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Changing the fortunes of thousands

BOB PARKER, FOREVER LIVING PRODUCTS’ COUNTRY MANAGER FOR THE UK, IRELAND AND ICELAND, EXPLAINS WHAT’S BEHIND THE COMPANY’S REMARKABLE GROWTH

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Forever Living Products is enjoying success in the UK and Ireland thanks to its products and the enthusiasm and drive of its distributors. Represented in 157 countries, UK and Ireland ranks seventh globally and is the fastest growing country in Europe.

Derek and Christine Kane (pictured) received their first chairman’s bonus cheque within 10 months of joining the business - a company record.

Derek explains: “It was in January last year. I run a delivery company and was a bit concerned about my mobility after the hectic time we’d had in the run-up to Christmas. My mum recommended an aloe drinking gel called Forever Freedom and so, like any dutiful son, I did as I was told.

“I started to feel better, but thought I would benefit from shedding a little weight. My mum recommended a cleansing programme called the Clean 9, which is a nine-day programme involving drinking lots of aloe vera gel and supplements, together with a careful and restricted diet.

“I stuck with it and felt so much better. It gave me the motivation and confidence to decide to join a gym. I lost over a stone by combining the Clean 9 with exercise.”

Derek’s mum then explained the Forever business to him. “I started to get excited,” he says. “I loved the sound of the opportunity and asked to get involved. I was looking and feeling great and my enthusiasm and excitement was making people curious. I just started talking about the

business, how excited I was and how this was going to be the future for me and my family.

“People ask me what my secret is, but there isn’t one. I believe in the products and the business and want others to share in what both have to offer. As much as we think we have advantages now, so many of us are in poor health and are time poor in jobs we hate, with no hope of improving our lot. For me and for those who join Forever, this is our way to redesign our hopes and aspirations.”

Derek and Christine have 400 people in their team. Derek’s even got his friend Shane Lynch of Boyzone using the products.

The couple were presented with their cheque for $4,482 by Rex Maughan, Forever’s chairman and founder, at the company’s global rally held at The O2 last May.

It must have been a busy year so far, with Forever hosting its global rally at The O2 at the beginning of May?

We had 20,000 distributors from 92 countries attend, so there was a lot of logistical work, along with the staging of the event at The O2. It was exciting, but also a lot of responsibility. We’ve also kept our programme of success days running and they aren’t small events, either. Typically, we have around 3,000 people attending those.

WHAT’S THE REASON FOR FOREVER’S GROWTH?First of all, we have incredible products that make a difference to people’s health and well-being. Many of our distributors join because they are so passionate about the products. Our aloe vera gel, which is our best-seller, is harvested by hand and does not go through the various processes other competitor products do, so it retains all its nutrition. It’s the Rolls-Royce of aloe vera.

Secondly, we have the most generous marketing plan of any direct selling company. At the global rally, over $22 million was handed out to our top distributors as part of our chairman’s bonus scheme. The largest single cheque was for $1.3 million. In addition, distributors are rewarded at all stages of their progression with car plans, all-expenses paid trips and other events throughout the year.

HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED SINCE YOU BECAME COUNTRY MANAGER?We have entered an era where people are looking to have more control over their work/life balance, as well as seeking an extra income. We’ve seen an unstable economy and lots of job insecurity since 2008.

Many people start with small goals for the additional income they are looking to generate, but quickly see the potential in terms of other benefits, such as more flexibility, freedom and more time to spend with their families.

I also think the perception of direct selling companies is changing. Forever has been established for 36 years and has changed the lives and fortunes of thousands. That track record speaks for itself in terms of the credibility and stability of this business.

Lastly, I think we are facing more health issues and people are looking to take more responsibility for that aspect of their lives, so there is increasing demand for Forever’s product range. MM

Bob Parker: “We have the most generous marketing plan of any direct selling company”