IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The second question on the list is:

Why are tapes, books, and meetings common in this business?

Let's see what the IBOAI has to say about the one subject that seems to be a thorn in the side of the majority of those critical to the 'opportunity' that is Quixtar. Their 'straight' answer is this:

Tapes, books, and meetings—sometimes collectively known as Professional Development Programs (or “PDPs”)—are a recognized way to acquire knowledge, gain skills, and improve performance in today’s business world. PDPs are user-friendly, tailored to this business, and come in many formats: video, audio, digital, print, and interpersonal education programs. PDPs can help provide users with:

- Effective business-building techniques
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Valuable leadership principles
- Time management expertise

It’s important to realize that PDPs are everywhere, not just in this business. For example…

Teachers, doctors, mechanics, and countless other professionals rely on training and motivation to learn industry trends, stay focused, and keep skills up-to-date.
The Training and Development Organizations Directory lists more than 2,600 institutes, firms, and other agencies that conduct professional training or produce training materials.

Professional development for those building a Quixtar-affiliated business is no different. The majority of Independent Business Owners have never built a business before and rely on the information communicated through PDPs—books, tapes and meetings, to help gain the skills necessary to help achieve success.

I have to admit, this is a pretty good answer. I mean after all, they are correct in saying that many businesses incorporate training to those involved so that they can better equip their team for success. But let me offer this one important fact as it relates to business training in the real world.

The majority of large businesses who train their teams, do so free of charge. In fact many companies offer paid training. I am familiar with several corporations who have their own in-house video training and motivation divisions specifically designed to provide the skills necessary to help their teams achieve success. Yet they are not charging their employees for it.

One could argue that Quixtar has the same set up, in that the upper level kingpins are the ones who put together the 'curriculum' for their teams, so it is essentially an in-house operation. So why the need to charge for this if it is going to provide success for everyone? Shouldn't the success of Quixtar powered businesses be achieved as a result of the training and not from the profits of it?

Maybe the 'tougher' question isn't why a training curriculum is common in this business, but why does the team have to pay for it.

Is this common practice?

It never ceases to amaze me, how the powers that be in the Quixtar realm train the IBO to think, dress, and act like those above them. But I've never heard of this one before.

An IBO friend of mine was joking the other day about how she was leaving the house for an appointment to have her hair done. She told her husband she needed the checkbook to pay her hairdresser. Here's where it gets interesting. He instead filled out and signed the check for her!

After I gave her a strange look, she laughingly said that he was just so busy that it was an oversight on his part as he signs checks all the time at his other small business. She also said that he then, upon her request gave her a blank check instead. But I had to wonder. Could this be one more piece in the Husband wife dynamic as it relates to Quixtar? I've heard of all the other stuff that upline suggests about what the wife's role in the marriage should be, but this? I'd love to hear if there's anyone else who's heard of this.

IBO Facts: Straight Answers to Tough Questions

I love visiting this page on the IBOAI website. Here, the IBOAI offers insight into the really challenging questions an IBO has when building his business powered by Quixtar.

I'd like to take a closer look at the IBOAI's list of 21 questions and their 'straight' answers. So over the next few weeks, let's see what we can glean from the infinite wisdom of the elected board that makes up the IBOAI.

The first question on the list is:

What are the chances a person can start from zero and become a Diamond?

This is of course a great question and one that has been the center of much debate both here at Sinking in Quixand and other critical MLM sites. So what's the 'straight' answer.

The chances are the same for everyone who starts this kind of independent business, as the Independent Business Ownership Plan is structured to provide an “even playing field” for all.

Okay, they must be setting us up for the answer to this complex question. Let's read on.

Whether an IBO reaches the Diamond level is, first of all, dependent on whether he or she desires to build a business to that particular level. Every IBO has his or her own personal reasons to become a business owner and, thus, has personal goals for his or her business. For example, some IBOs want to earn extra income for a limited time; others want to generate a modest ongoing income; and others hope to build a large, full-time business. As with any business, hard work is necessary to build a Quixtar-affiliated independent business, and that requires time and commitment, especially in the beginning. Yet, this business offers flexibility. Quixtar-affiliated IBOs can start immediately and work at home…when they want…at their own pace…on their own schedule…and according to the goals they have set for themselves. The choice of when, where, and how much time to devote to their independent business is theirs alone.

Hmm. So what are the chances of becoming Diamond? It must be in there somewhere. I mean after all, these are supposed to be 'straight' answers, right? But I don't see a number, a percentage, some odds, nothing.

Well, let's see if we can figure this out for ourselves. We know that Quixtar has been in existence since '99. We also know that the plan promotes a 2-5 year timeline for financial freedom. The benchmark for success is of course the Diamond level (I mean you don't often hear the names of those who are making 'supplemental' income highlighted in Quixtar's success stories), so that means that there should certainly be at least a few Diamonds sprouting up now that Quixtar is five years old, right? No?

So I guess we're left to believe that since there are no new Diamonds who have been in for five years or less, the chances of becoming Diamond aren't that great.

Wish you were here.

"Not only do you make $ in this business, but you get free trips too! You deserve to have all your dreams and goals. We believe in you!"

Love,

George and Terry

These were the words written on a postcard my wife received today from her upline. They were attending the Achievers conference in Orlando, Florida.

The image on the postcard was what caught my eye. It's a shot of the Walt Disney Dolphin resort at dusk. The purple sky in the background with the palm trees lining the parameter of a glassy pond setting alongside a pathway that leads to the magnificent hotel. It's a great shot of a great destination. The funny thing though is that the picture in this particular postcard is of a section of the building that is in the shape of a perfect equilateral triangle.

A pyramid. Sent by a Quixtar Upline to, I can only guess, their entire downline.

I had to chuckle as I looked at this. Now, I have to assume that my wife's upline had several postcards to choose from with varying images of their stay at the conference. But they chose this one. Why?

It's more than likely an ironic coincidence but definitely a reminder of the truth.

At least they believe in her.

Jay VanAndel: Death of a Salesman

Amway Co-Founder, Jay VanAndel died yesterday at the age of 80. According to Quixtar, services will be held this Friday.

Jay leaves behind a legacy of 'helping people achieve their dreams'.

What legacy do you leave behind?

Getting busy

Well, Thanksgiving is behind us and now we turn our eyes to Christmas. My family and I love this time of year. It gets busy for me, working for a church but it's great to be around some incredible Christmas spirit.

I may be posting less at 'Sinking In Quixand' this month due to extra activities but I'll post when I have something good to offer (I'd rather not post just for the sake of posting).

I'm seriously thinking of pursuing a screenwriter to look at some Ideas I've got for a feature film about a young aspiring IBO that gets in too deep. We'll see what happens.

I have to say again though, if you haven't read 'Merchants of Deception', you need to take some time to do it. It's a fantastic read.