“What the mind can conceive and believe, the will can achieve.”
When I joined Arbonne in February 2003, I jumped in with both feet. I followed the system and had an unwavering belief that I would be an NVP some day. Quitting was never an option, and even when it was hard, I kept going. All my believing has resulted in receiving an endless supply of blessings. I have Arbonne to thank for that.
At first, my business was all about me and what I wanted to accomplish. I loved the products, and for four months, it is all I talked about. When I changed my focus and concentrated on sharing the opportunity, I found my first business builder. Together, we built a team, and within six months I promoted to RVP. Then I took a break. If you have never heard of the saying, “The speed of the leader determines the speed of the pack,” all you have to do is look at what happened to me and you will understand. When I took a break from my business, my team took a break, also. I thought I was working hard, but what I discovered was that I was not working smart. I fell into the habit of comparing myself to others, getting discouraged by my results, and letting fear and disappointment impede my progress. I spent most of 2005 rebuilding my team and working on my personal growth and self-belief. I wrote down my goal to reach NVP in 2005, posted it all over my house, and told myself it was up to me to make that happen. Meanwhile, I got busy working with my team, helping individuals reach their goals. Once I took the focus off of myself and realized this was not just about me, but about helping others, I was able to transform my business and my life, along with the lives of all the people I had helped.
I have learned so much on my journey, more than I had ever bargained for. Among the most important lesson is what I learned about myself. I have always had a very determined, hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, when I was in grade school, I used to paint rocks and sell them door-to-door. When I was in middle school, I babysat. When I was in high school, I started a catering business. In college, I used to make hair accessories and sell them to retail stores. When I grew up, I taught school for eight years, and then worked part time at my husband’s dental office until I became a stay-at-home mom. Then, Arbonne came into my life and I knew I was destined to have a successful home-based business. What I was not prepared for were the challenges that tested my courage and stretched my desire to see this business through. Having grown up in a family that set good examples of hard work and persistence, I clung to that work ethic to give me the self-confidence I needed in order to carry on when people would tell me no. I learned to ask, “Who is next?” and move on. Despite the obstacles that slowed my progress, I never let anything stop me from reaching my goal. I am living testimony of the notion that if you believe in yourself, success will happen.
Another thing I have learned is to believe in Arbonne and the network marketing industry. I knew nothing about this industry or about Arbonne the company when I was first introduced to this opportunity. After the business was explained to me in detail, I caught sight of the vision and jumped in with both feet, never doubting it would work. I made some short-term sacrifices and gave up TV, tennis, scrapbooking and family time, because I saw the long-term potential of making it all the way to the top.
The advice I was given, and in turn, wish to dispense to others on their Arbonne journey is: Do not ever quit before payday. The only way you cannot succeed in this business is to quit. Although it requires hard work, and dedicating yourself to doing something every day to grow your business, if you love what you do in the course of striving toward your goals, you will never work another day in your life. Have a big reason for doing this business. If your Why does not make you cry, it will be easy to quit when the going gets tough. Always ask yourself, “What can Arbonne give me that no other business can?” and, “What will my life be like with the potential for more money, and more time, to spend with my family and friends?” When you can answer these questions, write down your answers, look at them every day and use them as your reasons for moving forward, in spite of the difficulties. If you do, nothing can stop you from success.
As I traveled down my path to personal and professional growth, I learned to be a leader. Initially, when I joined Arbonne, my biggest fear was of public speaking. However, if I intended to be successful in this type of business, I had to conquer my weakness. I gave myself only two ultimatums — either I would let it shut me down or I would learn to work through it. Do not let your fears determine your future. Face them, push through and go for it. These will be the times you experience the most growth in your life and business. I also had to overcome the fact that I do not like to talk on the phone. But because I needed to talk with my team frequently, I had to get over myself. Once I did this I developed into a competent and capable leader.
In the process of building a team, I have learned to believe in others, sometimes more than they believed in themselves. One of the best things about Arbonne is having the potential to help others grow and succeed. I have so many more friends because of this business. They have all enriched my life in so many ways, much more than I have helped them learn how to do this business. Although I taught them to believe in the potential we possess to transform lives, they went out and demonstrated this power by sharing the phenomenal products capable of producing great results and by sharing the incredible opportunity with the potential capable of lifting others. We all have a mission to share Arbonne with anyone who might want and deserve this opportunity. Remember, we are not in the business of convincing, so it is not necessary to drag others along. Look for people who can be developed into leaders and sponsor up. Help others focus on this life-changing business model. Give them the opportunity to be a “life changer.” They will never be the same.
Earlier, I named my Region “Team Builders,” because I loved the acronym for the word team: Together Everyone Achieves More. That has not changed. We are a Nation because of everyone involved. This was truly a team effort. I would not be where I am without my team of Clients, Consultants, District Managers, Area Managers and Regional Vice Presidents. I could not have asked for a better group of people to share my life and business success with.
To my new RVP, Sandy Mitchell: You have incredible drive and persistence. I am so proud and excited for you and your team. You will be an ENVP soon.
To my Area Managers, Nancy Allman, Angie Burleyson, Trayce Carroll, Yvonne Clark, Cheryl DeLay, Jodie Gahard, Kerrie Green, Natalie Hooper, Keri Johnson, Vanessa Keenan, Kellie Martin, Lauren Matthes, Karen Wood and Nancy Zaborowski: You are already RVPs in my mind. You are great leaders and with incredible teams.
I have so many wonderful leaders on my team and have learned not only from them, but from my awesome mentors. To my upline, including ENVPs, Martha McIntyre, Cecilia Stoll, Gina Ballew, Ann Wandishin and Beth Sparks: You have all been the perfect role models, leaders and friends. I learned how to be a leader by watching you. Thank you for embodying the true spirit of Arbonne.
To my friends and family: Thanks for your love, support and understanding. I could not have done this without you and all your love and encouragement. To my husband, Jim, and my daughters, Claire, Katherine and Caroline: I am doing this for you. You are my biggest Why. We have a future to look forward to that most people only ever dream of because of Arbonne. I am grateful every day for this gift.
Everyone reading my Eye on Arbonne success story must realize that they, too, can be at the top of Arbonne. Go from reading and admiring, to doing and succeeding. Do you have the belief it takes to get there? If not, it is just a matter of working on your personal growth, helping others be successful and focusing your attention on the activity, and not the outcome. Start today and do not stop until you reach the top.
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.
