Friday, April 23, 2010
Caffienated Randomness: I'm a Member of a Cult!?!
For something completely random, unpredictable and shameless promotion.....
Cult–noun
1. a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.3.the object of such devotion.4.a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.5.Sociology. a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.6.a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.7.the members of such a religion or sect.8.any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.
I'm a member of a cult according to a few of my friend's moms. I bet now your just about to turn back to your dashboard or back one page button and "run" like mad. But wait, let me explain.
In December, my husband and I were goofing around on the computer. We started talking about Amway. Yes, I said it Amway. For those who don't know the two gentlemen who started Amway were members of the same denomination my husband grew up in and also, are Dutch. My husband jokingly said that I should sign up since it was Dutch and only good things come from the Dutch. We joked about my getting "rich" selling Amway.
In December, my husband and I were goofing around on the computer. We started talking about Amway. Yes, I said it Amway. For those who don't know the two gentlemen who started Amway were members of the same denomination my husband grew up in and also, are Dutch. My husband jokingly said that I should sign up since it was Dutch and only good things come from the Dutch. We joked about my getting "rich" selling Amway.
I didn't know that this joke would actually become a reality. I started looking at the business and getting more information about Amway. I had heard of Amway. Who hadn't? I knew it had a bad name from the 80s and 90s. I remember as a child going to an Amway party (I even have the pictures to prove it!). The more I looked at the business and how much it had changed the more it impressed me. The amount of products that were available was amazing. I knew that I could sell most of it as most of their products are consumable.
The final straw on the camel's back was when I mocked signed up on line . There was a box that stated that most IBOs (Independent Business Owners) make on average $181.00 Can/ a month. This is the question that I had asked so many other business owners as to their multi-level marketing company. What was the average that a consultant made? I usually got the run around about that if you worked hard you could make at least $500 a month. But I wanted numbers.
I finally requested that an IBO contact me to sign up. I was impressed when my sponsor drove 2 hours just to talk to me about Amway and really didn't have any idea if I would actually sign up or not. I DID!
Admittedly, I haven't really sold a lot. I have three small children who demand my attention during the day and I'm exhausted by the evening. However, I have purchased many of the products for my home and am loving them. I can't stop talking about the All Fabric Bleach, that has taken everything from grease stains from my white shirts to 3 day old dried ketchup out of my daughter's pants, and the dish soap. Who would have thought dish soap could make me giddy. As I learn more about the products and company (they've been around for 50 years, somethings gotta be good), I continually become more impressed and excited about my decision.
Now back to my friends' moms. I know that during the 80s Amway was a dirty word. But, now there are some very stringent rules surrounding whom I allowed to talk to and how. I'm sure there are plenty of pushy people now, but I've met these same pushy people selling Arbonne, Mary Kay (don't get me started on that one), and etc...
In regards to the allegations regarding the conventions. ALL multi -level marketing companies have conventions where everyone gets excited about people who've done well, at new products and well just generally being apart of something they all believe in and enjoy doing. Who wouldn't want to do that?
Now for the shameless promotion....anyone who wants to check out my webstore go to either:
depending on which country you're in.
Now go and see our Caffienated Cheiftan and let her tell you about our little "Monkeys" in the Jungle Book today!
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- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
Mini Me
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10 comments:
Very interesting. I hadn't heard it was a cult per se...but I had heard it was a pyramid scheme...but you're right, I'd never checked it out for myself. You are so right that PUSHY SALES people exist in a lot of different "cults" hahaha! Hope your weekend is great...and that God protects you from meanies as you proceed in your Amway endeavors.
I used to sell Arbonne so I know what you speak of!
Good luck as you begin this adventure. May God bless you!
Happy CR!
I could relate to your story: maiden name, Hoekstra. I'm from South Holland, IL. Married a Vanderstelt from Muskegon, MI (west of Grand Rapids). My dad was Christian Reformed, my mom Reformed. And my parents sold Amway!!! We were kept in clean clothes and good health all the days of our youth...
Interestingly, I was at my first Arbonne party ever last night and barely escaped with my budget intact! Never experienced such high pressure sales at a home show before. It was actually disturbing. Amway never seemed like that to me; instead it is a positive, practical company.
Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your business!
Kelly from dinnertablemusings.com
Okay, so I noticed your other blog...the cooking one. And I had to comment again because I am laughing about the Olieballen.
I have to make this for my Hubby, too, only we eat our on Christmas morning! My recipe is a little different, but the same general idea. I make it like his grandmother's. She came over here from Holland on a ship when she was a young girl, and lived to be nearly 105.
Maybe we should be friends!
I should probably get my cleaner from you one of these days, huh? :P
Best of luck with your new business!
I hope that it offers you opportunities that you are looking for, and that you have the energy to pursue it.
Blessings.
Well you have a cottage industry business and that's a good thing. I remember going to a Amway party with my mom when I was a child too. I've always heard their cleaning products were wonderful.
Blessings,
Marcia
Good for you Michelle, my Mum joined Amway many years ago and still swears by a lot of their products.
Regarding 'Everyday People', the version I was referring to is sung by Nicole C Mullen, here is the link to Amazon to hear a clip if you like.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/recsradio/radio/B0002SPPE6/ref=pd_krex_dp_001_002?ie=UTF8&track=002&disc=001 If I find a video I will share it on Monday. :O)
I remember Amway from my childhood. My Mum LOVED their products. They do have the greatest cleaning products. I should tell her about it. They never seemed overly pushy to me unlike some of those others you mentioned. I am not a fan of pushy sales people. In fact I usually shut down and they get no money. I hope your Amway selling goes well. :)
I have heard amazing things about their make up line. I think I may check it out. I have notoriously picky skin ;)
I should tell my Mom she inspired a blog! haha I couldn't believe her reaction, she didn't think I should get involved with "that" company. I just mentioned in passing you had started to sell Amway and she went on for 5 minutes about the perils of getting involved and how her friend got totally sucked in and was one of the pushy sales people. Still can't believe her reaction.
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