I Quit!

[PhyllisONeill]

Hi ladies, (love you Leanne!!) ... Oh goodness, it has been FOREVER and a day since I have posted on this forum, but I thought I'd chime in since this is a subject that I am a pro at!!! Or, ex-pro now!!!

Anyone who knows me or my story, knows that I have a saying, "I have been with more DS/party plan companies that I can count on two hands twice." And that really is the truth!

I used to be embarrassed to admit that, but it is what it is and sometimes it takes some of us longer to find what we love.

So, for those of you bouncing around from business to business, it's okay, really!! Just give something enough time (success doesn't happen over night) ... But definitely do your research and take your time ... Your perfect business IS out there, too!!!

P.S. I forgot to check my settings/siggy line before posting this... Lord please let it be the right one!!! I'm on my iPad and don't want to have to re-type this post ... Ready, set, here goes!!!!

[cabimom]

I've joined lots of companies too, home ware, make up, jewelry but never really "did the business" but maybe a couple of times. I mostly joined for discounts. But then the current company I am with came into my life. I didn't think in a million years I'd ever be a part of it except as a customer because of the investment to get started. But, I am so happy I did and I love it! I am in my second season, (2nd half of my first year) and I can already see it growing, and it is a total blast. A lot of work, but a blast! Not to mention I am one of the best dressed grandmas in town!

[extremelibrary]

Don't feel bad. Most people(including myself) has tried different opportunites before we find the right fit.

[versativadiva]

Originally Posted by Leanne McGarr

We have to remember too that our enthusiasm can cover up an incorrect fit for awhile. One thing you can say about this industry and that is they tell you to think positive, to believe, etc. I have been with 3 companies in about 10 years I guess. Each time I decided to join a different one, it was because I finally realized, I didn't believe in the company or the product. I had those reservations when I first started but enthusiasm and my distrust of my own negativity kept me from feeling that it was valid. So with sheer determination and perserverance I trod ahead plowing out a business. I loved the product and I am a good seller. But ultimately, it got the point that I couldn't overcome my inside voice that said "this is a great product but most people are not wiling to pay for it". Many years I said "yes, but they are willing to have a party to get it". But the truth is, they weren't always willing to host unless I created an offer that was so great, they would be crazy not to host. Long story, somewhat short! I lost my passion because the realization set in that I didn't really believe that what I had to offer was worth the money they were asking for it.

That belief really kept me from being able to sponsor. I think ultimately, people can tell if you are trying for yourself or trying to help them. We all know that unless you sponsor, you will never make real money in Direct Sales. and that was my dream. To make a decent income and have my freedom away from a 9 to 5 job.

So when I demoted with Lia Sophia, my heart was broken. My spirit was broken a bit too. I felt like a failure. I questioned myself, the industry as a whole, whether I was crazy to think that I could make it work. I had been been debating joining 31 for several years actually just as a personal use consultant. I liked the products and I just knew that one day when I had this flourishing team, I could use these for downline gifts. Loved the dream. I had a Home Party in 2008 and I thought about joining then but didn't. In the end, I kept trudging on for another year and a half befor the bottom dropped out with Lia Sophia.. I had defended them, their product, their policies to the hilt because even though I didnt really believe what I was saying, my upline would always tell me, Be positive. So I did.

I lost everything I had worked for for 4 years with Lia Sophia when I demoted. So I had a choice. I could restart with LS and possibly be back in the same position in 4 years or I could start over with something safer. I immediately thought of 31. This was in like April of 2010. I was gun shy to even think about starting 31 but I just kept thinking of it for a few months, still doing a few jewelry parties too. But ultimately, I was just so humiliated. Or I felt humiliated. How could i start something new. How could I start over AGAIN with these people that had watched me do 2 different companies. I had sung these companies praises. I had put on how successful I had been. Until I demoted, on paper, I did look successful.

When the Fall 2010 catalog came out with Thirty One, I got a link to view it. I was blown away. The catalog was so much more put together. There were many new fabrics and collections. And the price points were fantastic. I still remember those first numbers and that sealed the deal for me. We had 93 items in that catalog. 62 of those items were $30 or less and 86 of the items were $50 or less. I finally found something that was reasonably priced that an average person could afford. See, I live in a low income state. And I think sometimes these CEOs and higher ups forget that we don't shop at boutiques. We shop at Walmart. And I also know from my gals all around the US, that they feel the same way. There are more people who make less than $70k a year (combined!) than those that do. So if you are asking them to pay $50 for a bowl or $80 for a necklace, they just can't or won't do it. No matter how pretty it is. And they know their friends can't afford it either. Thirty One seemed to be the first company that got that. Don't get me wrong, I know we are not dirt cheap. I know some will say that we are expensive. Everybody has an opinion of what "too expensive is" . I just know that most of the people that I know will purchase something cute for $30 if they want it. I am not downing anyone's product. I certainly know there are some absolutely wonderful products out there. I love Arbonne and Aloette, jewelry of any kind!, etc. But most of my friends and family would never do it.

So, of course, I didn't mean this to turn into a saga. But I just wanted to give my input as to why I have changed companies over the years. I feel that I have finally found a company that I have total belief in. I feel they listen to the field. I finally have total genuine belief in the product and the company. And you can see it. Because I have that genuine feeling that I have something great to offer, recruiting and booking has come. I have customers and repeat customers in my local group of friend and nationswide friends that never ever purchased anything from me with the other two companies. So when you DO find the right fit, it comes so much easier.

Here is to finding the right fit. I am a HUGE fan of Direct Sales. But like with anything, you have to learn your stuff!! It just took a me awhile to learn!

Leanne, thanks for sharing your story, I too joined different companies years ago. It is at the point where I know my family n friends are saying Oh no here she comes again, what is it this time.
Your story validates those of us who have been through the same thing and I for one appreciate your sharing!
Cheryl

[versativadiva]

Originally Posted by avonlady916

And lets not forget the ones that quit on US!

I started with a company that sold communications (phone service) called Excel.... I was flying and getting checks... it went belly up. I was crushed! This was my first learning experience

Then I tried Amway which turned into Quixtar. Shipping costs were too high and I just could not keep a customer base - BEST laundry soap Ive EVER used ... and still shop their website as a customer tho

Then I "nominated" to join the one Im doing now by the girls at work.
*sigh* Man I really, REALLY did not want to put myself out there yet again. Guess this one came looking for me. Six months after starting I was able to cut my work hours by 50% (man was admin at work upset)
and 3 months after that I walked away from my fulltime job! Ive been a work at home grandma now for 4 of my 5 years with my company.

Perfect fit. When its right, you will know pretty quickly. Things fall into place and make sense.

So dont quit... keep looking. There is one out there just waiting for you to find it and connect!

my two cents
Bonnie

Ouch Bonnie, that must have really crushed you. that is the trouble with too new of a company..........it could go under. I think though usually it is in the first couple years isn't it? That is a fear I have sometimes, but then I usually quit before that can happen duh.......

I was in that other phone one........ACN I just never could grasp it. I too like Amway and Avon. Amways products are awesome and so is Avon and just think it has been around 125 years you know it is going to be here forever. By the way I just got my Avon Haiku perfume and OMG I love it!! It has stayed with me too, I had been buying Chantilly and Cotton Candy at Walmart as they were cheap.......but they didn't stay on at all.
Got this Haiku on sale and it is awesome!

anyway Quixtar really confused me..........but you are right their laundry detergent is to die for!
Cheryl