Many IBOs, particularly those in WWDB, will be preparing for, or have already attended, a major event referred to as a "family reunion" in the near future. As an IBO, I recall attending this event, which I still remember. This year's event took place at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. Between 15 and 20 thousand people can be accommodated in the Rose Garden. Despite the fact that the area behind the stage has been closed off, the court area is packed with seats, with the potential to accommodate up to 20,000 IBOs or more. Apologists for Amway frequently disparage critics' experiences, but they conveniently ignore the fact that many critics sat in large groups at IBO conventions attended by tens of thousands of people. My sponsor told me about a FED function that took place at the (then) Seattle Kingdome where approximately 50,000 IBOs were in attendance in the years before I became a member.
The family reunion was the most expensive event I had ever attended, at least in terms of money. The ticket itself cost $250, and because I was in Hawaii, a round-trip airfare ticket was quite expensive due to the high demand in July during this time of year. In addition, we had to pay for hotel rooms, rental cars, and meals. By the time everything was said and done, I believe my total expenditure for this function was in excess of $1200. Now, I understand that not all IBOs reside in Hawaii, but even if you reside in California, you most likely travelled long distances by plane or car to attend this event. I'm not sure where the function is held these days because, according to what I've heard, there aren't nearly as many IBOs attending as there used to be.
The event was all about building anticipation and excitement. The speakers shared their personal stories of overcoming obstacles through perseverance and a never-say-die attitude. I believe that you will succeed one day if you just stick with it and don't give up. The fact remains, however, that in a crowd of 15 to 20 thousand IBOs, only a handful of diamonds can be supported by a group of that size, which goes unnoticed by many. At the time, I didn't take the time to do the math myself, or I would have realised that anyone can go diamond if I had taken the time to do so.
The Saturday evening portion of the event was centred on a display of diamonds displaying their purported financial success. Among the items on display were jewellery, luxurious vacations, mansions, and sports cars. Of course, the diamonds never stated that they were the actual owners of these items. It makes me wonder if some of them rented expensive cars to transport themselves to the function, given that some of the diamonds were probably unable to afford it. Following the conclusion of the function for the night, our upline anticipated that the group would spend the next few nights trying to "associate" with the diamonds and other pins. We were told that if we spent enough time with them, their success would somehow trickle down to us. We were sceptical.
Of course, everyone returned home energised, but within a week or two, things had returned to normal, with no discernible growth in any of the groups involved.
To IBOs or information seekers, I have a question. Did you get what you paid for when you purchased these features? Did you install your solar panels in a sustainable manner? Have you noticed an increase in the number of new downline joining you? Is it possible that the money spent on this function was ever repaid through increased business? If you are unable to respond affirmatively to these questions, what was the point of attending? Looking back, I'd have to say that in a business sense, the function was a waste of time and money, which is ironically what most people join the business for, but end up with less of when they get involved.
Family reunion functions are events where members of a family come together to connect, reminisce, and celebrate their shared history and values. These events can take many different forms, ranging from large gatherings held in public places to more personal get-togethers hosted by a member of the same family. While the specifics of each family reunion function may vary, there are some common themes and traditions that are often observed.
One of the key purposes of a family reunion function is to foster a sense of connection and belonging among family members. These events provide an opportunity for family members to reconnect with one another, to catch up on each other's lives, and to strengthen the bonds that tie them together. For many families, these events are an important way of preserving and passing down family traditions, stories, and values to future generations.
Another important aspect of a family reunion function is the celebration of shared history and heritage. Family members may use these events as an opportunity to share stories and memories from their shared past, to honor ancestors and family members who have passed away, and to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of family members both past and present.
In addition to these emotional and cultural aspects, family reunion functions can also be practical in nature. Family members may use these events to plan and coordinate future gatherings, to discuss family business matters, or to make important decisions about family assets or properties. These functions can also provide an opportunity for family members to network and connect with one another professionally, opening up new business opportunities and partnerships.
Finally, it is worth noting that family reunion functions can be a lot of fun! Many families incorporate games, activities, and food into their events, creating a festive atmosphere that encourages laughter, play, and relaxation. Whether it's a potluck dinner, a talent show, or a friendly game of softball, these events can provide an opportunity for family members of all ages to connect and have a good time.
In conclusion, family reunion functions serve an important role in bringing families together and fostering a sense of connection and belonging among family members. Whether it's a large, formal event or a small, intimate gathering, these events provide an opportunity for families to reconnect, celebrate their shared heritage, and build lasting memories that will be cherished for generations to come.
0 comments: