Who are your rooting for? Superbowl Party is at our house!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some Mary Kay Points and Pink Truth Counter-Points
Written by "pinkpeace", this piece has a decent amount of insight into the Pink Truth contentions against Mary Kay.
Any thoughts?
P.S. I have been doing (and will be doing) a little bit of traveling, so apologies for any sporadic nature of posts. Thanks for understanding.
Written by "pinkpeace", this piece has a decent amount of insight into the Pink Truth contentions against Mary Kay.
Any thoughts?
P.S. I have been doing (and will be doing) a little bit of traveling, so apologies for any sporadic nature of posts. Thanks for understanding.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Question
Am I the only one that has found it interesting when an email from a pro-mker is posted as the main topic on pt, that the posters keep asking her to explain her point or to respond. When there is no forthcoming response from the author, it is assumed that she has no defense or explanation for what she has written and hahahaha. I do not want to stir up any trouble, but sooner or later, it would seem only logical that that the author has no idea the email as been posted for public display because it was sent to an email address that was listed and probably didn't return every day to see if it was going to be posted and then the comments are censored, or the poster banned so even if she wanted to post, she could not? Does it not make any of them wonder why there is not even one "posetive post"? even if 99%of any Company lost money, that would still leave 1% that would leave a posetive comment or even have an ongoing dialogue explaining their viewpoint?
The latest document was written by a Mary Kay client, many attacked her for not knowing what she is talking about because she has never been a consultant before, but aren't there some active posters on their site that have never been a consultant before either? Is there a difference?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pink Truth: The Facts are these; We make up the facts and they are facts because we say they are
Want to read what Pink Truth calls facts? Click here.
Wow. This goes beyond wild. I can think of no greater demonstration of why I simply can't take literally anything that Pink Truth says. In fact, it is exactly this kind of post that makes me wonder if they are not all being facetious about the whole thing. I seriously have a hard time believing that anyone could actually say (or, in this case, write) these things with a straight face. I know I couldn't.
"jta" says,
(emphasis mine)
JTA,
Suppose, if you will, that someone reading your article took your advice and asked the "Directors you admire" for their 1099s. Let's further suppose that they have several Directors they admire. Let's further suppose that all the directors that this anonymous reader queries turn out to make less money than they seemed to be claiming. Moreover, let's FURTHER suppose they make (as you say) "very little money" (Isn't this just as subjective as "executive income?).
How does this make "The majority of Sales Directors make very little money" a fact?
The FACT of the matter is that it does not. I suppose that I should not even ask, "how do you expect to be taken seriously when you say things like this?" because it is obvious that you don't.
Sorry to have wasted your time.
Wow. This goes beyond wild. I can think of no greater demonstration of why I simply can't take literally anything that Pink Truth says. In fact, it is exactly this kind of post that makes me wonder if they are not all being facetious about the whole thing. I seriously have a hard time believing that anyone could actually say (or, in this case, write) these things with a straight face. I know I couldn't.
"jta" says,
"Fact 1: The majority of Sales Directors make very little money.
...To check this fact, you can do a couple of things. One real eye opener is to ask the Directors you admire to provide their 1099s for the last few years...
...Another easy way to check this is to take a look at the Applause magazine..."
(emphasis mine)
JTA,
Suppose, if you will, that someone reading your article took your advice and asked the "Directors you admire" for their 1099s. Let's further suppose that they have several Directors they admire. Let's further suppose that all the directors that this anonymous reader queries turn out to make less money than they seemed to be claiming. Moreover, let's FURTHER suppose they make (as you say) "very little money" (Isn't this just as subjective as "executive income?).
How does this make "The majority of Sales Directors make very little money" a fact?
The FACT of the matter is that it does not. I suppose that I should not even ask, "how do you expect to be taken seriously when you say things like this?" because it is obvious that you don't.
Sorry to have wasted your time.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Greetings Pink Truth Users: Welcome to Balanced Mary Kay - Also Known As: "The Truth About Mary Kay"
I am sorry that I do not have more time to greet you and explain what we are doing here, but I was not expecting you quite so soon.
Nonetheless, I am glad to see all of you here. No doubt, many of you have already googled "The Truth About Mary Kay" and found yourself here.
Yes, I am the "boy yente" that havurah mentioned. You are in the right place.
As I mentioned, this is a very hasty greeting and hopefully I will be able to fill in the gaps for you soon. In the meantime, please feel free to poke around and see what we are all about.
To sum it up for you though, we are primarily folks that disagree with Tracy but are not allowed to post comments on Pink Truth. Most dissenting opinions on Pink Truth are deleted and the ones that left them banned. This is our "home" where we express our dissenting opinions. And allow people to disagree with our dissenting opinions. As such, you are more than welcome to express your opinions here.
Pro-MK
Anti-MK
Anti-Pro-MK
Anti-Anti-MK
Whatever you want. Be creative. Really.
I do, however, (as most blog owners do) request that you keep it civil.
No "outing" people.
No abusive language.
No declarations of "facts" that you PERSONALLY do not have evidence of.
(on that note, personal testimony should be presented as such... Your story... not "the way things are".)
To that end, you will find that we have simply had a different experience with Mary Kay than you did.
Because of the way our (by "our" I mean ALL of us) perception of the world is shaped, it is easy to understand how YOU (Pink Truth members) will believe that the majority of Mary Kay is the way you experienced it while WE (people that have a 'good' perception of Mary Kay) will believe that the majority of Mary Kay is the way WE experienced it.
This is not bad or good. It simply precludes the ability to say, "Mary Kay is... (anything) with any certainty.
It is for that reason that "WE" (the majority of readers/subscribers to this blog) have (more or less) concluded that the simplest way to look at it is this:
Mary Kay is just a company. It is not "good". It is not "bad". There are "pros" and there are "cons".
Again, I am very happy to see that you made your way here, and I hope we will all here from you soon.
P.S. Google is a very impartial holder of the accounts here. You are also welcome to use Open ID (if you can figure it out). You will have to remember your password. I do not get any of your account information from google, so you are "safe". Thanks.
Nonetheless, I am glad to see all of you here. No doubt, many of you have already googled "The Truth About Mary Kay" and found yourself here.
Yes, I am the "boy yente" that havurah mentioned. You are in the right place.
As I mentioned, this is a very hasty greeting and hopefully I will be able to fill in the gaps for you soon. In the meantime, please feel free to poke around and see what we are all about.
To sum it up for you though, we are primarily folks that disagree with Tracy but are not allowed to post comments on Pink Truth. Most dissenting opinions on Pink Truth are deleted and the ones that left them banned. This is our "home" where we express our dissenting opinions. And allow people to disagree with our dissenting opinions. As such, you are more than welcome to express your opinions here.
Pro-MK
Anti-MK
Anti-Pro-MK
Anti-Anti-MK
Whatever you want. Be creative. Really.
I do, however, (as most blog owners do) request that you keep it civil.
No "outing" people.
No abusive language.
No declarations of "facts" that you PERSONALLY do not have evidence of.
(on that note, personal testimony should be presented as such... Your story... not "the way things are".)
To that end, you will find that we have simply had a different experience with Mary Kay than you did.
Because of the way our (by "our" I mean ALL of us) perception of the world is shaped, it is easy to understand how YOU (Pink Truth members) will believe that the majority of Mary Kay is the way you experienced it while WE (people that have a 'good' perception of Mary Kay) will believe that the majority of Mary Kay is the way WE experienced it.
This is not bad or good. It simply precludes the ability to say, "Mary Kay is... (anything) with any certainty.
It is for that reason that "WE" (the majority of readers/subscribers to this blog) have (more or less) concluded that the simplest way to look at it is this:
Mary Kay is just a company. It is not "good". It is not "bad". There are "pros" and there are "cons".
Again, I am very happy to see that you made your way here, and I hope we will all here from you soon.
P.S. Google is a very impartial holder of the accounts here. You are also welcome to use Open ID (if you can figure it out). You will have to remember your password. I do not get any of your account information from google, so you are "safe". Thanks.
Daydreaming about Success, In Mary Kay and Out.
Get ready for a shocker... no link today!
That's right, I am taking a break from linking to Pink Truth (for today) to bring you a short musing of my own about this whole Mary Kay thing.
I will set this up by telling you about an opinion piece I was reading in an automotive magazine. The article was discussing the way that speeding tickets (and other moving violations) seem to increase (in certain towns and cities) when the economy begins to struggle.
The theory that was posited is that the local government, strapped for cash because of declining property taxes (and other declining revenue streams) "lean on" their police departments to bring in some cash.
Now, I am just as infuriated as the next guy by the thought of my law enforcement (I say my because we all pay taxes for this) department "fund-raising" for the city by ticketing otherwise minor driving offenses while turning a relatively blind eye to other, more serious crimes.
It also stands to reason that there is a direct connection between declining city/town/state revenue and increased citations. Whether it is true that this is intentional or not is likely as difficult to determine as many of the accusations Pink Truth hurls about Mary Kay. In some cases it is probably painfully obvious, in others, anecdotal, at best.
One line that was quoted in the piece was this;
Now, this is a fantastically large can of worms that I am not particularly interested in opening on this site. Although, if you would like to, feel free... just no guarantees on how much time I can devote to 'caring' about your opinions about it!
That said, my thoughts turned to the "evidence" that is so often used in arguments against Mary Kay. They go something like this: "Mary Kay directors say that they only recruit people they believe would be great at Mary Kay, but if you could get them to be honest, they would admit that they secretly wish every client became a team member."
Now, hopefully I have set the stage well enough for my bitter distaste for this line of argument to make sense.
Naturally, there is a very high likelihood that anyone in any industry will have "secret" desires that not only don't line up with their company's declared objectives and values, but are in fact self-destructive to the very person thinking them.
From the Burger King "fry-master"... "... I wish that noone comes in to the store today..." (If he got his wish, day after day, he would be out of a job... of course that may be a good thing too...)
to the Mary Kay Rep.... "... I wish every client I have right now would decide to sell Mary Kay.... I could be a director tomorrow!"
and many, many more in between... probably even YOU.
There is a tendency to "fantasize" about a world where the tedious, slow process of doing whatever it is we do, gets done for us, while we sit idly by and reap the benefits. This, in and of itself is not wrong. Some people daydream about it. No doubt, some people (I believe erroneously) pray for it. Others, and I think this group are a small minority, attempt to make it happen. (picture aforementioned "fry-master" setting the place on fire in hopes that it would keep customers away...)
The thing, I believe that keeps Mary Kay reps in Mary Kay (and away from Pink Truth), the thing that keeps each of us in our career of choice (and not trying to burn down our office building), is the realization that whatever we do, it is going to take persistence, hard work, and frankly, must be earned. It is when people begin believing that the crazy daydream of having things handed to them, unearned, can actually be realized that they end up doing regrettable things... and, inevitably, end up regretting those things.
However, just like we can picture the fry-master offering, "every fry-master daydreams about burning down the Burger King" as his defense... and maybe we can believe that this may or may not be true... the fact of the matter rests squarely on the little problem that only one person (in this story) actually committed arson.
Similarly, when someone on Pink Truth brazenly declares that she lied to her clients/recruits/family members and even herself, then applies the defense, "EVERYone in Mary Kay thinks the way I did... they are all 'in the fog' ", I have to ask, "Really? Everyone?" Because, frankly, it seems unlikely.
Perhaps there are those that daydream of going from "red jacket" to "NSD" in 13 days. Perhaps there are those that pray for this to happen. And clearly, there are some that are willing to lie, cheat and (essentially) steal to make it happen. These are destined for Pink Truth glory. However, leaping from these very probably assumptions to the "everyone is..." or "everyone does..." will give you a hernia.
I will wrap this up with a confession of my own. Every time I see a nice car (Everything from 'standard luxury' like Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti to 'luxury luxury' like Bentley, Rolls Royce to 'insane money luxury/sports' like Lambo, Ferrari) I fantasize about how I could wind up with that car. From insane scenarios like, "imagine if I notice this guy pulling over and I pull over behind him (picture the Ferrari for this one) and ask if everything is okay. turns out everything is fine, but he is SOOO impressed with my kindness that he just gives me the car... right there on the spot... title, registration, everything... and pays for the insurance... and gas... and repairs.
I exaggerated slightly when I said "EVERY" time, but only slightly. I love cars. I wish I had a whole warehouse full of them. I wish I could drive a different car every day for ten years. I wish that Jay Leno and I could compete on a "who has the better collection" level. I daydream, I wish for, I imagine ways that I could make this a reality, but I will always stop short of DOING something that compromises my values to achieve it.
In other words, when my imagination runs wild and I think, "I could steal that car, run away to Mexico, repaint it, and live the rest of my life in lonely seclusion with that beauty..." it stays right there. In my imagination.
Now, the battle will continue to rage about Mary Kay. How many people step across the line of fantasy and imagination (I could be an NSD if...) into the reality of doing regrettable things to achieve those fantasies and imaginations is simply not data that is available to us. What I personally hope this site achieves is becoming a road block (of sorts) preventing people from making that mistake.
Pink Truth (by and large) believes that joining Mary Kay is making that mistake.
I do not. I believe that you can operate a Mary Kay business without making that mistake. But you must guard yourself against the temptation to try to take the easy way out. In Mary Kay and out.
That's right, I am taking a break from linking to Pink Truth (for today) to bring you a short musing of my own about this whole Mary Kay thing.
I will set this up by telling you about an opinion piece I was reading in an automotive magazine. The article was discussing the way that speeding tickets (and other moving violations) seem to increase (in certain towns and cities) when the economy begins to struggle.
The theory that was posited is that the local government, strapped for cash because of declining property taxes (and other declining revenue streams) "lean on" their police departments to bring in some cash.
Now, I am just as infuriated as the next guy by the thought of my law enforcement (I say my because we all pay taxes for this) department "fund-raising" for the city by ticketing otherwise minor driving offenses while turning a relatively blind eye to other, more serious crimes.
It also stands to reason that there is a direct connection between declining city/town/state revenue and increased citations. Whether it is true that this is intentional or not is likely as difficult to determine as many of the accusations Pink Truth hurls about Mary Kay. In some cases it is probably painfully obvious, in others, anecdotal, at best.
One line that was quoted in the piece was this;
"A lot of police chiefs will tell you the goal is to have nobody speeding through their community, but heaven forbid if it should actually happen - they'd be out of money."
Now, this is a fantastically large can of worms that I am not particularly interested in opening on this site. Although, if you would like to, feel free... just no guarantees on how much time I can devote to 'caring' about your opinions about it!
That said, my thoughts turned to the "evidence" that is so often used in arguments against Mary Kay. They go something like this: "Mary Kay directors say that they only recruit people they believe would be great at Mary Kay, but if you could get them to be honest, they would admit that they secretly wish every client became a team member."
Now, hopefully I have set the stage well enough for my bitter distaste for this line of argument to make sense.
Naturally, there is a very high likelihood that anyone in any industry will have "secret" desires that not only don't line up with their company's declared objectives and values, but are in fact self-destructive to the very person thinking them.
From the Burger King "fry-master"... "... I wish that noone comes in to the store today..." (If he got his wish, day after day, he would be out of a job... of course that may be a good thing too...)
to the Mary Kay Rep.... "... I wish every client I have right now would decide to sell Mary Kay.... I could be a director tomorrow!"
and many, many more in between... probably even YOU.
There is a tendency to "fantasize" about a world where the tedious, slow process of doing whatever it is we do, gets done for us, while we sit idly by and reap the benefits. This, in and of itself is not wrong. Some people daydream about it. No doubt, some people (I believe erroneously) pray for it. Others, and I think this group are a small minority, attempt to make it happen. (picture aforementioned "fry-master" setting the place on fire in hopes that it would keep customers away...)
The thing, I believe that keeps Mary Kay reps in Mary Kay (and away from Pink Truth), the thing that keeps each of us in our career of choice (and not trying to burn down our office building), is the realization that whatever we do, it is going to take persistence, hard work, and frankly, must be earned. It is when people begin believing that the crazy daydream of having things handed to them, unearned, can actually be realized that they end up doing regrettable things... and, inevitably, end up regretting those things.
However, just like we can picture the fry-master offering, "every fry-master daydreams about burning down the Burger King" as his defense... and maybe we can believe that this may or may not be true... the fact of the matter rests squarely on the little problem that only one person (in this story) actually committed arson.
Similarly, when someone on Pink Truth brazenly declares that she lied to her clients/recruits/family members and even herself, then applies the defense, "EVERYone in Mary Kay thinks the way I did... they are all 'in the fog' ", I have to ask, "Really? Everyone?" Because, frankly, it seems unlikely.
Perhaps there are those that daydream of going from "red jacket" to "NSD" in 13 days. Perhaps there are those that pray for this to happen. And clearly, there are some that are willing to lie, cheat and (essentially) steal to make it happen. These are destined for Pink Truth glory. However, leaping from these very probably assumptions to the "everyone is..." or "everyone does..." will give you a hernia.
I will wrap this up with a confession of my own. Every time I see a nice car (Everything from 'standard luxury' like Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti to 'luxury luxury' like Bentley, Rolls Royce to 'insane money luxury/sports' like Lambo, Ferrari) I fantasize about how I could wind up with that car. From insane scenarios like, "imagine if I notice this guy pulling over and I pull over behind him (picture the Ferrari for this one) and ask if everything is okay. turns out everything is fine, but he is SOOO impressed with my kindness that he just gives me the car... right there on the spot... title, registration, everything... and pays for the insurance... and gas... and repairs.
I exaggerated slightly when I said "EVERY" time, but only slightly. I love cars. I wish I had a whole warehouse full of them. I wish I could drive a different car every day for ten years. I wish that Jay Leno and I could compete on a "who has the better collection" level. I daydream, I wish for, I imagine ways that I could make this a reality, but I will always stop short of DOING something that compromises my values to achieve it.
In other words, when my imagination runs wild and I think, "I could steal that car, run away to Mexico, repaint it, and live the rest of my life in lonely seclusion with that beauty..." it stays right there. In my imagination.
Now, the battle will continue to rage about Mary Kay. How many people step across the line of fantasy and imagination (I could be an NSD if...) into the reality of doing regrettable things to achieve those fantasies and imaginations is simply not data that is available to us. What I personally hope this site achieves is becoming a road block (of sorts) preventing people from making that mistake.
Pink Truth (by and large) believes that joining Mary Kay is making that mistake.
I do not. I believe that you can operate a Mary Kay business without making that mistake. But you must guard yourself against the temptation to try to take the easy way out. In Mary Kay and out.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Fun - NON MK
This has nothing to do with Mary Kay but I wanted to share, an active member of our blog (waving to Miranda) has a great talent and I thought I would share it here just in case someone doesn't follow the link to her blog to check it out. This is a cake. Applause!!
(The doll's makeup was even done by Miranda in the goth style!)
Pink Truth: Fun with religious manipulation - In Mary Kay and Out
Pink Truth Maintains that Mary Kay and God don't mix
Here is an interesting read for any of you that are actually still interested in what Pink Truth is ranting about these days.
On the surface, I would even (erroneously) suggest that this is "fresh" material.
"havurah", at first glance, seems to be taking a new angle on the whole Mary Kay situation.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find any consistent point, there are few points that she makes that are backed up with anything more than regurgitated Pink Truth propaganda, and the point that she does make - namely, that God is God, Cosmetics are Cosmetics, and Mary Kay is Mary Kay - is one that (for my money) everyone should either already know or stand to be manipulated by people claiming to speak on behalf of God (again).
Proof of concept? Look no further than Pink Truth. More specifically, look no further than the post that we are talking about here. One of Pink Truth's strongest, most persuasive, and most contentious arguments against Mary Kay is their own variety of religious manipulation.
And no, I am not referring to the ones that suggest that "using religion as a selling tactic" is wrong. Pink Truth(ers) (not all, but enough) use religious manipulation to bolster their argument for supporting Pink Truth. Much the same way they claim they were manipulated (and did manipulate) when they were in Mary Kay.
Since havurah clearly reads here, I wonder if she would care to clear up one thing for us? How is it that someone who claims to be crusading for the cause of separation of church and Mary Kay (or in this case some hybrid of Christianity and Judaism - and Mary Kay) feels the need to stir (or attempt to stir) the pot about people's belief systems?
Also, how is it that someone who understands this:
Can have any problem with this company? Clearly, it is the very people that you are associating with now (Pink Truth) - the ones that got carried away with fanciful and fanatical imaginations, faced disillusionment, and are now fanatical in their opposition to, as you say, "a factory" - that are the problem here.
Don't get me wrong, there are clearly still plenty of the "fanciful fanatics" in Mary Kay... but you are clearly aligning yourself with the crowd that can't (or wont) let go of this unique brand of obsession. How can you, in good conscience, preach, "GOD is GOD and personal products are personal products and there is no nexus between them." to the "choir" of people (Pink Truth) that can't seem to grasp this.
My only guess is that you don't believe it yourself. Which would lead one, logically, to believe that you are only using all this rhetoric to rally the forces (Pink Truth) behind your fuzzy version of this strange manipulation game.
I know that you made a big "slip-up" by mentioning this site in the comments. (If you haven't already been, you should expect a rebuke from your fearless leader.) But for my part, I will express my gratitude for that kindness. Also, if your brashness leads to your eventual banning, please know that you are always welcome here. (More accurately, that should read "When" ...your brashness leads to...)
Meantime, please feel free to drop us a line here. We may not seem that exciting here, because, for the most part, we are the "boring", non-fanciful types that see Mary Kay the way that you claim to. It is just a company.
We promise. We wont bite. (too much)
P.S. (I try very hard to not us the "phrase" - LOL - , but I have to admit that I very much enjoyed "No, I am not Noam Chomsky" **LOL** (there, you got it out of me) ;)
Here is an interesting read for any of you that are actually still interested in what Pink Truth is ranting about these days.
On the surface, I would even (erroneously) suggest that this is "fresh" material.
"havurah", at first glance, seems to be taking a new angle on the whole Mary Kay situation.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find any consistent point, there are few points that she makes that are backed up with anything more than regurgitated Pink Truth propaganda, and the point that she does make - namely, that God is God, Cosmetics are Cosmetics, and Mary Kay is Mary Kay - is one that (for my money) everyone should either already know or stand to be manipulated by people claiming to speak on behalf of God (again).
Proof of concept? Look no further than Pink Truth. More specifically, look no further than the post that we are talking about here. One of Pink Truth's strongest, most persuasive, and most contentious arguments against Mary Kay is their own variety of religious manipulation.
And no, I am not referring to the ones that suggest that "using religion as a selling tactic" is wrong. Pink Truth(ers) (not all, but enough) use religious manipulation to bolster their argument for supporting Pink Truth. Much the same way they claim they were manipulated (and did manipulate) when they were in Mary Kay.
Since havurah clearly reads here, I wonder if she would care to clear up one thing for us? How is it that someone who claims to be crusading for the cause of separation of church and Mary Kay (or in this case some hybrid of Christianity and Judaism - and Mary Kay) feels the need to stir (or attempt to stir) the pot about people's belief systems?
Also, how is it that someone who understands this:
"MARY KAY INC., is simply a factory. If the MARY KAY CORP., MLM disappeared tomorrow the factory would still be churning out other label products for other clients."
Can have any problem with this company? Clearly, it is the very people that you are associating with now (Pink Truth) - the ones that got carried away with fanciful and fanatical imaginations, faced disillusionment, and are now fanatical in their opposition to, as you say, "a factory" - that are the problem here.
Don't get me wrong, there are clearly still plenty of the "fanciful fanatics" in Mary Kay... but you are clearly aligning yourself with the crowd that can't (or wont) let go of this unique brand of obsession. How can you, in good conscience, preach, "GOD is GOD and personal products are personal products and there is no nexus between them." to the "choir" of people (Pink Truth) that can't seem to grasp this.
My only guess is that you don't believe it yourself. Which would lead one, logically, to believe that you are only using all this rhetoric to rally the forces (Pink Truth) behind your fuzzy version of this strange manipulation game.
I know that you made a big "slip-up" by mentioning this site in the comments. (If you haven't already been, you should expect a rebuke from your fearless leader.) But for my part, I will express my gratitude for that kindness. Also, if your brashness leads to your eventual banning, please know that you are always welcome here. (More accurately, that should read "When" ...your brashness leads to...)
Meantime, please feel free to drop us a line here. We may not seem that exciting here, because, for the most part, we are the "boring", non-fanciful types that see Mary Kay the way that you claim to. It is just a company.
We promise. We wont bite. (too much)
P.S. (I try very hard to not us the "phrase" - LOL - , but I have to admit that I very much enjoyed "No, I am not Noam Chomsky" **LOL** (there, you got it out of me) ;)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Pink Truth: Mary Kay resentment towards Pink Truth seems to run deep
Pink Truth posts another alleged Mary Kay letter
Would you like to add a comment to this?
Also, although this is not a political blog (lesson learned from last political discussion) please note that today is inauguration day... so feel free to express congratulations/support/etc. for our new president.
Would you like to add a comment to this?
Also, although this is not a political blog (lesson learned from last political discussion) please note that today is inauguration day... so feel free to express congratulations/support/etc. for our new president.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Pink Truth: "Lying" sounds so much worse than "Misrepresents". Since we don't have proof, lets use the one that sounds worse. Like the tabloids!
Pink Truth questions Mary Kay Director's Executive Income
I believe we have been over this before, and it quickly devolves into multiple trails of questions like, "what exactly is "executive income".
This is however, a very important consideration for everyone involved in this conversation.
From those involved with Mary Kay to those considering getting involved, clear communication in terms of expected income is important. This is the case in any career move, and is often a source of great contention.
Any employer will tell you that there are many hidden costs to having employees. The amount of money that you see on your paycheck is not anywhere near the amount of money that your employer shells out in order to retain your services. Think it is disappointing to see taxes removed from your paycheck before you even get your hands on it? It is worse for your employer.
Whether or not this has anything to do with the fact that many employers (slightly or greatly) over represent the money they intend to pay you is not easily clear, but I have seen it many times. I have even experienced it first hand.
Particularly difficult in this situation is the expected income in a commission only situation. You see, in a situation where you collect a steady, pre-stated, weekly/monthly/twice-monthly, based-on-hours-worked paycheck, you get paid what was agreed upon (or at least what the contract ends up saying was agreed upon). When the amount of compensation that you stand to receive is based solely on your performance (I.E. how many units you sell), it is far too easy for your future "employer" to have too much faith in your ability.
Add to this the fact that for someone (it seems that there is at least a healthy number of these in MK) that previously had no job/part-time job/min-wage job any income will feel "executive"... and you have a recipe for dangerous misunderstandings.
That said, here are what I believe are two very important things you should keep in mind whether you are explaining the opportunity to someone or having your next possible opportunity explained to you.
1. Keep in mind that words can be very powerful. What you say. What you hear. Words mean different things to different people. Words have emotions attached to them. Executive income is a good example of this. We instantly picture a wealthy individual with a luxury car, a beautiful home and a fat expense account to do whatever they want with. That is not necessarily the case, but if you allow yourself to picture this (or if you allow a recruit to picture this), there could be a pretty serious disillusionment being scheduled.
2. Ask questions. On both sides, questions are the best way to ensure (or at least have a pretty good idea) that what you each are HEARING and SAYING are one and the same.
What are your thoughts about the executive income possibility in Mary Kay?
What is executive income... to you?
What else would you like to add to this topic?
I believe we have been over this before, and it quickly devolves into multiple trails of questions like, "what exactly is "executive income".
This is however, a very important consideration for everyone involved in this conversation.
From those involved with Mary Kay to those considering getting involved, clear communication in terms of expected income is important. This is the case in any career move, and is often a source of great contention.
Any employer will tell you that there are many hidden costs to having employees. The amount of money that you see on your paycheck is not anywhere near the amount of money that your employer shells out in order to retain your services. Think it is disappointing to see taxes removed from your paycheck before you even get your hands on it? It is worse for your employer.
Whether or not this has anything to do with the fact that many employers (slightly or greatly) over represent the money they intend to pay you is not easily clear, but I have seen it many times. I have even experienced it first hand.
Particularly difficult in this situation is the expected income in a commission only situation. You see, in a situation where you collect a steady, pre-stated, weekly/monthly/twice-monthly, based-on-hours-worked paycheck, you get paid what was agreed upon (or at least what the contract ends up saying was agreed upon). When the amount of compensation that you stand to receive is based solely on your performance (I.E. how many units you sell), it is far too easy for your future "employer" to have too much faith in your ability.
Add to this the fact that for someone (it seems that there is at least a healthy number of these in MK) that previously had no job/part-time job/min-wage job any income will feel "executive"... and you have a recipe for dangerous misunderstandings.
That said, here are what I believe are two very important things you should keep in mind whether you are explaining the opportunity to someone or having your next possible opportunity explained to you.
1. Keep in mind that words can be very powerful. What you say. What you hear. Words mean different things to different people. Words have emotions attached to them. Executive income is a good example of this. We instantly picture a wealthy individual with a luxury car, a beautiful home and a fat expense account to do whatever they want with. That is not necessarily the case, but if you allow yourself to picture this (or if you allow a recruit to picture this), there could be a pretty serious disillusionment being scheduled.
2. Ask questions. On both sides, questions are the best way to ensure (or at least have a pretty good idea) that what you each are HEARING and SAYING are one and the same.
What are your thoughts about the executive income possibility in Mary Kay?
What is executive income... to you?
What else would you like to add to this topic?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
A Little Thing
Sometimes it is just the little things that mean so much. I have had a client since 1994, who happens to like the cream blush that we no longer carry (I ordered extra because I know she likes it to have on hand). I received this letter from her today with her payment for the last order I delivered to her. I just had to share it because this is one of the biggest perks of this business. I hope you enjoy the note as much as I did.
Dear mk4me, I want to thank you for all the trouble. I am 78 nyears old and live by myself. I have purchased MK since 1976, that is a long time. They were trying to sell me on Avon and I told them no way. You have been such a great representative for me and MK. I can depend on you. Remember you did the makeup for my granddaughter's wedding and her bridal party. She now has a little girl and is going to have another baby in July, we are hoping it is a boy this time. She has a beautiful home now. I want to thank you for the Christmas CD and card.
Hugs and Kisses,
It just meant so much to me that I wanted to share it. Never think doing the little things for your clients don't make a difference.
Dear mk4me, I want to thank you for all the trouble. I am 78 nyears old and live by myself. I have purchased MK since 1976, that is a long time. They were trying to sell me on Avon and I told them no way. You have been such a great representative for me and MK. I can depend on you. Remember you did the makeup for my granddaughter's wedding and her bridal party. She now has a little girl and is going to have another baby in July, we are hoping it is a boy this time. She has a beautiful home now. I want to thank you for the Christmas CD and card.
Hugs and Kisses,
It just meant so much to me that I wanted to share it. Never think doing the little things for your clients don't make a difference.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Pink Truth: Mary Kay and Rah Rah sisterhood?
Pink Truth - Blah, blah, blah; Mary Kay
Sorry for the less than descriptive link, but if I even try to read one more thing from raisinberry my head will explode.
If you would care to, you can follow the link, read for yourself and leave your comment here.
Thanks
(Oh yeah, by the way this is our 400th post... kinda thought that was cool. Yay us.)
Sorry for the less than descriptive link, but if I even try to read one more thing from raisinberry my head will explode.
If you would care to, you can follow the link, read for yourself and leave your comment here.
Thanks
(Oh yeah, by the way this is our 400th post... kinda thought that was cool. Yay us.)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pink Truth: We don't really pay attention to anything we steal from Mary Kay women... we just look for things to pick at... like this one
Mary Kay NSD offers advice about training new recruits... SHHHHHHOCKINGLY... Pink Truth finds something to criticize anyway.
What do you think about this advice.
Good?
Bad?
Meh?
What do you think is the best way for someone that is new in Mary Kay to be trained?
What do you think about this advice.
Good?
Bad?
Meh?
What do you think is the best way for someone that is new in Mary Kay to be trained?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Pink Truth: Mary Kay should... wait... Pink Truth doesn't mention Mary Kay in this post? Who are they talking about?
SuzyQ, of Pink Truth, offers Pink Truth haters some advice
Ironically, it is not until the 6th point that she even refers to Mary Kay. Even then it is only the initials MK.
Before anyone accuses me of being petty (and go ahead, it is just that by reading this you are giving me the opportunity to defend myself before you accuse me!) let me clarify that I am not merely criticizing her technique of writing out her "hate-filled missives" three times before sending/posting/publishing. I am pointing out something that has been coming more and more into focus lately. Namely that for many people the argument here has nothing to do with Mary Kay.
It seems to me that some people become so emotionally invested into something that they used to be involved in (job, church, band, club, school, etc.) and were in some way removed from (typically not on "their terms") and feel some need to assert themselves in such a way as to not feel (in the case of guys, which I more often observe this phenomena) "emasculated"... or, more generically speaking, "shamed".
Whether anyone outside of the individual person actually perceives them as any less of a person as a result of their sudden (or gradual) lack of involvement is irrelevant. They feel like the world is "calling them out". "Lazy loser", screams every person they interact with. They are perpetually forced to exclaim, "No, but I am not... I am relevant. I do have purpose. I did not waste the last xx years of my life."
Am I saying that this is the case with all of the participants on Pink Truth?
Of course not.
Am I suggesting that it is with most of them?
Still no.
Does it seem like a pretty good explanation for why some people that you deal with (in any sphere of your life) can't seem to look rationally at the topic under discussion?
I think so.
Could it apply to Pink Truth? Particularly in the case of an angry "how to write an angry missive" missive?
You tell me. What do you think?
Ironically, it is not until the 6th point that she even refers to Mary Kay. Even then it is only the initials MK.
Before anyone accuses me of being petty (and go ahead, it is just that by reading this you are giving me the opportunity to defend myself before you accuse me!) let me clarify that I am not merely criticizing her technique of writing out her "hate-filled missives" three times before sending/posting/publishing. I am pointing out something that has been coming more and more into focus lately. Namely that for many people the argument here has nothing to do with Mary Kay.
It seems to me that some people become so emotionally invested into something that they used to be involved in (job, church, band, club, school, etc.) and were in some way removed from (typically not on "their terms") and feel some need to assert themselves in such a way as to not feel (in the case of guys, which I more often observe this phenomena) "emasculated"... or, more generically speaking, "shamed".
Whether anyone outside of the individual person actually perceives them as any less of a person as a result of their sudden (or gradual) lack of involvement is irrelevant. They feel like the world is "calling them out". "Lazy loser", screams every person they interact with. They are perpetually forced to exclaim, "No, but I am not... I am relevant. I do have purpose. I did not waste the last xx years of my life."
Am I saying that this is the case with all of the participants on Pink Truth?
Of course not.
Am I suggesting that it is with most of them?
Still no.
Does it seem like a pretty good explanation for why some people that you deal with (in any sphere of your life) can't seem to look rationally at the topic under discussion?
I think so.
Could it apply to Pink Truth? Particularly in the case of an angry "how to write an angry missive" missive?
You tell me. What do you think?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The CTS
Just broke 1,000 miles, I am really loving it!
Surprise, hubby and kids love it too! My 17 year old and her friends just think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I am getting more accustomed to driving it but still not totally relaxed with all the looks but I have had 5 new clients because they saw the car and approached me! :) And strangers are congratulating me
in parking lots - it is a wonderful experience! So glad the Company started letting us choose the style we wanted! It is great in the snow and the gas mileage is good too. What more could a girl ask for?
Pink Truth: Mary Kay should consult US before choosing their suits... at least this way they will know we don't like them in advance.
In keeping with nonsensical tradition, Pink Truth continues to self righteously express indignation at whatever Mary Kay Consultants or Directors wear.
I suppose those on Pink Truth simply wear nothing?!
That gives pause for a shudder....
I mean, clearly, if you consider everything that Pink Truth has declared to be "hideous" in terms of clothes, there is (I can imagine) absolutely nothing that would be acceptable for someone to wear. The only thing I have not seen them utterly condemn is one's own birthday suit.
Just food for thought!
Oh... yeah... just thought it appropriate to point out the arrogance (misplaced or not) of Pink Truth, as illustrated, in this case, by "twinkiefree":
"I think MK Corp. played it very safe this year in it's choice because of the potential criticisms from, well, us.
That suit is so ultra safe, so agonizingly boring. Ergo, no criticism! "
One mightpoint out to "twinkiefree" that "agonizingly boring" is a criticism. But, more importantly, it is highly unlikely that Mary Kay corporate, in considering their choice for this years director suit, wrung their hands together and agonized over, "What will Pink Truth think about our selection... Oh, I just hope they like it this year..."!!!!!
Seriously, tidbits like that make me genuinely hope that this delusional behavior is really just sarcastic humor that does not reflect the true thoughts of Tracy's devout. However, if that is the case, they are to be commended for their ability to never let on that they are joking.
So, what do YOU think about the new suits?
I suppose those on Pink Truth simply wear nothing?!
That gives pause for a shudder....
I mean, clearly, if you consider everything that Pink Truth has declared to be "hideous" in terms of clothes, there is (I can imagine) absolutely nothing that would be acceptable for someone to wear. The only thing I have not seen them utterly condemn is one's own birthday suit.
Just food for thought!
Oh... yeah... just thought it appropriate to point out the arrogance (misplaced or not) of Pink Truth, as illustrated, in this case, by "twinkiefree":
"I think MK Corp. played it very safe this year in it's choice because of the potential criticisms from, well, us.
That suit is so ultra safe, so agonizingly boring. Ergo, no criticism! "
One mightpoint out to "twinkiefree" that "agonizingly boring" is a criticism. But, more importantly, it is highly unlikely that Mary Kay corporate, in considering their choice for this years director suit, wrung their hands together and agonized over, "What will Pink Truth think about our selection... Oh, I just hope they like it this year..."!!!!!
Seriously, tidbits like that make me genuinely hope that this delusional behavior is really just sarcastic humor that does not reflect the true thoughts of Tracy's devout. However, if that is the case, they are to be commended for their ability to never let on that they are joking.
So, what do YOU think about the new suits?
Monday, January 12, 2009
Pink Truth: Mary Kay Husbands are...
Pink Truth's take on Mary Kay Husbands
Should make an interesting read.
Anyone out there have any thoughts?
Should make an interesting read.
Anyone out there have any thoughts?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Fun Contest I Run For My Unit
I am a director that truly promotes the selling of product in my unit. One of the contests that I use frequently (not all the time because it would just get old and boring) is the " Beat Your Director Contest". I have a strong personal business which is in part what I feel contributes to my "success" as a director. So what we do is at the end of the month, everyone including myself reports our retail sales for the month (not including personal use items). If anyone in the unit sells more than I do, I treat them to lunch or if timing isn't convenient give them a gift certificate for the restaurant. It is fun and it keeps all of us working, they also see that I "practice" what I "preach".
On another subject, I had the question posed to me privately but asked for the answer to be public: Why don't some directors list their production amounts in their newsletters or on their unitnet sites? My opinion is there are two primary reasons and I am sure there are others but these are the two I see. The first reason (in my case) is that I tend to be the largest seller hence the largest order almost every month in my unit. To have them see my name at the top takes away from the #1 consultant.
I go back and forth, I put it in for a few months at a time so they can see that I am selling and ordering and then I leave it out for a few months so that others can shine without being in the shadow of my figures. Even if I put my totals at the bottom of the column instead of at the top, the 1st place consultant still ends up with the feeling of being "second" and I want her to gain the credit of being the #1 consultant that she deserves for the work that she has done.
The second reason would be because the director may just not be doing that much selling and ordering because she does more working with her unit and being a director than being an ibc and perhaps she doesn't want the numbers public because a) she may be embarrassed and/or b) some may not realize she could be spending alot of time working with unit members helping them develope and training new consultant, not leaving her with much time for her personal business.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!!
On another subject, I had the question posed to me privately but asked for the answer to be public: Why don't some directors list their production amounts in their newsletters or on their unitnet sites? My opinion is there are two primary reasons and I am sure there are others but these are the two I see. The first reason (in my case) is that I tend to be the largest seller hence the largest order almost every month in my unit. To have them see my name at the top takes away from the #1 consultant.
I go back and forth, I put it in for a few months at a time so they can see that I am selling and ordering and then I leave it out for a few months so that others can shine without being in the shadow of my figures. Even if I put my totals at the bottom of the column instead of at the top, the 1st place consultant still ends up with the feeling of being "second" and I want her to gain the credit of being the #1 consultant that she deserves for the work that she has done.
The second reason would be because the director may just not be doing that much selling and ordering because she does more working with her unit and being a director than being an ibc and perhaps she doesn't want the numbers public because a) she may be embarrassed and/or b) some may not realize she could be spending alot of time working with unit members helping them develope and training new consultant, not leaving her with much time for her personal business.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Pink Truth: Mary Kay Lady said mean things about Pink Truth... I wonder if it has anything to do with them saying mean things about her?
Pink Truth gets bashed for bashing Mary Kay... and posts the letter as though they are shocked
Please feel free to comment as always, but allow me to muse for just one second.
It seems to me, and this is coming from a person that is not typically "this way", that there are people who simply see things as black and white. Plain and simple. You are this or you are that.
It seems Pink Truth is (for the most part) convinced that Mary Kay = Fraud & Deception.
It seems that the Pink Truth "haters" are convinced that anyone who did not succeed in Mary Kay needs to "get with the program" and move on.
While this is all very interesting, it does very little to "prove" anything.
I don't have time to get into it now, but I find it very interesting that, typically, people who are on opposite sides of a disagreement will not concede even the points that they can clearly see are not "absolute" for fear of losing their ground.
Case in point, Pink Truth. Clearly not everyone in Mary Kay is scamming women the way they would have people believe they are. In fact, with just a little common sense, it is evident that the chances are good that it is not even a majority of women in Mary Kay that engage in the behavior that Pink Truth claims to be warring against.
However, their "position" in the (for lack of a better word) argument would be perceptively weaker if they were to admit that they are aware of this.
You can see the same unwillingness to concede 'points' in many of the most heated political, social and economic debates that inundate our daily lives. Homosexuality, Abortion, Theism/Atheism, Creation/Evolution, Liberal/Conservative, etc.
Take creation vs. evolution. Clearly, no one knows (in the empirical proof sense of the word) how all this got here. Whether you are a scientist or a theist, you are forced to believe... and that is an important distinction from know.
However, neither of those sides will concede that they don't know. For fear, I suppose, that the other side will say, "Ah ha, than I must be right, for I know."
It is, for me, always sad to see this.
I guess I say all that to say that Pink Truth makes me sad.
Please feel free to comment as always, but allow me to muse for just one second.
It seems to me, and this is coming from a person that is not typically "this way", that there are people who simply see things as black and white. Plain and simple. You are this or you are that.
It seems Pink Truth is (for the most part) convinced that Mary Kay = Fraud & Deception.
It seems that the Pink Truth "haters" are convinced that anyone who did not succeed in Mary Kay needs to "get with the program" and move on.
While this is all very interesting, it does very little to "prove" anything.
I don't have time to get into it now, but I find it very interesting that, typically, people who are on opposite sides of a disagreement will not concede even the points that they can clearly see are not "absolute" for fear of losing their ground.
Case in point, Pink Truth. Clearly not everyone in Mary Kay is scamming women the way they would have people believe they are. In fact, with just a little common sense, it is evident that the chances are good that it is not even a majority of women in Mary Kay that engage in the behavior that Pink Truth claims to be warring against.
However, their "position" in the (for lack of a better word) argument would be perceptively weaker if they were to admit that they are aware of this.
You can see the same unwillingness to concede 'points' in many of the most heated political, social and economic debates that inundate our daily lives. Homosexuality, Abortion, Theism/Atheism, Creation/Evolution, Liberal/Conservative, etc.
Take creation vs. evolution. Clearly, no one knows (in the empirical proof sense of the word) how all this got here. Whether you are a scientist or a theist, you are forced to believe... and that is an important distinction from know.
However, neither of those sides will concede that they don't know. For fear, I suppose, that the other side will say, "Ah ha, than I must be right, for I know."
It is, for me, always sad to see this.
I guess I say all that to say that Pink Truth makes me sad.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Pink Truth: Mary Kay Recruit Forced to Order too
Pink Truth offers advice to a Mary Kay director that, apparently, provided more inventory for her recruit than she can handle
In terms of building a case that Mary Kay directors burden their recruits with too much inventory, this would appear to be a good piece of evidence.
Thoughts?
In terms of building a case that Mary Kay directors burden their recruits with too much inventory, this would appear to be a good piece of evidence.
Thoughts?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
More Publicity for Mary Kay
Sales Director Toni Freeman (pictured on right) had the honor of doing
President-Elect Barack Obama's makeup before a rally in Roanoke, VA
(And we already knew that Sarah Palin used Mary Kay too!)
Because I am a computer idiot, you may or (may not see the picture)
some day.
Pink Truth: Mary Kay "interview" is really just disguised brainwashing
Pink Truth actually puts some effort into changing the Mary Kay work they copy and paste
While I have to admit that I am impressed that Tracy actually put some work into changing the piece she copied (which is actually not copyright infringement... unless you happen to be doing it to her... in which case she has no problem filing a complaint in an almost certain attempt at bullying you into removing completely noninfringing content...) I will have to ask you to ignore her (*their*) usual childish tactics and focus on the content of the technique, allegedly from an NSD, and comment on whether you feel that these tactics are good, bad, manipulative, or something else entirely.
Sorry for the missed post yesterday we should now be back on schedule.
While I have to admit that I am impressed that Tracy actually put some work into changing the piece she copied (which is actually not copyright infringement... unless you happen to be doing it to her... in which case she has no problem filing a complaint in an almost certain attempt at bullying you into removing completely noninfringing content...) I will have to ask you to ignore her (*their*) usual childish tactics and focus on the content of the technique, allegedly from an NSD, and comment on whether you feel that these tactics are good, bad, manipulative, or something else entirely.
Sorry for the missed post yesterday we should now be back on schedule.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Pink Truth: Who is trying to help who here... and to what end? Mary Kay or Pink Truth?
Mary Kay Praying For Pink Truth?
The "power struggle" (as perceived and portrayed by Pink Truth) between the credibility of Tracy Coenen (Owner/operator of Pink Truth) and the "evil ones" (anyone that disagrees with their... or more specifically HER... views) rages on.
Anyone feel inclined to comment?
The "power struggle" (as perceived and portrayed by Pink Truth) between the credibility of Tracy Coenen (Owner/operator of Pink Truth) and the "evil ones" (anyone that disagrees with their... or more specifically HER... views) rages on.
Anyone feel inclined to comment?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Year End Info
Year-End Reminders
*Be sure to take an odometer reading on 12/31 and mark it into your calendar to prove the total miles driven in 2008
*Be sure to take an ending inventory count and value it at your cost
*Be sure to have a new check register to begin 1/1/09. You want to be able to file the register in the same box as the cancelled checks for 2008.
*Buy a new calendar for 2009. If you are using an electronic calendar, be sure to print out ALL transactions and appointments for 2008 and store the printout in your 2008 receipt storage box
Make sure you check out MK Intouch for tons of useful tax information.
(Taxes aren't as hard as most believe as long as you keep good, organized records!- So if you haven't in the past, make your new years resolution to keep your records up today and you will spare yourself many headaches.)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Mileage Information from the IRS
IRS Decreases Business Mileage Rate to 55 Cents for 2009
The IRS has announced that the standard business mileage rate for transportation expenses paid or incurred beginning January 1, 2009, will be 55 cents per mile, down from the 58.5 cents per mile rate in effect during the second half of 2008 [IR-2008-131, released 11-24-08; See www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=200505,00.html].
The mileage rate may be used to compute the deductible cost of operating a passenger car (also vans, pickups, or panel trucks) for business purposes. The 2009 standard rate for miles driven for medical or moving purposes will decrease to 24 cents per mile, down from the 27 cents per mile rate in effect during the second half of 2008.
The IRS has announced that the standard business mileage rate for transportation expenses paid or incurred beginning January 1, 2009, will be 55 cents per mile, down from the 58.5 cents per mile rate in effect during the second half of 2008 [IR-2008-131, released 11-24-08; See www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=200505,00.html].
The mileage rate may be used to compute the deductible cost of operating a passenger car (also vans, pickups, or panel trucks) for business purposes. The 2009 standard rate for miles driven for medical or moving purposes will decrease to 24 cents per mile, down from the 27 cents per mile rate in effect during the second half of 2008.
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