Roget Uys in Direct Selling News

Top Desk with Roget Uys

2008 is going to be a great year, regardless of the abundance of challenges that seem to surround us every day. I make this prediction based on the fact that our industry allows everyone who participates in it to take control and responsibility for all aspects of their lives—and this year won’t be an exception. Personally, the past 19 years have more than proven this, as I first joined this industry in 1989, and I have observed this phenomenon firsthand every year.

A very special year for GNLD, 2008 marks our 50th anniversary. This is an outstanding achievement in an industry that can trace its very beginnings to the ’50s. On occasions like this it is appropriate to take a look at what allows longevity in an industry inundated with newcomers, many of whom do not make it beyond five years.

Two key words come to mind—passion and persistence. Clearly, when these attributes are found in combination, the results are always exceptional. This is not only true for companies but also for all those individuals who choose to associate with us. But passion and persistence are attributes that don’t just happen by chance or by birth; they need to be developed like any other skill.

It is a fact that everyone who joins our business is excited—excited about the potential this business has to offer. For this potential to be realized, though, this excitement for the business needs to be converted into enthusiasm for life through achieving dreams and goals. As a company, we see this as the ultimate goal; it is only through the success of our distributors that we achieve success.

The key, therefore, is that the company creates an environment that allows individual growth and development, an environment that allows for big dreams and a belief that it is possible to turn these dreams into reality. For anyone to have this sincere belief, they need to be equipped—with knowledge, skill and a winning attitude.

One of our biggest challenges is the development of people, giving them the knowledge and understanding of our products, plan and opportunity. We then need to equip them with the necessary selling, recruiting and presentation skills. Our greatest challenge by far is to create an environment that negates all the negative influences that abound around us every day. All these are designed to move people from an “I can’t” to an “I can,” winning attitude.

Passion for the business comes as a result of these achievements. People’s lives are being changed as a result of what we do and stand for. In our experience over the past 50 years, the environment these achievements require is included in our company mission, principles and values—thinking long-term and not doing anything contrary to these principles and values for a short-term gain. We always ensure that our products deliver and make a positive difference in people’s lives, don’t harm the environment and have a sincere respect for animal rights. Getting these things right is fundamental to longevity.

Once this foundation has been laid, the next step to ensure long-term success is persistence. Achieving persistence, though, is easier said than done, as “persistence” is the extent to which we can overcome adversity and challenges. Over a number of years, our industry has certainly not been immune to challenges, many of which were brought about by unscrupulous players who have broken some of the most fundamental rules that make our business great. Companies and distributors alike have caused our industry some of its most embarrassing moments. False products and abusive practices of our industry’s own making have resulted in some of the most severe tests of our persistence. I have no doubt that this will continue into the future. So those of us who are passionate about what we do should guard against these practices and take whatever action is necessary to protect this very special industry. On the plus side, our persistence has paid off, and our industry certainly has a lot to be proud of: We are an industry with sales in excess of $100 billion that is making its mark in the well-being and economic empowerment of more than 50 million people worldwide.

Without a doubt, persistence is fundamental to our success as an industry and to GNLD’s success as a company. This principle is also fundamental to the success of everyone who joins us as a distributor or agent. It’s a simple fact that all comers—new and old alike—will face numerous challenges in pursuit of their dreams. Challenges come as a result of taking action, and one’s ability to persist is a key ingredient for success. Persistence brings with it the benefit of experience, the experience that allows one to deal with similar challenges in the future. Keeping at it, moving forward, is the key to achieving the great successes we are so privileged to be part of.

As a company, we have received many rewards for the passion we have, for what we do, and for what we stand for. Our products and plan have contributed to the health and well-being of thousands, giving them the recognition and security they deserve as a result of their passion and persistence.

Our persistence has rewarded us with 50 years of making a positive difference in the lives of those who have associated with us. The wonderful thing about our business is that it offers everyone associated with it an opportunity to have a fresh start every day, an opportunity to change their lives in a positive way. As a company, we see our 50th anniversary simply as a new beginning and look forward with passion and persistence to the next 50!

Roget Uys is President and CEO of GNLD.