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A R B O N N E
PLANNING FOR
THE FUTURE
At 26 years of age, I worked as a speech-language pathologist in a variety of settings, when I was asked by NVP Jamie Kanner what my immediate and future goals entailed. I was providing speech therapy to her daughter, Teddy, when she gave me some Arbonne products as a gift. The packaging was beautiful; however, like many men and women, I kept most of my skin care products under my sink, so that is exactly where I placed them. It was not until June 2004 when I had a skin irritation, causing my body and face to become extremely dry, that I opened that gift. After two days of using the products, I was amazed. I asked Teddy to bring me a Product Catalogue. Instead, she brought me a business folder that immediately sparked my interest. The next day, Jamie and I met for coffee. I was shocked to learn that through Arbonne she had received the white Mercedes-Benz I frequently saw her driving around by participating in the Mercedes-Benz Cash Bonus Program. She began asking me about my goals and as busy and confident as I was, working in a school, doing private therapy and working at an Autism clinic, as I answered the questions, something began to unfold. I realized I needed to slow down and remember my true desire — to be home with my future family. I thanked Jamie for her time and left with the information she had given me. My interest was sparked once again. Less than a month later, I got married and upon returning from my honeymoon, Jamie called and invited me to ENVP Donna Johnson’s getaway weekend in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I was having second thoughts, when my husband turned to me and said, “What if you don’t go?” After meeting such a dynamic group of men and women and hearing a leading motivational author speak, I instantly knew this would be my opportunity to be home with my future family and help others do the same.
Anna and Adam. Anna’s wedding, July 2004. Anna with husband, Adam, and her Mercedes-Benz.
anna ackerman
Independent Consultant, Regional Vice President Anna Ackerman Region; Vernon Hills, IL
I decided to get to work right away. With the incredible resources and trainings Arbonne has to offer, I immediately tapped into the SuccessPlan. The fundamentals of this business are quite simple — prospecting, presentation and duplication. Just as I was trained in the field of speech pathology, I did not become skilled until I practiced multiple times. There is no success in any industry until you have had the opportunity to practice a skill. In Arbonne, it is important to do as ENVP Cecilia Stoll says, “Jump in with both feet!” Do not wait until you have memorized the SuccessPlan,
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REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
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success strategy:
The saying ‘opportunity knocks’ seems cliché; however, take a moment to look into the literal meaning and open the door.
learned the ingredients in every product, or printed every piece of information from your upline’s Web site. Get to work by tapping into the trainings and follow the systems Arbonne has created for you. My business grew when I began telling men and women who wanted to join our team that the monthly trainings, conference calls and national meetings were a must. We began launching new Consultants by working as a team and tapping into the systems. The growth of my business allowed me to quit my full-time jobs in nine months and have flexibility to be home. The Arbonne difference is profound — what happens to you professionally and personally as your business grows cannot always be explained. The coaching, teamwork, professionalism, friendships, integrity, philosophy and the beauty in the people are unparalleled. My parents have always instilled morals and a strong work ethic in me. When they immigrated from Russia to the United States 26 years ago, their vision was to live in a country where their children could have endless opportunity. They had no family in the United States, no money, an infant and little knowledge of the English language. My father became a successful engineer with a large corporation, owned businesses and gave our family a lifestyle most Americans dream of. How was this possible? He looked at life through the eyes of an opportunist; someone who has an “attitude of gratitude” and paid attention to people and things that knocked on our door in an opportunist way. Are you looking at life through the eyes of an opportunist? To my parents: Thank you for teaching me how to have an optimistic outlook on life and showing me how to persevere when life hands us obstacles. I admire your strength and all you have accomplished. To my best friend, Maria Fasolo: As I embarked on starting my own business, I will never forget the words you said to me, “Anna you are going to do this and I will do whatever I can to help you.” From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your sound advice, encouragement and true friendship. A special thank you to my mother-in-law, DM Linda Ackerman, for always supporting Adam and me, and cheering me on!
Anna with President Rita Davenport and NVP Jamie Kanner.
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Michael Clouse, DM Linda Ackerman, AM Cathy Kaufmann and family.
To DM Ellen Grossman: You are like a sister to Jessica and me. Thank you for your loyal friendship. Your success in Arbonne in such a short period of time is inspiring. To all the DMs and Consultants: I could not have promoted without all of you. Thank you for continuing to share the Arbonne opportunity. To AMs Cathy Kaufmann and Katie Marker: Your friendship has been a treasure. To AM Karen Bressman: Your genuine nature and desire to help others is contagious. To AM Frank Minniti: We have been friends for many years and I cannot thank you enough for embarking on this journey with me. To my sister, AM Jessica Vayner: Arbonne has brought us closer. Working with you has been so much fun, we have laughed more now than ever in our lives. We will have matching Mercedes-Benzes very soon! To my sponsor and dear friend, NVP Jamie Kanner: Our paths were meant to cross. You were the knock of opportunity who came into my life. You have been a mentor and a role model for me, our team and Arbonne. Thank you for holding the vision of my white Mercedes-Benz with car seats for me, every time I needed it. To my husband, Adam: You listen, know just what to say, believe, trust, put me first and take care of us — you are everything to me. I am extremely proud to share my life with you; thank you for encouraging me to do Arbonne. You saw the future before I did. To those of you reading this story, look at this business through the eyes of an opportunist. Less than a year ago, NVP Jamie Kanner asked me to look into my future. I am asking you to do the same. Opportunity is knocking!
The testimonials in this story reflect the actual experience of an individual, are anecdotal only, and may be atypical.
Anna with Region at ENVP Donna Johnson’s Green Bay getaway weekend.
Adam, Michael Clouse and Anna.
< LEFT NTC 2005 Las Vegas.
E Y E O N A R B O N N E | NOVEMBER 2005