Julia Hartley Moore
Private Investigator, media celebrity and author of her second book Suddenly Single.
Amway Direct Selling
More than door-to-door sales we profile three of New Zealand’s direct selling experts.
Direct Selling Opportunities
All the information on making an informed decision about which direct selling opportunity is right for you.
her inspiration
Love Lessons
Julia Hartley Moore
If you’re just out of a relationship, or you’re a single woman keen to meet someone new, there’s no better time to read Suddenly Single the latest book by private investigator, author, and media celebrity, Julia Hartley Moore.
Relationship breakdowns are no fun. We’ve all been there – the tears, the drama, the questions, the two litre tubs of triple chocolate swirl ice cream we devour to ease our pain. We agonise over where it all went wrong. We wonder if there really is true love out there for us, and are probably more than a little concerned about having to re-negotiate the dating minefield.
Julia Hartley Moore’s new book Suddenly Single, is packed with helpful, practical information for women going through this difficult time whether they find themselves single through the death of a spouse, divorce, desertion or a broken relationship. Don’t expect a soft message, however, because Julia is refreshingly honest, and not afraid to tell it like it is, despite today’s politically correct environment. “I’ve been accused of being a little hard on women in this book but that’s just what many women need. They tend not to learn by their mistakes and make far too many excuses for the men in their lives. Yet men aren’t as difficult to read as we make them out to be. If a guy doesn’t want to call you, he’ll give you all the signs under the sun, but women will still come up with reasons and excuses why he hasn’t. I think women’s behaviour is something that has to change. The truth is often quite simple, but we tend to make it all so complicated.”
Suddenly Single was released in June to rave reviews and excellent sales. It has given Julia her second New Zealand top ten non-fiction best sellers entry, following the earlier success of Infidelity – exploding the myths.
Julia says most women have had experience with the good, the bad and the ugly in relationships. “I really believe that you have to have known a bad man once or twice to appreciate a good one.”
Once a woman has worked through the emotional, physical and financial aftermath of a terminated relationship, she suggests that they invest time in themselves before looking for love again. “Many women say they love themselves, but inside they truly don’t. It’s so important to invest that time in yourself, and to get to the stage where you can absolutely stand alone and feel one hundred percent fantastic, whether you have a man in your life or not.”
Julia has been single for seven years herself. “I’m as happy as a pig in mud on my own. I think that being content on your own is a wonderful, powerful place to be. I often laugh at myself, shaving, waxing and tanning, and it’s only me that sees it, but I’m doing it just for me.”
When it comes to dating, Julia believes women should put on the brakes, take their time, and swing back to some good old-fashioned values. “Women need to stop acting like they can’t live without a man, as men who use women for sex have an antenna for weakness, and know just what to say to get what they want. So many women give sex away while they’re looking for love, but if they don’t give in too soon they will find out what type of guy he really is. A man who truly wants to be with a woman will always wait. It comes back to what you think of yourself and the value you put on yourself. If you don’t value yourself – why would anybody else?”
When she founded Arbeth & Co Ltd in 1996, Julia became the first woman to own a private investigation company in New Zealand. Her boutique investigation agency now works throughout Australasia, and internationally, on private, family court, criminal and commercial investigations. But it is uncovering infidelities for which is Julia is most well-known, especially after her appearances on television shows Private Investigators and How’s Life. She says she is often asked what it is like to tell people their partner has been unfaithful. “Most of our clients already know it in their heart – that’s why they approach us in the first place. They usually just want someone independent to go out there and confirm what their intuition is telling them. Many have often already confronted their partners about their fears, and have been told that they’re going mad, so they seek the evidence and proof that their partner will not be able to deny.”
Julia reckons she can tell within three minutes of a conversation with someone whether or not they are playing around. “I’ve heard all the same stories over and over, and have learnt so much about human behaviour after so long in this business.” Her expertise in human nature, relationships and infidelity issues, sees Julia in demand as a public speaker and seminar presenter. She is a regular columnist for women’s magazines and studio guest for radio stations throughout New Zealand, Australia and the USA.
She is excited about her new project, Affinities, an exclusive introduction agency for business and professional people who are looking for likeminded people to spend time with. “I’m still in the planning stages, but intend to hold a relaxed gathering for 20 women and 20 men where they can mingle over a glass of wine and nibbles. I haven’t advertised it yet, but I’ve already got lots of lovely women interested and a couple of nice guys.” Julia believes every centre needs a place where genuine, discerning people can meet. “I’ve talked to men who use the dating agencies or the Internet dating sites to find a different woman to sleep with every week. I won’t be allowing any of those ratbags at Affinities.”
With Julia’s skills at flushing out ‘ratbags’, it’s hard to imagine they would stand a chance.
The battle of the sexes needn’t be a battle at all if men and women applied some common sense, she says. “Men and women like to be together, and most people want to be in a relationship. Women need to stop making it so difficult by overanalysing men all the time. Men open doors for us so they can check out our bottoms, and that’s just the way they are. We need to understand that they’re pretty basic creatures, who do want the same things we do – to be loved, cherished, honoured and adored. It is just worth taking that bit of extra time to make sure that you have found a good one.”
By Jo Bailey
her insight
Amway Direct Selling
Direct selling is so much more than door-to-door sales. Three of New Zealand’s direct selling experts share their secrets and life stories on how to get to the top and achieve your dreams.
Amway is one of New Zealand’s largest direct selling businesses, which offers individuals the opportunity to build their own business by selling Amway’s health and skincare products. There is a common misconception that salespeople, in the direct selling industry, have to be tough and relentless if they want to make a buck. Three of Amway’s top independent business owners will explain why multi-level marketing is the best way to get ahead and secure your financial freedom.
Yvonne Godfrey has over 30 years of experience in the direct selling business and is one of Amway New Zealand’s first business owners. Yvonne started out in direct selling when she was just 22. “It took me a year to internalise that I could be a businesswoman and not just pedal products. At 23, I set about to become a professional and whatever I did was to grow the business and not just to work hours and hours every day.”
Yvonne says her goal was to be a full-time mother on a full income. At 25, she had her first child, and was also financially free. “Because of my children, I did not want to go back to work on a full-time basis.” Having successfully established her own business, Yvonne is now also involved in coaching Amway’s independent business owners.
It was, however, not always an easy road. Yvonne came from a hard background and took a gamble joining the business. She says the key to her success was having a vision of what she wanted to become. “You have to decide if you want pocket money or a business. You are either looking to live in the moment or to build a business. If you want to build a business you need to think long term. Start with the end in mind, what am I building this for?” She says if you want to build your life you need to visualise what kind of a life it is that you are working for.
Once you have decided on your vision and goal, Yvonne says the next step is to invest in yourself. “Work harder on yourself than you do the business. At the end of the day, it is about you. So be disciplined – spend money on up skilling. It takes money to equip yourself to become a professional.” Yvonne says it is important that business owners consider themselves as the most important asset.
After a successful career, Yvonne has decided it is time to give back. “I have done the hunting and gathering thing and made money, it is now time to give back. I have created my success and this is the only way to be fulfilled.” Yvonne practices what she preaches and is actively involved in World Vision. Recently, she flew to Uganda and India to see World Vision programmes in action.
The reason Yvonne has been with Amway for so long is because of the business’s values and products. Mary Henderson, another Amway success story, agrees with Yvonne and says she joined Amway because of their marketing, and their quality products. “It is very important to be responsive to the market. Amway is very responsive to consumer demands. For example, they quickly transitioned from a company that sells household products to personal health and skincare products.”
As a mother of four, Mary wanted an income without having to work set hours. “I wanted a professional career, where I would have money coming in without having to put the effort in.” Mary says you need to take control and design a life for yourself, and this means thinking outside the rat race in order to make an above average income.
Currently, Mary is involved in developing Amway’s people. Mary believes it is important to choose a business that has a strong team of people who will help you grow. She says the key benefit of Amway is that they provide the support and training to effectively set up a business.
While Mary agrees that running your own business is not always easy, she says it is the best option for earning money and having flexibility to do the things you want. How much can you earn? “Well, our first cheque was $15 and, within a year, we were making a couple of thousand per month (22 years ago). Within three years, we were earning a six figure income and now it is about $500,000 per year.” Mary says it is important not to look at starting a business as something you are going to do forever, but rather look at it as a means for helping you live the life you want.
To do this you need to decide how you want to live your life and plan for it. One of Mary’s children requires special care and she says that her work supports her interests. “It helps me do all the things I like to do, for example, donating time and money to Autism New Zealand. When life happens sometimes it can knock the wind out of your sails and so it is important to make money to do the things you want.” Mary says you need to balance time between work and family and this means fitting your work around your needs.
Mary says the one thing to remember when you’re selling is that you have to believe in the products. “If I wasn’t sold on it then I would not be a part of the deal. If I don’t like it then I won’t use it.” Mary says it is important to only recommend products that you consume at home, and research the business to ensure they have a strong reputation.
Similarly, Han Cham, another leader in the Amway business, says when selecting a business you need to look at the plans for growth and not have pre-conceived ideas. “It is not just selling, it is growing the business.” Han says the business provides the opportunity to build a network for passive income generation and this is the key to securing financial freedom.
The real strength to the Amway business is the support. Han says when looking for a business you need to choose not only one with quality products and a proven business plan, but they must have the right people available to help you achieve your dreams.
Han was a teacher before she started her business with Amway. Her dream was to secure a financial future. Han says once you have decided on what you want, you need to set goals and follow through with confidence. “Have a goal in mind and decide on what kind of life you want to have and what do you want to do.”
Han is a proud mother of three (grown men), each of whom are involved in the multi-level marketing business. She says Amway gave her the flexibility to spend time with her family and enjoy life. “I wanted a good life and was looking for a way to realise it. My business gives me time to do the things that I want to do. It provides me with a passive income.”
It is not just about developing your dreams; Han says it is important to give back once you have achieved. “This job allows me to become the kind of person I want to become. The job gives me time and money for my family and personal life, and the opportunity to give back.” Han’s role has now evolved into helping develop and coach future business leaders.
While direct selling may be a tough business, the three Amway success stories of Yvonne, Mary and Han are proven examples that, with a little persistence and a lot of hard work, you can live the life you want.
By Michelle King
her inform
Direct Selling Opportunities
What You Need To Know
Avon, Mary Kay, Herbalife, Creative Memories. While you may recognise some of the big-name Direct Selling Opportunities (DSO), you may not know which one is right for you, or for that matter, how direct selling works.
As you begin your investigation into possible money-making businesses, use these questions to get the information you need to make an informed decision.
What is Direct Selling?
In the old days, direct selling was pretty much one-on-one and was often door-to-door. The caller at the door was often dependent on an on-the-spot invitation to come into the prospective buyer’s home to showcase or demonstrate their products.
Today’s methods of direct selling can include multiple formats, including the party plan (think Tupperware), multi-level reward systems (think Amway), telemarketing, and the Internet. Although most sales experts will tell you that face-to-face sales are still your best bet, this doesn’t mean you have to go knocking on strangers’ homes.
What are the advantages of DSOs over a ‘regular’ job?
Whether you’re thinking about quitting your nine-to-five job, or just looking for a way to make extra income, the right direct selling opportunity can be very lucrative. In addition to making money, some of the appeal includes; setting your own hours, being your own boss, working from home, increased time with family and friends, no lengthy commutes, no worries about layoffs, and decreased job-related costs (business attire, vehicle maintenance and gas, lunches, etc.)
What are the disadvantages?
Of course, there are disadvantages to starting your own business. A few of the more common concerns; paying for your own insurance and retirement, loneliness, little structure (no one telling you what to do!), distractions at home, the need to sell, possible initial start-up costs (computer, business cards, website, etc.), possible extensive driving and the need to work at night and on weekends.
How can I identify a legitimate DSO?
There are some common threads that most legitimate DSOs share. Use these to weed out the good from the bad before narrowing further your search for businesses that most appeal to you.
1. Minimal start-up costs. Legitimate companies want to make it easy and inexpensive for you to start, so most charge little or nothing for you to delve in. The cost of a basic sales kit is quite common; after all, you need something to show your clients. Many legitimate DSO companies will even give you catalogues for free. Things to make you weary; high entry fees, fees for new recruits, training fees or the need to buy lots of inventory up front.
2. Option to return unsold inventory. Most legitimate DSO companies will allow you to sell inventory back to them within in a certain time frame if you quit, at close to what you paid for it. Companies belonging to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations, for example, must agree to buy back any unsold merchandise less a handling fee of 10%.
3. Earnings are based on products/services sold. No company should promise that you’ll get rich JUST by recruiting new people into the business. Your profits should (at least at first) come from selling products or services that you believe in.
Now that your search has been narrowed down, what questions should you ask?
1. How long has the company been in business? How did it start?
2. What are the exact products and/or services that I will be expected to sell? Do I receive commission for recruiting other salespeople? Do I have to recruit people?
3. What is the pay structure? Is there a minimum I am expected to sell each week/month/year?
4. Are there prizes or cash rewards that I earn when I achieve certain levels of sales? How many other distributors have earned these rewards over the last few years?
5. What are the start-up costs? Does the company provide free catalogues, brochures, business cards or a website for me/the company?
6. What are the average earnings of distributors at my level?
7. What is your return policy for customers’ purchases and for any leftover inventory that I purchase if I choose to leave the business?
8. What have proven to be the most effective means of selling these products/services? (home parties, networking, business expos, etc.)
9. Can you provide me with the names and numbers of successful distributors?
10. Where can I learn more about the company?
To learn more about Direct Selling Opportunities, start by visiting the Direct Selling Association of New Zealand at www.dsanz.co.nz.
By Wendy Burt
