YES!!! It happened again. I heard about this new business proposition; a chance for me to become an 'aspiring entrepreneur' – independent of any financial tangles; free from the daily, mundane and boring routine job and live a life that is supposed to be fulfilling and also, make me financially independent in the near future. Yes…I heard it again and as always, didn’t excite me or trigger the passion that I was supposed to have. It didn’t rekindle the spirit that every entrepreneur talks about….Is it a problem with me? Am I being too lazy? Or, do I always like to play safe and not take any risk? I don’t really know…But, I really wanted to give a serious thought about the same.
When some one spoke about ‘Amway’ business model, the thing that impressed me was their conviction, the belief that it would really happen and it would happen soon in a big way!!! Shame that it was, ‘amway’ to me sounded like ‘am away’ as I couldn’t connect with the business model or its objective.
The motive for any kind of ‘business’ is simple – to make money. But, every business has a major aspect – products. You sell a product or a service in the business. But, amway has a different approach – system and products are the two aspects for this business. The emphasis seems to be more on the system part than the products. Everyone who is in this chain of business seem to have one aim – to build the chain and increase the number of members under their umbrella. The more the number of members under you in the chain, the more the chances of your business prospering. So, everyone, who are into this ‘business’ seriously are busy – busy showing plans and trying to build new contacts into the network.
I might not be the smartest; but, I do know that for any business to prosper and the businessman to earn, you need to have the product flow. After all, cash flows don’t happen by building people or the network. You need to sell something tangible, a product that will fetch money. But, strangely enough, product doesn’t seem to be the crux of this business; instead it is the ‘people’.
To speak for myself, I did try ‘amway’ products and found them not so extra-ordinary; nothing that clearly distinguishes them from others. So, what could click this business? I gave some thought and realized that the products are not the ‘selling’ factors; instead, what is being sold to the customer is a dream – a dream for him to be a businessman, an entrepreneur. Rather than being the consumer in this supply chain, he could be a middle layer in this pyramid and try to flourish the business through others who are under him in the chain. What is ironic is that they would be consumers and also, producers – a new concept called a ‘prosumer’.
But, would it suit me? Will I be able to be a part of this chain? – I asked this question to myself. I personally wasn’t impressed with the products…so, what can I see in this business for myself? I can’t sell or talk positive of the products as I don’t have the conviction. Also, every member of the network would have a target – to earn KPVs. The way to earn KPVs is either you use or make others use them. I always enjoy my freedom, freedom to choose what I want. How exciting it is to look for options – AERIAL, SURF, RIN, COLGATE, CLOSEUP, PEPSODENT, DOVE, PALMOLIVE, PANTENE, GUCCI, RAYBAN, POLICE, OAKLEY, GAP, TOMMY HILFIGER, RAYMOND, NIKE, REEBOK - I do enjoy picking products and trying out from all these ranges. In fact, these are small luxuries of life that I don’t want to lose out. But, now, if I were an ‘amway’ member, I would have the obligation of using the products that I market. If I am to use them, I would lose my freedom of choice that I cherish; if I don’t, I would be a hypocrite trying to sell the idea and products; but, not actually believing in them myself.
Now, that I have clearly seen that the ‘product’ part is not for me, the only other aspect to concentrate on is ‘people’; the network part. Again, I am not such a charismatic person who could influence people. I also don’t like anyone to accept this half-heartedly to maintain a good relation and rapport with me OR because, they don’t want me to be hurt because of their rejection. I have realized that people become uncomfortable when they are persuaded to do something that they are not willing to. In the case of your friends or known circles, things become even more delicate – they wouldn’t want to refuse on your face as they feel they might hurt your feelings and beliefs. Either they would accept half-heartedly or they would try to avoid you altogether. In both cases, I would be losing out. I also am not comfortable to mix business with relations and friends. I wouldn’t bear the thought that someone tries to avoid me as I am coming down too heavily on them.
Having said all these, I don’t say that this model will not work. This might very well click with a certain group of people. Every human has his own views towards his priorities and future. To be judgmental about what is right and what is wrong could be immature due to the complicated nature of human beings. What I know for sure is that this is not the one for me considering my likes and my views. The business model conflicts with my thoughts and ideologies. Not wishing to make more money or not wanting to be a businessman is certainly not a crime according to me. I wouldn’t like to spend my free time trying to make new contacts or explaining my business plan. I don’t want to go to bed every night wondering if my business is growing and being impatient with myself. I’d rather spend my time travelling, making new friends, reading books, writing articles and blogs, watching movies, doing social work and helping others because, I know these things make me happy.
I can’t do anything that my conscience doesn’t approve of. So, as my English friend would say – ‘The whole blooming thing is a bit dodgy, mate. So, shag it and move on…’. I care less if someone calls it a laid back attitude or just being lazy; I am happy with the things they are currently; I have my own plans on how I need to secure my future and I am working towards them, successfully. I always set my short term and long term goals and have been able to achieve them so far. I am clear about my priorities and am content, satisfied and confident of fulfilling them. After all, isn’t this what we all seek? Ultimately, when one looks at it, it all comes down to ‘lifestyle’. I can’t speak for someone else, but, I am sure I don’t fit in this lifestyle. For anyone else, who have the conviction and belief that they fit in perfectly, my wishes are with you. May you succeed!! Best of Luck!!!!
Go Emeralds! Go Diamonds!! Go Platinums!!!
When some one spoke about ‘Amway’ business model, the thing that impressed me was their conviction, the belief that it would really happen and it would happen soon in a big way!!! Shame that it was, ‘amway’ to me sounded like ‘am away’ as I couldn’t connect with the business model or its objective.
The motive for any kind of ‘business’ is simple – to make money. But, every business has a major aspect – products. You sell a product or a service in the business. But, amway has a different approach – system and products are the two aspects for this business. The emphasis seems to be more on the system part than the products. Everyone who is in this chain of business seem to have one aim – to build the chain and increase the number of members under their umbrella. The more the number of members under you in the chain, the more the chances of your business prospering. So, everyone, who are into this ‘business’ seriously are busy – busy showing plans and trying to build new contacts into the network.
I might not be the smartest; but, I do know that for any business to prosper and the businessman to earn, you need to have the product flow. After all, cash flows don’t happen by building people or the network. You need to sell something tangible, a product that will fetch money. But, strangely enough, product doesn’t seem to be the crux of this business; instead it is the ‘people’.
To speak for myself, I did try ‘amway’ products and found them not so extra-ordinary; nothing that clearly distinguishes them from others. So, what could click this business? I gave some thought and realized that the products are not the ‘selling’ factors; instead, what is being sold to the customer is a dream – a dream for him to be a businessman, an entrepreneur. Rather than being the consumer in this supply chain, he could be a middle layer in this pyramid and try to flourish the business through others who are under him in the chain. What is ironic is that they would be consumers and also, producers – a new concept called a ‘prosumer’.
But, would it suit me? Will I be able to be a part of this chain? – I asked this question to myself. I personally wasn’t impressed with the products…so, what can I see in this business for myself? I can’t sell or talk positive of the products as I don’t have the conviction. Also, every member of the network would have a target – to earn KPVs. The way to earn KPVs is either you use or make others use them. I always enjoy my freedom, freedom to choose what I want. How exciting it is to look for options – AERIAL, SURF, RIN, COLGATE, CLOSEUP, PEPSODENT, DOVE, PALMOLIVE, PANTENE, GUCCI, RAYBAN, POLICE, OAKLEY, GAP, TOMMY HILFIGER, RAYMOND, NIKE, REEBOK - I do enjoy picking products and trying out from all these ranges. In fact, these are small luxuries of life that I don’t want to lose out. But, now, if I were an ‘amway’ member, I would have the obligation of using the products that I market. If I am to use them, I would lose my freedom of choice that I cherish; if I don’t, I would be a hypocrite trying to sell the idea and products; but, not actually believing in them myself.
Now, that I have clearly seen that the ‘product’ part is not for me, the only other aspect to concentrate on is ‘people’; the network part. Again, I am not such a charismatic person who could influence people. I also don’t like anyone to accept this half-heartedly to maintain a good relation and rapport with me OR because, they don’t want me to be hurt because of their rejection. I have realized that people become uncomfortable when they are persuaded to do something that they are not willing to. In the case of your friends or known circles, things become even more delicate – they wouldn’t want to refuse on your face as they feel they might hurt your feelings and beliefs. Either they would accept half-heartedly or they would try to avoid you altogether. In both cases, I would be losing out. I also am not comfortable to mix business with relations and friends. I wouldn’t bear the thought that someone tries to avoid me as I am coming down too heavily on them.
Having said all these, I don’t say that this model will not work. This might very well click with a certain group of people. Every human has his own views towards his priorities and future. To be judgmental about what is right and what is wrong could be immature due to the complicated nature of human beings. What I know for sure is that this is not the one for me considering my likes and my views. The business model conflicts with my thoughts and ideologies. Not wishing to make more money or not wanting to be a businessman is certainly not a crime according to me. I wouldn’t like to spend my free time trying to make new contacts or explaining my business plan. I don’t want to go to bed every night wondering if my business is growing and being impatient with myself. I’d rather spend my time travelling, making new friends, reading books, writing articles and blogs, watching movies, doing social work and helping others because, I know these things make me happy.
I can’t do anything that my conscience doesn’t approve of. So, as my English friend would say – ‘The whole blooming thing is a bit dodgy, mate. So, shag it and move on…’. I care less if someone calls it a laid back attitude or just being lazy; I am happy with the things they are currently; I have my own plans on how I need to secure my future and I am working towards them, successfully. I always set my short term and long term goals and have been able to achieve them so far. I am clear about my priorities and am content, satisfied and confident of fulfilling them. After all, isn’t this what we all seek? Ultimately, when one looks at it, it all comes down to ‘lifestyle’. I can’t speak for someone else, but, I am sure I don’t fit in this lifestyle. For anyone else, who have the conviction and belief that they fit in perfectly, my wishes are with you. May you succeed!! Best of Luck!!!!
Go Emeralds! Go Diamonds!! Go Platinums!!!
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And a satisfied soul...
Keep it up!