I was introduced to Arbonne in the spring of 2003 with a skin care sample packet. I took the sample home, put it into a drawer and did not look at it for three months. My sponsor, Betty Gillette, would periodically follow-up, but I was just too busy to give it my attention. Well, in July, I finally pulled out the sample and literature, and began my investigation into these products. After three days, I had to have them! I had previously used a skin care system that I had purchased in a plastic surgeon’s office and I could see a strong similarity in the NutriMinC® RE9 skin care line. I called Betty to meet with me because I was ready to buy.
Always tell everyone about the Arbonne opportunity! When Betty and I met to write up my order, she shared the opportunity with me and I wanted to learn more. My reasoning was that most women would not be going to a plastic surgeon’s office to purchase their skin care products and if I could have the opportunity of building a business with these incredible products, I was in!
No one would have ever expected that I was open to looking at a change in my career. I had been in the promotional products business for 12-plus years, owning my own company for six years. One day as I sat at my desk, I thought about my future. I was burned out, my time was maxed out and the only way to make more money was to sell more. I had heard the saying about having one percent of the efforts of 100 people rather than 100 percent of the effort of one person, and I could identify because I was the one giving 100 percent. I had never heard of Arbonne and was unfamiliar with the network marketing business module; however, I also realized that when I stopped working my business, or making sales, I would no longer make any money.
We all choose Arbonne for different reasons. My husband is retired, and it was killing me to have to get up with the alarm clock at 6:00 a.m. and leave for work while he was enjoying his coffee and reading the paper. My husband has made some good investments that provide us a good income, but my income still paid for my own personal needs and the high costs of our health insurance. What I was interested in was the potential to earn a residual income and a lifestyle of financial freedom. I also wanted to be a part of this incredible group of women who had the potential to be making money by making a difference in the lives of others.
My Arbonne journey got off to a great start. I promoted to District Manager in two months and promoted to Area Manager by February 2004. That is when my business stalled. One industry speaker says that we all come into this business with our own learning curve. It took me that first year to get a handle on network marketing. Some are able to “get it” quickly, while it takes others a little longer. I understood that I had a great product to sell but had difficulty passing on the vision of sponsoring.
My team started to fall apart and I took all of this personally as I questioned by abilities to be a leader. Adding to my frustration, my sponsor faced personal struggles and decided to put her business aside. I felt completely alone to work through my challenges.
The choices we make create our destiny. I chose to never quit. I knew this business worked and would work for me if I gave it enough time, and continued to seek the guidance and knowledge to be successful. I reached out to crosslines who were willing to share their knowledge, listened to Arbonne Learn & Burns™, attended every meeting in close proximity and I was on every Sunday night training call.
In my greatest moment of doubt, I sought out a book on prayer, and the key to a life of extraordinary favor with God. I had seen other VPs give credit to this book in their Eye on Arbonne stories for making a significant change in their lives and businesses. When I read it, I realized what I needed most in my life was a spiritual revival, and I found it through determined effort and deep faith. Had the path to success been easy, I would not have faced the self-doubt, and been entirely humbled to the point of asking for His guidance.
I have learned to lead from the heart and have been blessed with the team that I have today.
To ENVP Nancy Wilcox: Thank you, Nancy, for coaching me and being my mentor and friend.
To AM Vicki Russo: Thank you, Vicki, for having the vision and for being such an awesome leader. I am looking forward to sharing your RVP promotion very soon.
To EAM Sally Conniff: If not for you and the seeds that you planted, I would not be writing my Eye on Arbonne today. I truly believe that you have been blessed with a path to live a life of abundance and I am sharing in your rewards.
To AM Joanne Weiss: I love your spirit and humor! I am impressed with how quickly you stepped into your role of leadership. I am thankful to have you on my team.
To my DMs, DMs-in-qualification and Consultants: I am so excited that you have decided to take this journey with me and share my belief that Arbonne is the vehicle to reach our dreams.
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.
