Success Story (Australia), December 2007
Shanker and Mia Bala have improved year on year, obtaining Diamond only a year after Emerald.
Shanker and Mia originally met five years ago at an Amway Business Plan home presentation.
That night, Shanker presented the business prospect to a group that included Mia.
“Was it love at first sight?” people often wonder when the couple tells this storey.
“No,” Shanker chuckles and shrugs. “Everyone asks, but it didn't happen then,” he says.
Mia was ecstatic about the new business opportunity.”
That night, Mia had no intention of finding love. Her sole thought as she listened to the idea unfold was how this business may improve her life.
Mia had been looking for a method to regain control of her life for a long time, but had come up empty-handed.
She felt trapped and helpless. Awakening: That night. He realised that the business could give her everything she needed to change her life.
It was all about the whiteboard that night, Mia recalls.
Mia's confidence grew under Shanker's guidance and the group's encouragement.
They became good friends, talking for hours about their shared beliefs (Shanker is Indian and grew up in Malaysia; Mia is Italian) and their career and personal objectives.
“Our connection grew when we realised we shared a spirituality,” Mia explains. “We had a higher purpose.”
“We discovered we had the same vision: how we wanted to live our lives and help others,” Shanker says. “We both believe in giving selflessly to others. People need you.
They will be there for you if you are there for them.”
When they chose to become business partners, they were unstoppable. Shanker says they "became stronger".
Friends like William Mar add, "Mia brought energy, enthusiasm and a synergy to Shanker from the start."
They both provide a lot. Shanker is loyal, persistent, hardworking, and has a huge heart. Mia also has a generous heart.
She transformed so swiftly to become the person and leader she needed to be.”
Mia acknowledges that one of the main problems she had when she and Shanker teamed up was taking charge.
“It was overwhelming to assume the leadership role so quickly,” Mia admits.
“It puts you under strain.
But, being me, I wanted to improve. Personal growth is vital to me. I resolved to master the business.”
The Melbourne couple reached Emerald within a year of setting their goal. Andrew and Veenita Menon, who call the Balas their business soul partners, were pleased when they reached their aim.
“I sobbed,” Veenita says. Two years later, the couple stunned everyone by earning the Diamond pin.
“We knew they'd get there, but so quickly!” adds Veenita.
We were on one of their Platinum legs for Emerald, and we could see they weren't stopping there. We knew they will soon be Diamonds.”
Shanker and Mia decided to have a party at an indoor play centre.
They like playing soccer and football with Mia's 12-year-old daughter Annie and 10-year-old son Anthony, whom Shanker treats as his own.
They can already see the impact the business has had on the two kids.
For Shanker, becoming a Diamond was about becoming people, not about a pin or a title.
“We wanted to be somebody that others could look at and say, ‘I can rely on them not only for my business, but for my family.'”
‘I can' rather than ‘I can't', says Mia. Despite our experiences, we did not see ourselves as victims. If we can alter our own lives, others can too.” [Category:Australia]
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