Convention on a Shoestring
By Frank L. VanderSloot
President/CEO

May 2004

"Many are with us because they want to improve their financial situation. Wisdom in any business would dictate that we keep our expenses as low as possible."

I never tire of hearing the stories about how Convention has changed someone's life. Of course, I know these stories are not exactly true. Convention, itself, has never really changed anyone's life. The truth is that when people attend Convention they find themselves in an environment where they gain understanding and insight. Then they make profound decisions and then they go out and change their own life! In the end, there is no question that their life has been changed. The only question is whether it was Convention that caused it to happen. And the answer to that question is, "Yes, but not exactly!" While it is true that it is evident that the profound changes in their lives would not have happened without their having attended Convention, in the end it was they, themselves that changed their lives. They actually have always had the power and ability within themselves to take charge of their own lives and make the changes that they ended up making. But it was their attendance at Convention that gave them the insights that convinced them they could do it and gave them the courage to make it happen.

Over the years thousands of lives have changed after attending Melaleuca Conventions, but the credit should not go to Convention or even the fabulous trainers, speakers and presenters. The credit should go to those who had the gumption to get themselves to Convention and then to use the tools that they received there to get a new lease on life. It always amazes me what changes people can make within themselves and within their own lives as they gain understanding and develop the resolve to move ahead in life.

Because of the many stories I have heard and the many developments I have witnessed firsthand, it is clear to me that anyone with the slightest interest in building a Melaleuca business should be at Convention. Even someone that is only curious about Melaleuca can have a life changing experience just by showing up at Convention for a few days. Even though I have been attending Convention each year for eighteen years now, each Convention is an emotionally charged event from beginning to end. From the General Sessions, to the workshops, to the special receptions, to the awards ceremonies and the product demonstrations. From the upbeat music, to the entertainment, to the bright lights to the powerful stories! There is so much going on it is difficult to take it all in. We are taught by the masters and entertained by professionals as well as by our friends. Even the Talent Show is an event that I would never want to miss. No ­ especially the Talent Show! And the impact is almost magical. For everyone, the impact is different, but always profound.

My advice would be ­ Get yourself to Convention! No matter what! I would not only get myself there, I would take every single serious business builder in my organization. But I would also give this counsel. Do not go into debt to get there! You do not have to spend a lot to go.

Be wise! Stay in a cheap hotel. Carpool with others. Rent a fifteen passenger van and take all your leaders with you, or, if you live more than 700 miles from Salt Lake City and must fly, buy your tickets early to get the cheapest fare.

Many people team up and share motel rooms. There is nothing wrong with taking sleeping bags and sleeping on the floor. You can provide each other with the appropriate privacy and still share a bedroom and a bathroom.

I have known some who are Executive Directors today, who now make well over one hundred thousand dollars per year with Melaleuca, who slept in their car at their first Convention.

A tent at the KOA Campground is also a good idea! You can sleep in a tent and still come to Convention in a clean and freshly pressed suit! What is not a good idea is using the credit card to rent a $150 per night hotel room for three nights. That is not necessary. No one is trying to impress anyone here with how much we spent. To the contrary, we should give an award to the one who spent the least!

Many are with us because they want to improve their financial situation. Wisdom in any business would dictate that we keep our expenses as low as possible.

So be wise! Don't miss a minute of Convention! But figure out a cost-effective way to get there.

This year's Convention will be the largest we have ever had. Based on early registrations, it appears that attendance may double what we have ever had before. You do not want to miss this historic event!

I would love to hear your story of how you got to Convention on a shoestring budget. The trick is to do it without running up your credit card. Please write to me and tell me how you plan to do it.

Sincerely,

Frank VanderSloot

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