Hi everyone, I've just come across this thread and I felt very hurt about the way people feel they have the right to insult and laugh about other people who are trying to make a living. Whoever said that Laura (or whatever name she was) was rude haven't read themselves talk about a business which is totally legitimate and which has been around for over 35 years (if it was a scam or a pyramid scheme it would have disappeared by now and by the way, pyramids are not legal and not allowed in the UK). Arbonne is one of the top 20 companies in the American Direct Selling Association, together with Avon, Mary Kay and other very well known brands. Their products work and they feel lovely on your skin, and they are not expensive but in the same price range of popular brands like Clarins or Dermalogica.
Let me tell you my story - I used to work in the city (like so many other airhead Arbonne consultants) and decided to leave my job when my daughters were born. 7 years on I lacked confidence and was itching to do something but couldn't face going back to the City and commuting over 3 hours a day while my girls spent most of their lives looked after by another person. It just broke my heart. I really admire those women who manage to have a career and be mums, but I just couldn't do it. It doesn't make me a better or a worse person, it's just the way I am.
Anyway, a few months ago a friend of mine approached me with Arbonne products. She came to my house and showed me the catalog and the samples. She didn't one single time try to sell me the business. I tried the products and decided to get some. At the end of the day, she was my friend and it felt good giving her a commission instead of going to House of Fraser and giving it to someone I didn't know. I have to say I loved the products from day one. They were far better than any other products I had tried before (and I have used good skin care in the past, including Dermalogica, Clarins, Lancome and Clinique). A few weeks after purchasing the products, I agreed to host a party for my friend. She came along with a colleague and did a make up presentation. They did mention about the business, how much fun they had doing it, etc, but again, they didn't do any hard selling. I watched them working together, laughing and sharing experiences from their training sessions, the people they had met since doing Arbonne, etc... And I really felt I wanted to give it a go. I signed up the following week and started my training. Yes, I was showed the options of starters packs you could buy. But I NEVER felt that anyone tried to make me do or buy something I didn't want to. But the way I look at it - if you are going to start your business, you need your business tools. How are you going to demonstrate the products you sell if you don't have any products? My products are my busy bees, I use them all the time, for my business and for myself... So my skin care now is Arbonne, instead of another high street brand, so what? I love the products and I get paid 8% cash back when I buy them. Besides, as they are business tools, they are tax deductible.
I started doing Arbonne 5 months ago and I promoted to District Manager after just three. That means higher commission and cash back on your own purchases. Am I expected to meet any deadlines? absolutely not. My upline guides me on what I need to achieve if I want to progress in my career, but it doesn't matter at all if I don't do it.
The people I've met so far are absolutely amazing, really caring and supportive. The training sessions are full of advice, not only about the business but also about how to regain your confidence, how to succeed in life, how to live happier and fulfill your dreams.
From day one they tell you it's an effort based business, you are not going to get rich in a month. But if you persevere and work hard, you will get there, no matter what.
I've read lots of books about Network Marketing and I now understand how it works. More and more companies are moving towards that direction. "Word of mouth" advertising is the way forward. I don't believe it when Beyonce tells me that she is worth it and flashes her hair (they have probably paid her millions to say that) but I do believe a good friend if they say they like a product and would I try it.
I don't buy into big brands, I like results and so far I am more than happy to continue using my products, from my own business, which are making me money, while being good to my health and the environment.
As a consultant, I've never been rude to anyone, I've never pushed anyone to buy anything they don't want. I show them products and they decide whether to buy them or not. Like a sales consultant would do in Boots. If they buy, I get 35% commission, if they don't it's fine, we are still friends.
Some times (not always) I tell them about the business. I tell them my story and how happy and fulfilled I feel (maybe I am not earning a full salary, and my car is not a white mercedes yet, but I know I will get there). If they show any interest, I give them some material to read. If they don't, I leave them alone.
That's the business. As legitimate and worthy as any other. But with the difference that people in the business are happy to be here, I've never seen as many people smiling as when I go to training sessions. No one is forcing us to stay, we just enjoy doing it.
Anyway, sorry for the looooong response. I just wanted everyone to find out about the other side of Arbonne. I just felt really hurt and wanted to set things right. Thanks for reading (if you have read this far!)