Eric Glenn – Synergy Worldwide

By John Fleming, Publisher and Editor in Chief, Direct Selling News

Recently, it came to my attention that a few “naysayers” are once again attempting to spread falsehoods about the direct selling industry. It is ironic, though, that this is occurring in one of the most challenging times in many, many years. Millions of people have been hurt by layoffs, salary cuts, lost bonuses and uncertainty. In this type of economic climate, the microenterprise opportunities offered by companies selling products and services through independent contractors could just be the very hope people from all walks of life need to survive, or perhaps even thrive.

Debunking the falsehoods that dog direct selling companies could seem like a game of Truth or Consequences—except, in this game, there are no winners. Misunderstandings, myths and misperceptions may mean missed opportunities for distributors, lost revenues for sound companies and slumping stock prices for publicly traded businesses, making exposing myths of critical importance.

Naysayers are not to be discounted completely, because they may, at times, reveal aspects of a company’s business that warrants attention and adjustment. However, myths can be dangerous, and companies should not be content to let them slide. Those who tend to find fault with an industry that keeps its door of opportunity open for all people, regardless of business experience, would do well to take a closer look at what really attracts people to microenterprise opportunities—and direct selling as a form of microenterprise. Financial, legal and discount healthcare services and real estate opportunities are often looked upon as being forms of direct selling. However you describe a microenterprise opportunity, the same rules apply to it that apply to any other venture in life. Some distributors will succeed beyond the norm, build careers and earn substantial sums of money, and some will continue their day-to-day lives and earn extra income.

Research indicates that there is a dichotomy between the public perception of the direct selling industry and individuals’ personal experiences. Personal experiences are uniformly positive—well into the 90 percent positive ratings. However, some of the major myths that often need debunking are: The products sold through direct selling companies are often overpriced, people are pressured to buy or be recruited, earnings potential is exaggerated and no one makes any money.

Globally, there are more than 60 million people involved in direct selling, so there must be something going on to attract so many types of people.

Products and services have always been a key attraction. Typically, products sold through direct selling are either unique or they offer a great price-value relationship. Many direct selling distributors were initially passionate and loyal customers of the products and services they now sell, including everything from cookware to health and wellness products to legal and financial services. Within direct selling companies, product information and education abound, whereas at traditional retail stores, the consumer struggles to understand what they are buying. Often, purchases based on price because there is no real, relevant information. At direct selling companies, however, there is more product information available, the product quality is first-class, and the price-value relationship meets the scrutiny of the consumer and exceeds the perceived value of the competition.

The income potential provided by direct selling companies is contingent upon the personal effort of the independent contractor. Some distributors earn a few dollars per month, and some earn several thousand. Naysayers often confuse themselves, though, by focusing on the fact that some distributors do achieve extraordinary rewards and make their dreams come true!

Companies would be wise to make sure their distributors do not set the bar too high when presenting the opportunity to others. When selling the dream too heavily, you could be setting others up for failure. You also run the risk that financial success may not be that person’s definition of success. Some people just want to offset the cost of their products. Others want to cover their house or car payment or earn enough money to get out of debt. When a distributor tells a prospect that they’re going to be able to achieve financial independence, they set that prospect up for failure if their drives don’t match. Many do achieve financial independence, and many don’t. The income earned is determined by each individual.

The facts are these: Distributors participate in this industry overwhelmingly on a part-time basis. Mean gross income is about $14,500, but $2,500 is the median income, meaning 50 percent of people earn more and 50 percent earn less. The reality is that you have to understand the motivations that bring people into this industry, and people’s motivations are primarily modest. They may not even be financial. They could be more about recognition or social contact.

Several companies have been accused by naysayers in past several years of misrepresenting their opportunities and attracting people based on false hopes. To the best of my knowledge, none of these attacks have ever stood the test of scrutiny and investigation. In fact, these allegations are usually dropped after the companies defend their policies and practices through their communication vehicles. Some of these allegations appear to be an attempt to manipulate stock prices, as they are usually directed at publicly held companies. Those who attempt to manipulate stock prices are normally known as “short-sellers.” Short-sellers sell stock they don’t own and then “plant” stories in articles, TV shows and other media that are derogatory to the company so as to drive down the share price of the company they are “shorting.” The short-seller’s goal is to make a profit on the shares of the company they are shorting.

The beauty of direct selling is that the companies provide people hope, no matter their circumstances or objectives. Many companies also emphasize personal development, which stresses the importance of setting goals and adhering to specific plans to make dreams come true. And direct selling companies create an environment where people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences can interact with other successful business builders, as well as those who’ve embraced direct selling to supplement their income or increase their social interaction.

Direct selling is a unique industry at a very unique moment in time. Participants can gain access to some of the finest products and services, learn new skills and build a business, if they choose, without limiting their reward expectations. The industry provides what many need right now: hope. Congratulations to the leaders of the direct selling industry for all that you do! It is our hope that you, the leaders and decision-makers, will lead your people by debunking the myths and demonstrating to all what this industry is really all about!

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Myths and Facts: A Summary
Myth: Ninety percent of people who enter direct selling businesses lose money.

Fact: The median annual income for direct selling distributors in the United States is $2,500 a year, or just more than $200 a month. The typical cost to get involved in a network marketing business is less than $100. Overwhelmingly, distributors work part time to earn supplemental income. Less than 8 percent of distributors put in 40 hours a week or more. Of those working their businesses full time, 25 percent earn more than $100,000 annually.

Myth: All direct selling businesses are pyramid schemes.

Fact: This fable is caused by true pyramid schemes that try to pass themselves off as legitimate.

Myth: Products sold by direct sellers are overpriced.

Fact: Distributors who join companies are the most accurate measurement of this myth. The fact is they would not remain with a company if they felt the products to be overpriced.

Myth: Direct selling is populated with intrusive, high-pressure salespeople.

Fact: Fortunately, this myth is becoming less common. Companies that Direct Selling News interviewed were unanimous in their response—pushy salespeople are rare. Most simply show products and let the quality speak for itself. Then, if a customer seems interested, they’ll explain the opportunity.

Acai berry has quickly become a very important supplement in the health industry.  Many people are talking about and feeling the effects that the berry has on them. The berries offer many potential health benefits. These health benefits that come from the potent berry have long been known to the natives of the Amazon jungle and the knowledge of acai has recently spread to the United States.  It has quickly become one of the most successful supplemental foods for health that there has ever been. 

The acai berry comes from the acai palm tree which is found in the Amazon jungle in South America.  It is a small dark purple fruit that grows in very large bunches on the tree.  It is harvested and used by the natives for many medicinal purposes but also to help them feel better all day.  It is often eaten for breakfast and can provide a great amount of energy for the day.  Acai is said to give whoever eats it more energy and to promote general good health.  It also reduces cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the blood and can also help regulate blood sugars. 

So, why is it that this berry is not used by everyone? If it is as great as we say, why aren’t we eating it daily? Well, the acai does have a major problem. It is only good for about 24 hours after it is harvested from the tree and rots and degrades quickly after that.  This is one of the main reasons that it hasn’t been used by people all over the world, because there was never a practical way to get it to international markets before it was destroyed and lost all the nutritional value.  It is very difficult to find fresh. However, with modern processes there is now a way to preserve the nutritional content of the berry so it can be available worldwide.  One of the best ways to preserve the fruit is to freeze dry it which turns it into a powder which is then turned into supplements by pressing it or enclosing it in capsules.

Supplements that contain acai or are completely made from the acai berry are becoming more and more common and there are many to choose from in a variety of price points and qualities.  Caution should be taken when selecting any kind of supplement.  This is especially important when you will be spending a significant amount of money on it for perhaps an extended period of time.  You want to make sure you are getting the best. 

You want to make sure that you are getting a quality supplement so it is also a good idea to find out which type is best for what you need from acai and to do research on various products offered in that form.  You may feel that a juice is better for your lifestyle and the benefits you want to receive from acai or you may also find that a dried supplement in the form of a pill will be better suited to your needs.  You need to make the best decision for you, but no matter how you take it, the benefits of an acai supplement are many.

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Eric Glenn is the successful owner of several global health businesses and regularly advises clients and customers about health, nutrition and creating a global business. Eric strongly recommends Acai berry supplements for their health improvement possibilities. To learn more about the Acai berry visit http://www.ericglenn.com or his health supplements website http://www.synergyteamglobal.com.

The One Thing That Can Change Your Life

Connie Podesta has worked with hundreds of organizations to open more effective lines of communication. She is author of Life Would Be Easy If It Weren’t for Other People, and she is an experienced radio and talk show host, a noted comedian and accomplished lecturer.

L-Arginine is a nutraceutical that provides benefits specific to the production of nitric oxide and the improvement of blood flow.  The natural consequences of improved blood flow include less stress on the heart which in turn translates into the possible reversal of the symptoms of heart disease.  L-Arginine, like other nutraceuticals is a natural compound.
Some examples of natural compounds are vitamins, minerals, omegas, and herbal extracts.  These natural compounds can prevent and even cause the reversal of the progression of some diseases.  Nutraceuticals contain health values that go beyond the actual nutrients that they contain.  This is another way of saying that nutraceuticals contain nutrients that not only serve their function in providing us with sustenance but also serve the function of preventing possible future health problems. Nutraceuticals also provide financial benefits as they are typically much less expensive than generic prescription drugs and are easier to get as, in most cases, they do not require a prescription (there are some nutraceuticals that require high doses to be effective, so high that it is illegal for companies to provide them without a prescription). 

However, L-Arginine is not the only nutraceutical out there.  There are many different nutraceuticals, most of which you may have heard of before and never realized that they were in fact called nutraceuticals.  Other nutraceuticals that have been shown to reduce the risk of a variety of diseases include:

* Isoflavones – These are found mainly in soy foods and may reduce the risk of some forms of cancer.

* Flavonoids – Flavonoids are antioxidants that can also protect the body from many types of cancer.  Flavonoids are present in hundreds of different compounds.  Flavonoids are found very commonly in fruits and vegetables but are most abundant in tomatoes, kale, and onions.

* Ligans – Ligans have anti-estrogen properties that could potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer.  Ligans are found mainly in flaxseed and rye.

* Indoles – Indoles may also reduce the risk of estrogen related cancers and is found in clumped vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower.

* Lycopene – Lycopene is a carotenoid that can reduce the risk of a variety of forms of cancer including cancer of the lung, bladder, prostate, cervix and skin.  Lycopene is found in red colored fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and watermelon.

* Beta-Carotene – This is a nutraceutical that is more familiar to people as a cancer fighter and antioxidant.  Beta-carotene is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy green vegetables.

* Lutein – Lutein also reduces the risk of cancer but add the benefit of reducing macular degeneration (loss of eye sight) and atherosclerosis as well.  The best sources for Lutein are leafy green vegetables.

* Allyl sulfides – These nutraceuticals help to eliminate toxic compounds that are found in the body.  Common foods that contain Allyl sulfides are onions, leeks, and scallions.

* Dithiolthiones – Dithiolthiones work with isothiocyanates to detoxify the body by increasing the activity of beneficial enzymes.  Dithiolthiones and isothiocyanates can be found in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. 

* Quercetin – This is an antioxidant that has anti-inflamatory and anti-histamine properties.  There is evidence that is can prevent prostate and other forms of cancer.  Quercetin is found in red apples and red onions.

* Vitamin D – Vitamin D has the ability to ward off a wide range of diseases.  Vitamin D is found in a variety of foods including milk.  It is also made by our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight.  Vitamin D supplementation is often necessary as it is difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin D levels from diet and sunlight absorption alone.

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Eric Glenn is the successful owner of several global health businesses and regularly advises clients and customers about health, nutrition and creating a global business. Eric strongly recommends to L-Arginine and the use of other common nutraceuticals to help boost your immune system. To learn more about these supplements visit http://www.ericglenn.com or his health supplements website http://www.synergyteamglobal.com.

It is the mark of any responsible supplement distributor to advise potential consumers of the potential side effects that exist with the consumption of their product.  It is wise to thoroughly investigate the potential dangers and side effects of every supplement that you might consider using.  Responsibility and ownership over what you put in your body is always encouraged.  It is also helpful to remember that all supplements, no matter how natural or safe, will cause negative side effects in some people.  There are no substances, even those substances created naturally by the body, which every person can tolerate without consequence.  Many side effect cautions will not apply to you.  Nevertheless the advice to proceed with caution is still sound council. 

L-Arginine is a supplement that very rarely has side effects.  Although adverse reactions with other medications have not been reported, as of a 2005 publication, the possibility exist for some. Such negative interactions include taking L-Arginine along with any type of blood thinner or blood pressure medication including Coumadin (however current research by experts such as Dr. Prendergast show no negative interactions).  Other side effects that patients reported included mild cases of diarrhea, headache and recurrence of cold sores.  As with any supplement or medication, you should be careful when you take L-Arginine if you are currently being treated for cancer or any other disease.  The medications prescribed for these more serious conditions have a higher likelihood of having their effectiveness compromised by the introduction of any other supplement or drug. 

L-Arginine is very safe for those that are in general good health.  It is especially safe for those who take doses of L-Arginine at the recommended 4 to 6 grams per dose level.  The L-Arginine supplement that is currently being provided in the ProArgi-9 Plus products provided through Synergy Worldwide was actually shown to have no adverse effects in clinical trials where dosages where much higher.  Dr. Louis J. Ignarro, Nobel Laureate in Medicine, explains in his book “NO More Heart Disease”, that “If you choose to take my recommended dose of L-Arginine (4-6 gram dose), you can expect no side effects.”  Dr. Ignarro goes on to explain that even though there have been no side effect of L-Arginine reported in medical literature, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any supplement or drug.

L-Arginine is a supplement that in many cases may work best at a higher dosage level.  This is because the liver and intestines break down a good part of the amino acid before it is absorbed by the vessels in the rest of the body.  The higher dosage levels (sometimes up to 20 grams) will in most cases ensure that the benefits of L-Arginine reach the vessels throughout the entire body.  For those who are considering taking L-Arginine as a supplement that they hope will provide some relief to symptoms of heart disease, the potential for side effects is generally not high enough to justify compromising the potential for relief from their discomfort.  Although producers of L-Arginine do not make the claim that L-Arginien provides a cure of any kind, there are many pieces of research that strongly support the possibility that L-Arginine prevents the onset or rapid progression of a variety of heart related ailments by keeping the blood vessels and arteries clear from obstruction and allowing the heart to work with less resistance.  Heart health is a concern for many Americans as heart disease claims more lives every year than any other disease.  Take the time to consider if L-Arginine can help you to live a more fulfilling lifestyle.  Talk about any concern that you may have about this supplement with your physician.  You may find that you’ve been missing out on this opportunity to improve the health of your heart.

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Eric Glenn is the successful owner of many global health businesses and regularly consults with clients and customers on health, nutrition and creating their own global business. Eric strongly suggests the use of natural supplements to improve your health and well-being. To learn more about supplements that can help to improve your health visit http://www.ericglenn.com or his Synergy Worldwide supplements site http://www.synergyteamglobal.com.

Heart Institute – Clinical Trial Update using ProArgi-9 Plus

4/23/09

In response to continuous inquires regarding the study, I felt it appropriate to share a little of what we are seeing thus far… There is much excitement to report and while it would be inappropriate to get too in depth at this early stage, sharing a few highlights should be of value.

We are now at day 64 of the 90 day clinical trial for the first group of three groups that entered the trial in the week of February 2nd, 2009 and are now 2/3rds of the way through the initial trial while groups two and three are one week and two weeks behind respectively.

To set the stage for this update, it is important to remember that all of the participants were recruited from a “Congestive Heart Failure Clinic” and all had existing cardiovascular disease of significance. All patients were baseline tested using a multitude of diagnostic testing ranging from full blood profiles to testing with the latest in pulsewave technology to blood oxygen saturation levels. By using the wide range of diagnostic testing tools the results can be cross validated.

Trend #1 – Virtually all participants with elevated blood pressures have seen such significant reductions in B.P. that the attending physicians have begun down titrating (reducing strengths) their B.P. medications.

Trend #2 – Virtually all participants are seeing increased vessel function and blood flows.

Trend #3 - Many participants are making direct comments regarding their energy levels and tolerence of exercise.

Trend #4 – Virtually all participants that were suffering from diminished pulmonary (lung) function or blood oxygen saturation levels are seeing marked improvements resulting in significantly increased strength and endurance.

Below is a sneak peek into three individual participants experiences:

1) Female – morbidly obese- diabetic with significant vascular neuropathy and pain.

This patients pain greatly reduced within the first few weeks after beginning on the ProArgi-9 Plus. Unknown to the trial director her attending Endocrinologist mid-study changed her diabetic medication resulting in an increasing blood sugar level. The patient believing the increase was due to the ProArgi-9 Plus, without guidance from her physician, took herself off the ProArgi-9 Plus which caused a return of the vascular neuropathy pain within a few days. Upon discussing the event with the director of the study, the endocrinologist consulted with the patient and the diabetic medication was changed back to the orriginal prescription. After the blood sugars normalized, the patient once again began taking the ProArgi-9 Plus and within a few days the pain from the vascular neuropathy abated and of this date is non-existent.

2) Male significantly developed coronary heart disease with daily angina (heart pain)

This participant was using 6-12 nitroglycerin pills per day to address the blood flow constriction resulting in angina and is as of this date currently only using 1-3 nitroglycinerine pills per day.

3) Male significantly developed coronary heart disease with daily angina (heart pain)

This participant was using 4-9 nitroglycerin pills per day to address the blood flow constriction resulting in angina and as of this date has gone 3 weeks without the need of any nitroglycerine medications.

We expect to conclude the study as the 3rd group completes its 90 days the week of May 18th. It will take a couple of weeks to compile the data and another couple of weeks for a medical statistitician to analyze the data. This creates a mid June to early July data availability date.

When the repeat echocardiograms, Doppler tests, etc. (The CPW, supplied by Synergy Team Global, has also been used as one of the pieces of equipment for data.) are completed, there will be much to share and what we have all seen in small bits and pieces through our own personal experiences and that of our friend’s and family’s is now being medically documented. Needless to say, all involved are very pleased with the study. I personally feel very blessed to be able to represent a product that can make such profound differences in peoples health and quality of life.

While this study is being conducted on people with serious and in many cases “near-term life-threatening health conditions”, I think it is important to remember we have all seen and experienced ProArgi-9 Plus benefit us in everyday usage including those of us still blessed with good health.

 This report was authored by Dan SwinDell, Synergy Team Member

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