It’s Decision Time for Arbonne Distributors

January is typically an upbeat time of renewal and rededication for network marketers.  The New Year typically starts with excitement . . . updated goals and objectives . . . possibly new promotional opportunities provided by company or upline leaders.  It’s a time to get back to business following the holidays . . . a time to get serious and to get busy.  The last thing distributors need is “bad news”.  However, that’s exactly what the Arbonne management team delivered to distributors when they announced Chapter 11 Restructure late last month.

The good news within this “bad news” is this . . . they announced “Restructure” rather than Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.  That means operations will continue . . . giving management the opportunity to rethink the business plan and to regroup.  Arbonne CEO Kay Napier reviewed the Benefits of Restructuring with distributors in a recent video.

So what should distributors do when “Restructure” is announced?  Here are 5 things to consider . . .

1. It’s Not Your Fault – This situation is not your fault . . . you are not responsible for the events that led management to the “Restructure” decision.  Your honesty and integrity will not be compromised unless you allow it to be compromised. So, it’s important to . . .
2. Avoid Pity Parties - Whiners will get nowhere in a crisis.  Those who whine simply succeed in clogging up the communications channels and in the process scaring people away.  Leaders, on the other hand, remain calm in the face of adversity.  They realize there’s nothing to be gained by falling apart . . . others are depending on them to communicate clearly and concisely . . . to provide assistance and strength. Remember, your sponsor and upline leaders have their hands full because after all they are in the same boat with you . . . and none of you can afford to “poison your own well”.  In other words, there is absolutely nothing to be gained by organizing or participating in “Pity Parties” to stir up either upline or downline.  Instead, call upline leaders to find out what you can do to help with communications efforts.  But at the same time begin preparing yourself!  No matter how well you communicate  . . .
3. Some People Will Leave – Some Distributors . . . both upline and downline . . . will simply quit.  They will have their own good reasons for bailing out.  There’s nothing you can do or say that will cause them to stay.  As a leader, you don’t have time to flip into selling/convincing mode in an effort to save every distributor.  As crass and cold as this may sound, people who have decided to leave are no longer your concern.  You need to focus your time and energy on your downline leaders . . . those who are committed to staying and continuing to build an organization.  Work with them to craft the messages to be delivered to their teams . . . set-up events and opportunities to communicate at every level. Meanwhile . . .
4. Listen Carefully – What information is flowing from the Company?  Remember, there was a time when you made the decision to join your company based on credibility of company management . . . or credibility of your sponsor and upline leaders . . . or the strength of the compensation plan . . .or the products . . . some of these things . . . or all of these things.  You made a valid decision based on information you assembled and evaluated.  Respect your decision.  Give everyone a chance to adjust to the changed circumstances and to work through the issues.  If they are keeping the faith with you, then rededicate yourself to your own marketing and team support efforts.  However after all’s said and done, if you find yourself questioning the information coming your way . . . if it’s no longer credible, then . . .
5. Protect Yourself and Your Organization by Developing a Plan B – This probably sounds ridiculous because most people think of their home based business as their “Plan B”.  However, as Arbonne distributors are now experiencing, the best “Plan B” can develop cracks and perhaps, eventually fall apart.  So quietly begin investigating alternatives.  This is not a time to engage your upline or downline.  This is a private effort.  Start by compiling information on alternatives . . . here are some ideas to consider . . .

• If you’ve been totally vested in your company and have not attended an industry event in the last year . . . have not networked with marketers from other companies . . . then register for an industry event right away so you can catch up with the latest news and developments.
• If you have a contact list of leaders in other companies . . . dust if off and make a few calls.
• If you already have interest in a particular company . . . maybe a competing company, locate a distributor and give them a call.  Can’t find a distributor . . . call the company directly.
• If you are vested in a particular product niche . . . and want to stay in that niche . . . then find a company and begin your investigation . . . try out some products . . . talk to some distributors.
• Maybe you want to switch to another product niche, again find a company and begin your investigation.  Finally . . .
• If you’ve confined your marketing strategies to “offline” and not ventured into “online”, then consider protecting yourself by changing your strategy.  Begin marketing yourself as a leader using Attraction Marketing principles.  This simple change from promoting a company or product line to branding and promoting yourself can open multiple income streams for you . . . and your downline . . . without violating the agreement you have or make with a network marketing company.

To your success,
Susan Redmon

Inspiration from Jim Rohn:

• Change / Choice / Decision

• Maintaining Honesty and Integrity

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