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Dear Consultants and Leaders,

I recently had the opportunity to speak with another group of truck drivers, and I must admit that when I started I was very nervous. I caught myself, for just a few seconds, doing exactly what I caution you not to do in your business, and that is to prejudge the reactions of others. I caught myself thinking, “Oh they will think I am crazy; they will never want to hear what I have to say.” Then I changed my thoughts, and realized that I had something of value to share and that it was important that I do so. If I could share information that might save a life or prevent someone else having to live like I do, in excruciating pain 24 hours a day, then I had to speak up no matter how nervous and afraid I might be.

“How many of you have been in the hospital for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or longer?” I asked, whereupon a few of the truckers raised their hands. Then I asked, “Have any of you ever received a call that your daughter or son, mother or father, husband or wife, or some other loved one, has been hit by an 18-wheeler and might not live?” I then said that there were 3 people in that very audience who had received such a call. Furthermore, there was one person in the room who had spent 5 months in several hospitals as a result. I identified the first three as my parents and my youngest son. I told the truckers that the 4th person was me; that an 18 wheeler that was being driven by someone from their company had crossed a highway and hit me head on.

For an hour or so I described to the truckers what it was like to go through such an awful and life altering experience. I told them what special challenges my life poses for me now and how, in spite of those challenges, I have come to the conclusion that living in pain is never an excuse for failing to enjoy life.

I told them that my purpose for meeting with them was to encourage them to do different things when it came to their driving. I explained that we have all been lucky at times, like when we avoided accidents in spite of driving when we were a little too tired, or answering a cell phone while on the highway. I told them how if they never drove when tired, or never took other unsafe chances, they would never ever have to wish that they had taken the proper precautions to prevent an accident. I talked about how important it was that they never do anything that would place their own or someone else’s life at risk. I told them that I would never ever again depend on being lucky to avoid an accident, and neither should they.

I asked if any of them had ever ended a day, saying, “I wish I had not driven so carefully on this trip.” They all agreed that they never had. I asked them to think about how they would feel if there was an accident that they knew they could have avoided.

This week I want to share with you, my readers, the thought that I hope you have a wonderful week because of conscious choices you make. Drive your vehicle while making good decisions, and drive your business the same way. Remember that we are all on a journey through life. It is a trip on which we can decide what kind of sightseeing we will do and with whom we will share our experiences as traveling companions. Remember that you can choose thoughts to help you get through the tough winding curves in life so that you will be able to see those beautiful sunrises and rainbows along the way and upon arrival at your destination. April 14th will be the occasion of one of those beautiful experiences of my own life. I am off to Disney World with two of my adorable grandchildren. I am so glad that I did not let a big old truck keep me from continuing my journey. I know that many of you have felt like you have been hit by a truck at times. Guess what I found out? Being hit by a truck does not keep you from continuing down the road of life. It can change the way you get there, or slow you down a bit, but YOU are the only obstacle that can ever keep you from getting where you want to go.

Always remember that when the going gets tough, the tough get going! SAFELY!

Have a great week!
Love,
Ilene

I sent Ilene an email yesterday asking her to address the issue that many of us are facing today that has to do with the economy, and how it is affecting our businesses. I asked her for suggestions on how we can turn the possible negatives into a positive for our customers and ourselves. As we discussed it, we came up with several Positive ways for us to help our customers - as well as ourselves.

The first thing that she reminded me was that Mother's Day is approaching. Instead of going for the "Big Sale" with people, our services should include sharing the fact that we have in-home shopping services that will give our customers a unique shopping experience while keeping them out of the malls, and the urge to spend more money there.

As we talked, I shared that we are coming into the 2nd largest gift-giving Season of the year. There are weddings, showers, graduations, confirmations, 1st Communions, Anniversaries etc. that will be celebrated in the next 2 months. These are all occasions that our guests will find it necessary to purchase gifts for. Our job is to offer our services to help make the most of our customer's gift-giving needs. Even when the economy is not at it's peak, our businesses certainly can be when we work them with a service-minded attitude. People really do appreciate it when you offer them great service, and reminders of up-coming gift-giving events in their lives, and then go a step further to offer them suggestions on how those gift-giving needs can be met through our Direct Sale Businesses.

As Ilene said, we may have to make a lot more phone calls, but the personal touch of offering our services to our Customer base - even if it's on an individual basis - will not only make our businesses thrive, but we will also be creating a relationship of loyalty with our customers.

We can also share these idea's with our Hostesses, so that they will remind the guests that they have invited that they can take care of all their gift shopping needs in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

No matter what the economy is doing, good personal service that we choose to provide to our customers will make our businesses - and our reputations flourish!

Make it a GREAT day.

God Bless,

Wendy Stevens

If you would like to work with Ilene on personal and business goals, like Wendy please call (800) 383-2039. We have programs for any size goals and any size budgets.

Language Immersion- Are You Ready?!

Would you like this to be your best year ever? Would you like to promote in
rank? Would you like to earn an incentive trip?

We know many of you have supportive teams and uplines. Since leaving her 5
1/2 month hospital stay, Ilene has learned to walk all over again and is
still continuing her mission even with her physical challenges. She knows
that having a personal coach, committed to your personal development and a
team of support can sometimes be just the thing you're looking for.

That's why she launched her Immersion Language 4 week Coaching Program.
It's designed to give you the tools and the accountability to reach a
specific business goal. Motivation comes from within. Over the years, Ilene
has galvanized thousands of people to take action...Are you ready to move
forward? Join Ilene's 4-week Phone Immersion team, and see your business
soar! Call 1-800-383-2039 to join an immersion team.

Learn how to turn the I Can't Language (I Certainly Am Not Trying) into the
I CAN, I WILL Language of Success.

Join our Language Immersion Classes, (formerly known as the Phone Workouts)
where you will learn and develop your Sharing and Caring Language of Success
Skills.

Customer Service Call to guests after they attended a party you did:

The next day after a party, start your customer service relationship. Call
everyone who attended the party and say, ³One of the focuses in my business
is customer service. I would love to ask you a few questions to see how I
can be of help to you in the future. Are you interruptible? You heard me
talk about how this business can fit into anyone¹s lifestyle. Have you ever
given any thought to doing something like I am doing? What has your
experience been with home parties? One of my goals is to be able to help
you have access to our products when you would like to be able to purchase
additional items for yourself or as gifts. Have you ever wished that you
had a personal shopper? Would you like to hear about our sales? Another
focus of mine is to reach more families than I have in the past. Can you
think of someone I could call just to check and see if they are familiar
with us or would know how to find us?² Then be sure to appreciate their
time.

The first time someone says no on your telephone call, just say, "Thanks so
much for being honest with me. I am so glad you felt you could be." Then
ask the next question. Please keep in mind that your customer service call
is not to get a result. It is to show that you care. Showing that you care
can often lead to results.

My Sharing and Caring Log is a great tool to help you make these calls and
to be sure you do not pre-judge when talking to people. Join the language
immersion classes and become fluent in sharing and caring.