and Flower Show in Akron, Ohio.  Almost to a person everyone that stopped, that recognized the brands, Knew that these were Amway products.

The Quixtar name was only mentioned a few times by some folks that stopped.  In addition LOC, by a HUGE margin, was the single most recognized product.  “Oh my mom used to use this….or….gosh we can not find LOC anymore.”  Needless to say we were able to reconnect with some folks and add some customers to our business.

This was not a scientific study by what I was part of first hand let’s me know that we are going in a very good direction.  Also, nobody, I mean nobody had a bad thing to say about the product line or the Amway brand!  

So let’s go IBO’s get out there with honesty and integrity and be proud of the great opportunity we have been given!

All best,

jerome

ajgannon said:
Friday, March 28, 2008 #

Even though many people are not familiar with the name Quixtar, I think awareness for the individual brands we represent is strong.  I have many regular customers who see me as an XS Energy rep, or a Nutrilite rep, but they don't know (and some who know don't seem to care) what Quixtar/Amway Global is.  They love the products.  XS Energy drink is the number one selling American-made energy drink.  Nutrilite is the number one global brand of vitamins.  There must be a lot of people who experience our business in some form.  I guess my uncertainty about the ad campaign has to do with how important it is for the general public to recognize our name.  Maybe my question is silly--of coarse businesses want to be house-hold names.  Since we have a unique, non-traditional business model, I haven't quite wrapped my brain around how the national ad campaign integrates with the work that IBOs do in the field.  I'm sure it's all good!  There's still plenty of money left over to compensate the IBOs for the advertising that they do, especially with the $60 million-plus in new money added to the QBI (Quixtar Business Incentives).

The Big Apple said:
Saturday, March 29, 2008 #

March 29, 2008

My first impression of the ad was, "where do I invest in this company?"

It feels like an ad aimed at potential investors of a public company.  I'll be interested in other's take on it.

And, I would have rather seen the ad in red and blue, like on the web site, instead of brown.  Carries a much different feeling.

Eleanor said:
Saturday, March 29, 2008 #

um, I'm rather dissappointed by the ad.  With all the talk of transformation I have been expecting from the corp some real talk addressing real issues people have with the name Amway.  From your description it seems the corp will be outlining how big the corp is, how successful the corp is and how the corp gives back to the community.  From your description It doesn't address the reputation of the distributor who lives next door, or even the things people will hear if they are considering becoming a distributor.  I would like to know more about that and if that will be addressed - the people side of amway.  

Jeffrey said:
Saturday, March 29, 2008 #

Forget the ads, forget the new bazillion dollar bonuses for Diamonds and give us either free or $5.95 shipping over $50 (IBOs and customers both) and Access Business Group wouldn't be able to keep up with the rush of new volume. Its as simple as that.

Tex said:
Saturday, March 29, 2008 #

I like the ad. It is simple, yet businesslike. The words at the bottom remind me of the "elevator speech", something you would say to someone in about 60 seconds to describe the business. Plus, it opens the door for the next ads.

Bridgett said:
Saturday, March 29, 2008 #

Hey RL,

As I wasthinking about the ad today I pondered maybe I missing the point. Rather than thinking that the audience is prospective IBOs, maybe the audience are current IBOs?

Current IBOs have not been forthright when showing the Biz Opp? Kind of letting them know, in no uncertain terms, that they are part of the Amway business and there’s no hiding that fact anymore? That they may hide the fact, but if they do, then they’ve got USA Today ads competing with their deception?

Was that the point of the ad?

Utah said:
Monday, March 31, 2008 #

Robin, https://www.quixtar.com/Documents/IWOV/VIS/010-en/pdf/IBO%20Support/NatAdCampaign_NewspaperAd.pdf

will get you the ad, whether you are logged in or not.

Utah said:
Monday, March 31, 2008 #

The ad does do a few things. From 1999 to 2007, Quixtar was different than Amway, even Alticor and Amway said so. Many IBOs said so. In 1999, I chose Quixtar over the Amway I had been in for 8 years.

The ad publicly tells everyone that that is history, that there is a "merger" coming, and that Quixtar is part of Amway Global.

A quick search on the web, and they will know that Quixtar will no longer exist in the future.

Since August 2007, I have not told anyone that Quixtar was different than Amway.

To me, this ad is just one more nail on Quixtar's coffin. I guess I am still grieving.

rocket said:
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 #

This is simply too busy to be an effective advertising tool.  Even a guy putting together a power point presentation knows better than to stick that many words on a single item.

I certainly hope the consulting fees consisted of something other than money.

Magic beans, perhaps.

Davidawg said:
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 #

The ad is definitely a step in the right "future" of our business. I liked the ad. Coming from an advertising sales background. The ad is busiess and filled with who we are. These are a few of the things that put us a head above the other homebased businesses. I know in the world of business having muscle and credibility is huge. Our merger will give us the muscle. Look at the huge brick and mortar stores, how do they make it purchasing power and muscle in the retail world. Our muscle is of course the "IBO".

So I say, at least they are not singing it, hey are bring it!!

 The ride will be awesome.

Steve Visser said:
Thursday, April 03, 2008 #

If the ads are designed to transform the business, here is another idea.  Dallin Larsen from Mona Vie has thrown down a challenge to all Direct Selling companies to drop their non-compete clauses.  

It's an interesting concept.  Companies would then have to treat the IBO's as customer's and compete for their business.  You treat the IBO with an excellent product at a fair price with an excellent compensation plan and the theory is they would never leave.  It forces the company to compete in Free Enterprise which as we all know is the American Way.  

Amway was established under this principle "The American Way" however yet right now, unfortunately, we have the most restrictive non-compete in the industry. This initiative would certainly go along way to improving the Quixtar Amway image.  

I have heard it said that you judge a country by the number of people trying to get into it as opposed to the number of people trying to get out.  East Germany had a fence remember... to keep people in.  Regan challenged Gorbechev to tear it down.  It was Historic!

Check out the comments for yourself... it is truly interesting. http://www.pr-inside.com/monavie-launches-global-free-agent-r515535.htm

Or simply GOOGLE NEWS  "mona Vie global initiative"

God Bless

TWS said:
Thursday, April 03, 2008 #

Of course Dallin Larsen "threw out a challenge" for non-compete clauses. Mona Vie has a lot to gain with certain X-IBOs. Funny nothing was mentioned 12-18mos ago.

The non-compete clause isn't there to keep distributors "captive". Its there, among other things, to protect your LOS. If one of your downline is contacted by the 28th super juice company offering a "sure thing" and wants to bring the group YOU've been working for the past 2+ years with them, I don't think so. If that individual wants to depart for another venture, fine. But more times than not its not the downline who has done most of the work. Its the upline with the knowledge and experience that builds the business.

I agree 100% that companies should compete for your business. Just like business as usual competes for their customers. But you'd have to be pretty stubborn to say that Quixtar/Amway Global isn't working their fanny off to do just that. Including a great start to a multimillion dollar ad campaign. (RL- Like how I stayed on topic :-)

Utah said:
Thursday, April 03, 2008 #

Steve,

I don't have trouble with some non-compete or non-raiding provisions, the problem is the length and the specifics.

When I stopped working for my previous boss, I gave him two weeks notice. He didn't take the full two weeks.  I voluntarily did not raid for 6 months. I figured if he couldn't hang on to them after 6 months, they were fair game. Now that is not a MLM.

My suggestion, would be go go with something different for Q/A. You can't tell from the outside if someone called the former IBO or If the former IBO called them very easily.

I would have no problem with a 3 month non-compete and a 6 month no-raiding policy. If someone is living off of the money they get, the 6 month, 2 year is too long.

Bridgett said:
Thursday, April 03, 2008 #

Hey RL,

I'm posting this here, until OZ puts up a post about MonaVie...I really wonder how TEAM's "Leadership Development Service Provider" is going to fit in with MonaVie, when Brig Hart's (former Amway diamond kicked out of the biz for tool abuse) company, R3 Global "is the ONLY approved vendor that can create sales tools and only after they’ve been approved for content and design by MonaVie Corporate." http://www.r3global.com/monavie_corp.htm

.

I'll be happy to repost this on a more relevant thread if one every exists.

ajgannon said:
Friday, April 04, 2008 #

Hi Bridgett!  Caught ya!  I guess we both slipped up on our "blogging diet".  However, I've been managing my time better, and have at least cut way down on my postings.  Anyways, why would Quixtar care whether or not MonaVie allows TEAM to produce sales tools?  It might not be an issue because TEAM produces "leadership" tools, not "sales" tools.  It would be a good question for one of the two TEAM guys who post regularly on TTAA.

Jaqueline said:
Friday, April 04, 2008 #

Hey everyyone - remember that the purpose for this initial ad is to reintroduce North America to the Amway global business.  So in this first ad, there's a lot to say to dispel the old perception that we're just a little soap company. Now we are a multi billion dollar global leader in health and beauty.  Now you know.

Ram said:
Friday, April 04, 2008 #

Heyllo!!

It was great seeing the ad. It's an exciting time ot build the business. Every prospect I have shown the ad to has been very excited about it!!

How often will Amway be advertising and when can we know about the sachedule of ads in the next few months?

Thanks

Ram

Disappointed said:
Friday, April 04, 2008 #

I think it is obvious that Amway is headed down the wrong path.  I am disappointed with the ad, and I am disappointed with the direction it is headed.

Katie said:
Friday, April 04, 2008 #

I am so excited to see where Quixtar/Amway Global is going to take us and the community and now the world. I was a little weary about bringing the Amway name back but after thinking about it I agree with Jerome, people have more good things to say about it then bad. I also am very sure that the leaders will make great decisions considering they are leading one of the top online businesses and launching billion dollar successful ad campaigns. It's an exciting time to be apart of this!

-Katie

Peter Fell said:
Saturday, April 05, 2008 #

"Attention.....attention..... We will be leaving port in 30 minuets.  We hope you enjoy your voyage on the Titanic."

MN Guy said:
Sunday, April 06, 2008 #

I think the ad was great.  I also liked the placement on the last page  of the Sport Page.  I don't think IBOs are going to have any issues with the transition from Quixtar to Amway Global.  From the people I've talked to, outside the  business, about the transition, they like the move.  I've found that the Quixtar name never really connected with people, but almost everyone is positive about the global power of the Amway brand name.  I think the key is now, that all IBOs build the business properly and with integrity and we will all see the business grow better than ever before

IBO Forever said:
Monday, April 07, 2008 #

The ad campaign is going to be fine.  The first ad and others are designed to be an introduction to much of North America.  There are so many misconceptions about this business and it will take time to get the message out.  

I think if we are all patient you will see that the ad campaign will make a difference.

I also heard that some of the advertising will feature the Ibo's and their involvement in this business.

I'm amazed that a post about the advertising can suddenly be turned into a discussion about non-compete clauses.  Wow, that is a stretch and a sure sign of A.D.D. bloggers.

There is a post about the MonaVie statement at http://www.iboaiblog.org if anyone is interested in getting into a discussion about that.

As far as the name change is concerned, they could have probably spent the millions on building Quixtar's image and it would have worked just as well.  For whatever reason they chose not to.  They will now spend millions building the Amway Global name and it will make a difference.  They have never attempted anything of this magnitude ever; it should be fun to see what happens.

The name change is here and there really isn't much use in getting stressed over things we can't control.  I think in the long run it will be better for this business and time will prove whether they were wrong or right to attempt it.

Steve Visser said:
Monday, April 07, 2008 #

IBOForever

You stated: "the name change is here and there is really isn't much use in getting stressed out over things we can't control."

This is a very telling statement given your screen name.  In the words of Rock Legend Bruce Springsteen... "Blind Faith in your leaders will get you killed."

The IBOAI board that is supposed to be there to protect and represent you unanimously voted against the name change.  They were ignored.

Having built the business for eight years, the single biggest objection that I was forced to overcome... daily... was "Is this Amway?"  

I applaud your attitude and conviction.  I defended this company for years to thousands of people all over this country.  I was equally committed and convicted.  What I realized is that Q was not nearly as committed to my success as they were to their own.  

This new ad campaign is nothing more than an inroad to retail markets via stores.  IBO are about to get dumped and quickly.  Legal losses are mounting and regardless of how much money they have to spend on lawyers... the fact remains that Q is not doing well in court.  

The Q leadership is driving this company into the ground very quickly.  This is only my opinion and others may disagree.  One thing is certain... Time will show us who was right.  

On a lighter note, I pray this ad campaign does everything you hope it will and you have tremendous success with it.  My issues are with the management and certainly not with other IBO's chasing their dreams!  

God Bless  

Utah said:
Tuesday, April 08, 2008 #

Robin,

Has anyone responded to the rumor about 2008 Diamond Club attendance yet? The rumor was there were 65 diamonds there.

According to

The truth about Amway blog, IBOfightback

in 2006 there were 270 IBOs at Diamond club representing over 135 businesses.

in 2007, there were 300 IBOs at diamond club representing 160 businesses.

There was talk last year about spliting off the latin America group for there own diamond club.

The 1st question is were there 65 IBOs or 65 businesses at diamond club this year?

The 2nd question is did they split the group or not?

If they didn't split the group, and the number went from 160 businesses to 65, that is a large drop. If it went from 300 in attendance to 65 in attendance, that would be bigger. If this group was split, it would be nice to find out what the other numbers were.

Any better information?

. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: According to one of my peers who actually was there, about 250 persons representing about 130 Diamond businesses were in attendance at Diamond Club 2008.  The event was not split in two and, of course, the decline from previous year reflects some of the departed businesses.    RL

ajgannon said:
Tuesday, April 08, 2008 #

Steve Visser,

Your post regarding Quixtar/Amway Global eliminating the IBO sales force and the IBO compensation plan is absolutely bogus.  How does the fact that Quixtar is merging with the Amway brand prove your point?  If you think you're going to scare IBOs into quitting their businesses, forget it.  We're not that stupid.

IBO Forever said:
Wednesday, April 09, 2008 #

Steve Visser,

Thanks for the post from the heart.  I was stunned by the announcement of the name change last summer as I'm sure most everyone was. I also got to talk to a board member last summer who confirmed that the board was not in favor of the name change or the way it was handled.

He went on to explain that the board only makes recommendations and the final word is with Quixtar.

I understand that the Amway name is less than a positive in the market place.  I'm glad that they are calling the N. American version Amway Global.  As I said earlier, they probably could have built the Quixtar name just as well with the millions they will spend.  Why they made the choice they did is something we may never know.

As I understand it, it is their right to change the name.  That they could have found a better way to do it, is a given.

I do believe that there is an effort to balance the business between sponsoring and the merchandising that has been missing for too long.  I hope you are wrong about them trying to put the products in stores.  I hope they are not plotting to get rid of the Ibo.  The Ibo is what gives this business it uniqueness.  If they try to become a retail store type model, this business will die.  I can't believe they will and I respectfully hope you are mistaken.

Having said all that, I only have two choices.  One is to believe that they are sincere in what they are saying and stay with it or leave and look for something else to do.  I, like you, have years in this business and I have chosen to stay positive and believe that it will be better for all in the future.

I hope that Steve Lieberman is the right person to drive this business forward.  Hundreds of thousands of Ibo's are counting him and the Quixtar management to get it right.

Steve, you seem really sincere and I wish you all the best.  One of the things that is great about this business is the common interest people in the field have and you obviously care very much about the future of this business.  Good luck, and like you, I will be praying this whole thing really comes together quickly.  

Utah said:
Wednesday, April 09, 2008 #

Robin,

Thanks for the correct information.

It had been over a month since the rumor hit the blogs and I hadn't read anyone agree or disagree. If it is only from one source, the likelihood of it being true is low.

Typically IBOFightBack has killed rumors like this from the past, but he hadn't updated his fact section of this rumor for 2008. Perhaps he will now.

Stve Visser said:
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 #

what you guys aren't posting anymore.  I submitted a post last saturday and it still isn't up.  Was it that controversial?

. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Here?  I've posted all comments except one (not from you) since the beginning of April.  For the one I didn't post I did communicate with the author to explain why.  Maybe caught in our spam filter??