“This level of achievement cannot be obtained without helping other team members reach their dreams.”
I use the phrase, “it is not about you,” to motivate my personal development and growth in my Arbonne business. The more you focus on others, the more your own business grows. This may seem counter-productive, however, it is an essential formula in order to expand your business.
My sister-in-law, ENVP Carleeta Nelson, introduced me to Arbonne. She called me in January of 2003, right after she started her business, and invited me to join her in the fun. My initial reply was, “No, thank you. Not in a million years.” She even sent me a skin care sample pack, which I promptly threw in a drawer. In July of that year, my husband and oldest daughter went on a medical mission trip. I decided to take my other three daughters to Oklahoma to visit family. I had a mission of my own to accomplish, although I did not know it yet.
I arrived the day of Carleeta’s car presentation. I met many different types of women who had successful Arbonne businesses. The only thing they had in common was their approach — they had an intense desire to work hard and a no-matter-what attitude. This piqued my interest. I wondered what qualities these women had that I did not.
That weekend I became a Consultant and was able to purchase products at a discount. Although I was initially skeptical, I quickly discovered the superior quality of the products. The dark circles under my eyes began to diminish, and others around me noticed a difference in my skin. Without meaning to, I began researching the company and viewing other VPs’ Web sites. I realized there were women just like me who were struggling with their skin, finances, self-confidence, leadership abilities, friendships, suppressed dreams and many other problems the Arbonne opportunity could potentially have a positive affect on. I no longer worried about what others would think of a doctor’s wife selling lipstick. Instead, I focused on how I could help others by introducing them to Arbonne. It was about finding hope in a tube of lipstick.
When you focus on others, it is easy to offer the gift of incredible products to your family and friends. When they say “no,” just like I initially did, you can say, “next” and continue looking for other Clients who are searching for pure, safe, beneficial products. When you offer the Arbonne opportunity to them to have the potential to gain financial, emotional, time and dream freedom, it is up to them what they do with it. You are truly offering them a gift. Maybe one day they will take a second look when the timing is right for them. There are many families who are desperately searching for a home-based business to assist them with the potential to earn additional income and an opportunity to achieve their dreams.
I launched my business in October 2003 with support from Carleeta, even though she lived across the country. The business can be duplicated and success can be achieved if you simply follow in the footsteps of the successful person ahead of you. I was determined to be trainable so I could learn everything about the business. I had faith that although I was uncomfortable and scared, following Carleeta’s instructions would help me succeed. I went into massive action and quickly filled my calendar with Presentations and one-on-one meetings. It is easy to be successful if you work the business fast and get the hard part over with quickly. It became easier to ask someone to host a Presentation when I truly believed in the products. I believed in the business even more after I read the Eye on Arbonne stories that came with my orders. Ten months later, because of some incredible team members, we became a Region. I never would have dreamed this would happen.
Over the course of my 11 month journey from RVP to NVP I have learned this level of achievement cannot be obtained without helping other team members reach their dreams. This is the true meaning of servant leadership. It is completely focusing on how you can help others by offering trainings, conference calls, leadership opportunities, coaching, encouraging, supporting and having lots of fun along the way. It is rewarding to see the look of success on team members faces when they work through their fears and strive for things they never realized they could accomplish. The thrill of seeing a person literally transform before your very eyes because of increased confidence and passion for life makes it all worthwhile.
I could not encourage others to go for it until I believed in myself — this can be the hardest belief to achieve. You have to believe you deserve success, that dreams can come true with hard work and persistence, and begin acting as though you are blessed. What you think about gets bigger — so start dwelling on all the incredible blessings you have in your life. It is vital to take time to read inspirational and personal development literature on a daily basis. Surround yourself with other positive and successful people in order to build your own belief system.
My personal growth has been painful at times, though well worth it. If you want to move up in this business, you must first work on yourself. The example of hard work my daughters have witnessed has taught them they can accomplish whatever they dream — what a wonderful benefit for my family. This has also allowed us the opportunity of blessing others — God blesses us so we can bless others.
This journey has been incredible. There have been times of discouragement and disappointment. However, the biggest hurdles are easier to jump when the focus is taken off of you and correctly placed on Clients, Consultants, team members and family. It is not about me.
I am so stinkin’ proud of each and every one of the members in our Nation. To my friend and first business builder, RVP Sherry Craig: You are an incredible lady who has been by my side every step along the way. You have added strength to this business from the very beginning. NVP is within your reach. To Sherry’s AMs, Chris Wahlstedt, Susan Geutensburger and Sarah Sausville: You are following in the footsteps ahead of you. Pick out your new Mercedes-Benz because it is so close. To Sherry’s DMs: Thanks for doing your business with consistency.
To RVP Shelly Nelson: One of the benefits of this business is the new friendships you develop. You are a gem and an inspirational leader to your growing team. I enjoy our long road trips together. To AMs Melissa Mercer and Emily Martin: You girls rock and I cannot wait to hand you the keys to your Mercedes-Benzes. To Shelly’s DMs: You are rapidly growing a team in the upper peninsula of Michigan and surrounding areas with a vengeance.
To my Central Region AMs, Sherry Harden, Tracey Noble, Patricia Crockett, Ron and Janice Hines, Glenda Free, Teri Elliott, Sandra Presley and Pat Snyder: Thank you for making my life a fuller one. You have been supportive through this whole process and I have learned so much from you. Your day is coming soon. To my DMs: You are amazing. Never say die.
To my sponsor and sister-in-law, ENVP Carleeta Nelson: Words seem inadequate to express how I truly feel. Thank you for not giving up on me at the very beginning. Your constant support was vital, as well as the ability to always speak the truth in love. You are an amazing woman. You and Phillipe are demonstrating how to work this business as a couple. Now, we are involved in a business that allows our families to travel together and to count it as a tax write off.
To ENVP Martha McIntyre: Look at how many family’s lives you have touched because you stepped out and started this business over a decade ago. Your calls and notes of encouragement are so meaningful. You and Brett give generously of yourselves to others.
To President Rita Davenport and CEO & Chairman Bob Henry: I am honored to be on your team. You show us how to lead from your heart. You willingly give your time to support and encourage us along the way. Thank you.
To VP Support: Thank you for all you do to make our jobs easier.
To my family: This journey has been worth it just to see the changes in all of you. To Elizabeth, Victoria, Catherine and Anna: You know you can face any challenge and give it your all. You can do and be anything you set your minds to. Thank you for helping me get ready for team meetings, putting encouraging words on my screensaver, helping fill orders and all of the other things you do to make this business successful. It certainly takes a team effort. I love you girls. To my best friend and partner, Dennis: The ability to have the potential to share the financial load with you is a gift I unselfishly give to you. Know that your load is getting lighter every day. You have been my rock throughout our marriage. You always seem to know what to say to me, as well as those on my team. Thank you for willingly arranging your busy schedule as a pediatrician so I could do this business for others. I am a blessed woman indeed.
The highest honor goes to God Who has equipped me. He has a purpose and plan for my life. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
The testimonials on this Web site reflect the actual experience of each individual, are anecdotal only, and may be atypical. The testimonials are not based upon any clinical study.
