OpTree

In a practice that I believe will only start gaining momentum, Agel launched www.IamAgel.com in an effort to get distributors to customize their own Agel websites. The move, which really helps Agel streamline the information that is put out and also offers distributors a very easy way of communicating and marketing themselves, also helps to streamline the growing problem of distributors not providing correct or outdated information on their own sites.

For quite a while, distributors have taken the opportunity to co-brand themselves with the products they are distributing by creating their own websites and using corporate logos, info etc. The problem is some of the info becomes outdated, the latest products aren’t there and in a lot of cases, the distributor is offering the products at a discounted rate to attract buyers but it competes against others selling the same product.

We really like the move on the part of Agel so long as they allow the distributors to customize the site in a way that allows each person to have some sense of identity with the site.

Agel does charge for the new custom web pages - $14.95 per month or $120 for the year. Some people may have an issue with the price but it’s pretty inexpensive when you compare it to other website hosting companies and the web templates you get. The Agel version offers a personal marketing site, business center, immediate training, contact management, email tool and some other neat features. It’s well worth the price.

Popularity: 4% [?]

In most businesses there are a few basic elements that are core to the success of the business… understanding those things and properly delivering on them is generally the difference between success and failure.

Max International’s Founding Representative Bill Andersen has identified, and exploited a few things that he feels are core to his success and the rapid success of the company. Bill states that there is comfort and freedom in understanding those things which help define and differentiate “any” opportunity from those that exists in the same space.

The first core principle is: Knowing. Andersen expresses that this is so much more than believing, or thinking. While it may sound simple, we smiled widely when we first heard it, but as Andersen put it “How many things in your life can you say you KNOW the outcome to, especially in business”. Our smile quickly faded… well Bill, what do you know?

“I know that we have one of the most, if not the most dynamic business opportunities in the market, I don’t think it, I don’t believe it… I know it!” Although the business is just over a year old, Andersen boasts that the company has a rock-solid financial base, top level management at every position and they are closing in on 3 million per month in gross sales. Max is further touted by representatives to have a product that is patented and has several hundred medical articles and studies completed on the effectiveness of the MAXGXL product. Andersen says “I know that we can deliver a very unique and compelling product possibly the best product in the market, and we have the data to prove it!”

Andersen further explains that for new representatives having the ability to KNOW for themselves helps them develop confidence and increases their success levels very quickly. This is important to Andersen, because he KNOWS that his success is dependent on the success of those newest representatives. Andersen emphatically states that for less than a single car payment, a new representative can be running a legitimate business, with access to significant products in a time when people are looking for answers physically and financially.

Next, Andersen KNOWS that it takes WORK… and lots of it. “This kind of work is meaningful, rewarding and fun, but it is real WORK still the same”. Bill Andersen explained and lead him to explain why this is the second core principle of his business. “For the record WORK is much more than simply completing tasks… or finishing duties and checking boxes off on a list” Andersen clarified, now with a wide smile across his face. To be immersed and engaged in what you are doing is more than completing tasks; it includes proper understanding including work ethic, work purpose and scope.

“Again this sounds simple” Bill says with a smile “But it is vitally important as ‘Steven R. Covey’ states in his book First Seek to Understand Then to Be Understood. I want people who join in this industry to understand what they are doing, and how important it is and how it will change the lives of countless others, including their own.” Max has created what we are calling the 48hour business plan. This plan is used for the newest rookie or a seasoned veteran in the MLM world. Andersen noted “In baseball, batting practice is the same for the Home Run Hitter or the newest guy, and it is no different in this business. There are specific things you have to do, regardless of who you are and what you have accomplished”.

Tomorrow gain insight about what Bill calls the difference between completing tasks and having opportunities in meaningful principle based efforts.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Private Quarters - a company dedicated to helping people sleep comfortably, is now reaching out to help women in tough situations sleep better at night as well. During the months of April and May, Private Quarters will match proceeds from at-home parties and match the donation in merchandise for homeless and battered women’s shelter. .

During April and May, for every party with sales over $500 Private Quarters will make a merchandise donation to one of over 50 shelter chosen by the company from around the country. The company is dedicated to helping everyone sleep in soundly and in comfort. Consultants for the company can offer parties in their own home or traveling parties if a client wishes to have the party in their own home.

Private Quarters sells bed and bath products using the at home party model. Hostesses can show off samples of bedding, towels and bath products to perspective clients from the comfort of their own home. The company features products in every price range, so there is something for everyone. Private Quarters has also jumped on the eco-friendly, going green bandwagon and offers a full line of natural bamboo products.

“It is only right that we do what we can to help our own communities,” said Jeff Stroud, president and founder of Private Quarters. Stroud is the son of the founder of Stroud’s linens which has been in business for decades. “For most of us it’s hard to imagine what it’s like to not have the comforts of our own bed, the softness and security of our own blankets; with this initiative, we can offer a touch of comfort to women’s lives.”

We’ve seen many companies that offer home parties selling makeup and kitchen goods, but Private Quarters is pretty unique in the at-home party space. Everyone needs sheets, linens and towels, and it’s a great idea to host a party where everyone can feel and sample the products and feel comfortable knowing what they’re getting and that there is something everyone can afford. We have also noticed a lot of attention given to the sleep industry. We covered Nikken’s celebration of “Better Sleep Month” and a lot of the recent attention is due to the story that 60 Minutes did a few weeks back about ‘the science of sleep’.

Cost to start up as a consultant is not cheap, it is $199, but you get over $600 worth of samples and the compensation plan seems pretty reasonable. If you’re community is over-saturated with make-up parties and kitchen parties, this might be something to look into.

Private Quarters has received a lot of attention in the past couple years appearing on Good Morning America, in O Magazine, Forbes, and Bride and Groom. Private Quarters is also a member of the DSA.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Starting today, 4Life - a distributor of Transfer Factor support products - will launch a new online shopping and enrollment experience for its United States market.

In addition to the new shopping cart, product categories, quick enrollment, and design, 4Life has added PayPal™ as a check out option to further serve distributors with their online payment preferences. This is a pretty unique announcement because we haven’t seen too many Network Marketing sites accepting PayPal as an option. It’s a great idea and just furthers the options given to distributors.

We played around with the new shopping site and really like how the company now uses icons to represent the various types of product lines so you know what you are buying. The other thing we liked was how easy it was to add items to your cart and see what you had each time you added something new.

4Life Director of Web Development Nelson Altamirano: “Our group has worked toward this launch for months. Not just web developers, but an entire team of experts throughout the corporate office and the distributor field.”

Popularity: 6% [?]